Keeping a yard in Virginia Beach looking great takes effort—trimming trees, mowing grass, and clearing leaves. But what happens to all that yard debris once you’ve finished the work? That’s where Virginia Beach yard waste pickup comes in. The city has specific schedules, rules, and tips to make sure your waste is handled properly, without causing headaches (or fines).
In this guide, we’ll walk through the yard waste pickup schedule, rules you need to follow, and a few easy disposal tips that will save you time and stress.
Virginia Beach Yard Waste Pickup Schedule: When to Put It Out
One of the biggest questions homeowners have is: When will my yard waste be collected? Luckily, Virginia Beach makes it straightforward.
Weekly Collection: Yard waste is picked up on the same day as your regular trash and recycling.
Time to Set Out: Waste should be placed at the curb before 7:00 AM on your collection day.
Seasonal Peaks: During the fall (leaf season) and spring (tree trimming), expect a higher volume of yard debris, which can sometimes cause delays.
Pro Tip: If you’re not sure about your collection day, you can look it up on the official Virginia Beach Waste Management website or call (757) 427-4310
Rules for Virginia Beach Yard Waste Pickup
Now, knowing the schedule is only half the story. The city has rules that keep the process efficient and safe. Ignoring these can result in your waste not being collected—or worse, a fine.
What You Can Put Out for Pickup
Grass clippings, leaves, and pine needles
Small branches (bundled and tied, max 4 feet long)
Shrubs, vines, and garden waste
What You Cannot Put Out
Dirt, sod, rocks, or stumps
Construction or demolition materials
Large logs (these require special disposal)
How to Prepare Yard Waste
Bags & Bins: Use clear plastic bags, biodegradable paper bags, or a city-issued bin. Black trash bags are not accepted.
Bundling: Branches must be tied in bundles no larger than 4 feet long and 4 inches in diameter.
Weight Limit: Each bag or bundle must be under 50 pounds.
Quick Reminder: Following these rules makes pickup smoother for everyone. If items don’t meet the requirements, crews will leave them behind.
Easy Tips for Hassle-Free Yard Waste Disposal
Yard work doesn’t have to turn into a waste nightmare. With a few smart tricks, you can keep things tidy and stress-free.
Plan Around the Virginia Beach Yard Waste Pickup Schedule
Instead of waiting until your yard is overflowing, do smaller cleanups that align with your pickup days. This keeps your curb neat and prevents missed collections.
Go Green with Mulching and Composting
Not everything needs to head to the curb. Grass clippings make great mulch, and leaves can be composted into rich soil. This reduces waste while improving your garden.
Call for Bulk Pickup When Needed
If you’ve had a major landscaping project, you might need more than weekly collection. Virginia Beach offers bulk yard waste pickup by appointment. Just schedule a pickup online or by phone.
Why Following the Virginia Beach Yard Waste Rules Matters
Besides avoiding fines, following the rules ensures that waste is collected safely and recycled when possible. Yard waste in Virginia Beach is often processed into mulch and compost, which supports sustainability in the community.
If everyone plays by the rules, the system works better for all residents.
Related Services You May Need
If you’re clearing out more than just yard waste—like old patio furniture, sheds, or even full property cleanouts—you might want to check out our related guide:
Estate and Foreclosure Furniture Removal in Virginia Beach, VA: A Complete Guide
This resource covers what to do when dealing with larger items, the city won’t pick up.
Final Thoughts + Call to Action
Taking care of your property means more than just mowing the lawn—it’s also about knowing how to handle the waste. By following the Virginia Beach yard waste pickup schedule and rules, you’ll keep your curb clear, avoid missed pickups, and even help the environment.
Need help with bigger projects that go beyond regular yard waste? Our team specializes in bulk cleanouts, junk hauling, and eco-friendly disposal. Call us today to schedule a pickup and make your next cleanup stress-free!