How Do I Dispose Of...

The Waste Management Guide to Scheduling Collections


Bulk Waste

The following items cannot be placed in your trash or recycling bin. These items must be placed out for collection as noted. To schedule a collection call 664-6510, submit via email, or enter online by 3 p.m. the day prior to collection.

  • Glass doors and windows (must be placed outside the 90-gallon container with glass sectioned taped to prevent shattering or in a cardboard box beside your trash container)
  • Household items/furniture/appliances. For additional ways to use dispose of old mattresses, read this helpful mattress disposal guide.
  • Collection of tires is limited to four (4) tires per collection day and twelve (12) per year.

Curbside & Drop-Off Recycling

The following items are accepted via curbside recycling (PDF) or our recycling drop off locations:

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  • Aluminum cans (foil, pie plates, etc.)
  • Cardboard (please flatten)
  • Glass bottles or jars (clear, brown, and green)
  • Magazines
  • Newspapers
  • Office Paper
  • Plastic bottles and jugs
  • Shredded paper
  • Steel cans
  • Telephone books
  • Unwanted mail
  • Waxed cardboard milk containers

Electronics Recycling

Electronic items may only be disposed of  at the Division of Towing and Recovery. Do not place these items in your trash or recycling containers. See the complete listing of accepted items (PDF).

Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) items may only be disposed of at the SPSA Norfolk Transfer Station, located at 3136 Woodland Avenue. See the complete listing of accepted items.

Lithium batteries are also considered as household hazardous waste and need to be disposed of at designated locations. Please do not dispose of lithium batteries in trash cans and recycling bins. Batteries can be taken to these locations: 

  • Norfolk SPSA Transfer Station (3136 Woodland Ave)
  • Lowe's Home Improvement (1081 N Military Hwy) - Lowe's Home Improvement also accepts rechargeable batteries and cell phones that weigh up to 11 pounds. 
  • The Home Depot (1261 N Military Hwy) - The Home Depot also accepts rechargeable batteries and cell phones that weigh up to 11 pounds. 
  • Batteries & Bulbs (222 W 21st Street, Norfolk) - **Note: This location does not accept alkaline batteries, but will accept Lithium Ion and Nickle Cadmium batteries.

Throw Away

The following items cannot be recycled and should be thrown away with the regular garbage:

  • Butter tubs
  • Frozen dinner packaging (waxed) and meal trays
  • Plastic containers (yogurt containers, produce clamshells, etc.)
  • Plastic cups, plates, and utensils
  • Polystyrene foam containers
  • Produce containers
  • Soiled cardboard
  • Tires (must request bulk pick up)