Rules for Waste Disposal

Dispose of your garbage (ordinary household waste, paper food containers (flattened), unused food and items used in the preparation of food) only in the automated containers provided by the City. Make sure the lid is closed, without packing garbage too tightly. These containers are owned by the City and are assigned to a street address. For townhomes using personal waste containers, City of Chesapeake Code Sections 62.57 and 62.61 allow for no more than four standard 35-gallon (not to exceed 60 pounds), hand-emptied containers or four 35 gallon plastic bags per dwelling unit.

By 7 a.m. on your collection day, place the container as close as possible to the curb or roadside so that it is not blocking the passage of vehicles, pedestrians or drainage. Make sure the container has at least 3 feet of clearance from mailboxes, parked cars, other garbage bins, etc. All containers shall be placed out for collection no earlier than 24 hours prior to 7 a.m. the day of collection. All containers shall not remain out for a period exceeding 24 hours after 7 a.m. the day of collection. All containers shall be placed in a carport or enclosed building or behind the nearest portion of the residence or the building to the street when not set out for collection.

Per City Code 62-58: Normal collection service shall not begin prior to 7 a.m. Read City Code 62-58 online for additional information and guidelines by clicking here.

Yard waste should be recycled and not placed in the automated container. Construction debris and building materials are the responsibility of the homeowner or tenant and cannot be collected. Soil, rocks, ashes and plaster, as well as tires, automobile batteries and parts must not be placed in a container. It is unlawful to place hazardous waste such as chemical materials, toxins or flammable items in a waste container.

Click to Check Specific Instructions on:

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs

We appreciate your interest in disposing of light bulbs correctly! Some big box companies in our area collect the bulbs at their service desk. We suggest calling your local store to verify their participation.

Information on Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) and Mercury (July 2008)