There’s a Time for Trash

Sometimes it’s a wonder we don’t forget to put out the trash more often than we do. And who hasn’t felt at the end of the work day like the last thing you want to do is haul the cans back from the curb.

But did you know there’s a specific time to put your trash out and pull the cans in? I didn’t.

It’s written in Section 31-28 (a) of the Code Ordinances of the City of Virginia Beach that your trash:

shall be placed on the curb line of a city right-of-way no earlier than 5:00 p.m. on the day before collection and by 7:00 a.m. on the day of collection. All receptacles must be removed out of view of the public after collection on the day of collection, except as otherwise designated by the city manager or his designee. Containers for recyclables provided to townhouses shall be removed out of view of the public after collection on the day of collection.

The code describes what is considered trash and goes on to state some potential actions the city can take for code violations.

It matters when we put our trash out because it involves the public right of way.  Each of us who drives, delivery and mail trucks drivers, bikers, and pedestrians all count on a clear public right away.  By sticking to the trash schedule we help maintain the right of way. Putting trash out a day early or pulling cans in a day late impedes the right of way.

Next time you put your trash out think about your neighbors and the people who work in your neighborhood who use the street in front of your house.  The simple act of minding the trash schedule can have a positive impact on where we live.

If you have comments or questions regarding Section 31-28 (a) please contact The Department of Housing & Neighborhood Preservation, Code Enforcement Division, Phone (757) 385-4421.  For information, visit their Web page.