RSWA to offer free disposal days
For immediate release – April 15, 2026
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Residents of Albemarle County, City of Charlottesville, and Town of Scottsville are invited to participate in Rivanna Solid Waste Authority's (RSWA) Free Disposal Days. Over the next four weekends, RSWA will accept specific categories of waste for free. This includes household hazardous waste, furniture, mattresses, appliances, and tires.
Please note that only certain items will be accepted each weekend and that commercial participation is prohibited. Advanced registration is not required for any of the events.
Residents can drop off their unwanted items at the Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center, located at 4576 Dick Woods Road, Charlottesville, Virginia. Upon entering the facility, visitors should turn right and follow the signs to the special collections zone.
People are also reading…
The initiative kicks off this Friday, with RSWA's household hazardous waste collection.
April 17 & 18 – household hazardous waste
For two days, individuals can drop off their household hazardous waste free of charge. The collection event takes place on Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
The free event welcomes paints, petroleum products, household cleaners, pesticides, batteries, fluorescent lights, acids, adhesives, antifreeze, stains, paint thinners, spray paint, inkjet cartridges, photographic chemicals, mercury thermometers, driveway sealers, pool chemicals, resins, thermostats, and much more. For a comprehensive list, please visit https://rivannasolidwaste.org/accepted-items/#hazardous-waste.
Latex paints, oil-based paints, motor oil, and antifreeze are accepted daily at the Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center, Monday through Saturday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
April 25 – furniture and mattresses
On Saturday, April 25, residents can drop off their unwanted furniture and mattresses from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The free event accepts recliners, sofas, loveseats, tables, chairs, bed frames, dressers, entertainment centers, mattresses, nightstands, coffee tables, and more.
May 2 – appliances
On Saturday, May 2, residents can drop off their unwanted appliances from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The free event accepts refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, kitchen stoves, furnaces, water heaters, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, heat pumps, microwaves, and toasters.
May 9 – tires
On Saturday, May 9, residents can drop off their unwanted tires from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. The free event welcomes consumer-bought tires originally installed on passenger cars, pickup trucks, minivans, motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, dirt bikes, lawnmowers, go-carts, and handcarts.
Participating households may bring up to 12 tires.
Tires do not have to be removed from their rims. Commercial truck tires will not be accepted.
Free mulch available
After dropping off unwanted items, participants can pick up free mulch. Trees, shrubs, and brush brought to the Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center are ground into high-quality mulch free of artificial dyes. Not only does it look good in flowerbeds, but it also helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and prevents soil erosion.
Visitors wanting small quantities are encouraged to bring their own shovels, buckets, tubs, baskets, or bags for loading. Those planning to fill pickup truck beds or trailers can receive assistance from ISWRC staff, who will load the mulch using powered equipment.
To get free mulch, participants should weigh in at the scales after dropping off unwanted items. Scale house staff will provide directions for mulch pickup.
About Rivanna Solid Waste Authority facilities
The Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority & Solid Waste Authority’s mission is to serve the Charlottesville, Albemarle, and UVA communities by providing high-quality water and wastewater treatment, refuse, and recycling services in a financially responsible and sustainable manner.
The Rivanna Solid Waste Authority oversees three recycling and disposal centers in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Residents are encouraged to use these facilities as they are needed.
The Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center is located at 4576 Dick Woods Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903. The facility accepts municipal solid waste from private citizens and collection vehicles servicing Charlottesville and Albemarle. Accepted wastes include construction debris, demolition debris, bagged trash (Tag-a-Bag), grindable vegetative materials, clean fill materials, tires, appliances, large bulk items, and paint. Accepted recyclables include plastic films, aluminum beverage cans, newsprint, mixed metals, office paper, glass, #1 plastic containers, #2 plastic containers, mixed paper, corrugated cardboard, antifreeze, motor oil, and compostable food waste. Regular business hours are Monday through Saturday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Residents are encouraged to visit Rivanna Solid Waste Authority’s service fees webpage for a current list of dumping fees. Tag-a-Bag stickers can be purchased by mail and at the scales.
The McIntire Recycling Center is located at 611 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902. The facility accepts recyclable materials. Accepted materials include aluminum beverage cans, corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, plastic films, #1 plastic containers, #2 plastic containers, office paper, glass, newsprint, mixed metals, compostable food waste, oyster shells, pizza boxes, and used cooking oil. Regular business hours are Wednesday through Monday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (6:30 PM beginning March 9, 2026). The facility is closed on Tuesdays.
The Southern Albemarle Convenience Center is located at 6269 Esmont Road, Keene, VA 22946. The facility accepts recyclable materials and bagged trash (Tag-a-Bag). Accepted materials include plastic films, aluminum beverage cans, newsprint, mixed metals, office paper, glass, #1 plastic containers, #2 plastic containers, mixed paper, and corrugated cardboard. Tag-a-Bag stickers can be purchased by mail, at Green Mountain Country Store, 5977 Scottsville Road, Scottsville, VA, and at Brown’s Market, 2724 Irish Road, Esmont, VA. Regular business hours are Friday through Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The facility is closed on Thursdays.
