Waste Reduction & Recovery

The Richmond Office of Sustainability is working to implement the actions outlined in Waste Reduction & Recovery Pathway of the RVAgreen 2050 plan. These waste reduction actions are aimed at reducing Richmond’s landfill waste by eliminating some of the most preventable waste at the source including disposable plastic bags, styrofoam containers, and party balloons.

Our overarching goal is ambitious but necessary: to reduce Richmond's overall landfill waste by 25% by 2030, while advancing environmental justice and creating economic benefits for all residents.

Recent and upcoming efforts include:

Richmond Expands Focus on Recycling, Composting, and Waste Reduction

The City of Richmond is excited to announce the launch of a new Solid Waste Reduction Campaign, focused on expanding access to waste reduction programs such as recycling and composting, creating new education programs, and reviewing holistic approaches to reducing consumption and waste. This is an important next step in our implementation of RVAgreen 2050 and represents our commitment to the community priorities created in that plan. We encourage the community to stay connected with groups such as the Public Utilities Services Commission and the Clean City Commission, as well as this website and the Office of Sustainability's monthly newsletter for ongoing news and ways to engage!

Many of these efforts, including additional focus on rate structure and regional collaboration, will be organized through the Public Utilities Services Commission, which will be establishing the Solid Waste Subcommittee in May. Please join us for us as we begin these more robust and dedicated conversations regarding waste reduction, recycling, composting and more across the City of Richmond!

Disposable Plastic Bag Tax

Plastic bag fees play a crucial role in mitigating the environmental impact of single-use plastics by reducing dependence while funding environmental education and waste reduction efforts. Currently, ten Virginia localities have adopted disposable plastic bag taxes in line with Commonwealth legislation passed in 2020. Based on peer-city analysis, the average annual tax burden on residents would be approximately $2.12 per person and generate approximately $400,000 in revenue.

The 5¢ Disposable Plastic Bag Tax will take effect on January 1st, 2026.

Spread the word!

Please print and post these flyers in your business or community board to help us spread the word.

What type of bags are subject to the tax?

The five-cent per bag tax applies to disposable plastic bags provided to shoppers in grocery stores, convenience stores, or pharmacies. The tax applies regardless of whether the bags are provided to the customer free of charge or if the store charges the customer for the bags.

How are taxes collected?

Tax collection is managed through Virginia Tax via Form ST-1 Retail Sales and Use Tax Return. Tax revenue will be split between the City and Retailers at a ratio of 4:1 cents.

How is the tax revenue used?

Revenue generated by the plastic bag tax will fund environmental cleanups, recycling education programs, and providing reusable bags to recipients of SNAP/WIC benefits.

For more information, visit rva.gov/finance/disposable-plastic-bag-tax.

Implementation Timeline

  • March to July 2025: City Council Adoption Process (includes public hearing)

  • July to December 2025: Business and Community Engagement Period

  • January 2026: Disposable Plastic Bag Tax Collection Starts

Resources

A polystyrene ban aims to curb the use of expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as Styrofoam. EPS is notoriously difficult to recycle, leading to its accumulation in landfills and in natural environments, where it breaks down into microplastics that contaminate soil and water. Our local implementation strategy focuses on education and enforcement coordination:

  • Business outreach to food vendors in partnership with the Department of Economic Development

  • Enforcement will be managed by the state, with support from our Citywide Code Enforcement team who will provide ongoing compliance reminders to our restaurant community.

Polystyrene Ban for Food Vendors

Implementation Timeline

  • July 1, 2025: Polystyrene banned for food vendors with 20+ locations statewide

  • July 1, 2026: Polystyrene banned for all food vendors

Exemptions

State may grant an exemption if food vendor provides evidence of “undue economic hardship”.

Resources:

Balloon Release Ban

Released balloons often travel long distances, eventually landing in forests, rivers, and other natural habitats where they harm animals and ecosystems. Communities can reduce preventable plastic pollution and safeguard vulnerable ecosystems by banning balloon releases.

A balloon release ban has been in effect statewide since 2021.

Our office will:

  • Conduct targeted outreach to balloon vendors

  • Provide educational signage for display at point-of-sale locations

  • Help inform consumers about the prohibition of balloon releases

Implementation Timeline

Statewide Balloon Ban is already in effect since 2021

Enforcement

Managed by State: Civil penalty for $25 per balloon, to be paid into the Game Protection Fund.

Resources