Local recycling centers expand plastic acceptances
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Rivanna Solid Waste Authority (RSWA) is pleased to announce that #5 plastics will now be accepted at the McIntire Recycling Center, the Southern Albemarle Convenience Center, and the Ivy Convenience Center at the Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center.
Historically, RSWA has only accepted plastic films, #1 plastics, and #2 plastics. With the expanded acceptance, residents now have a convenient place to take their #5 plastics.
Added convenience and reduced CO₂ emissions
To make recycling more convenient, patrons no longer need to separate #1, #2, and #5 plastics. RSWA has combined them in one bin. Under an agreement with RSWA’s contracted recycler, Sonoco, the plastics will be sorted at Sonoco’s facility. This change will reduce the number of recycling bins moved between facilities each week.
People are also reading…
Additionally, paper recycling will be consolidated. Except for cardboard, all types of paper will be collected in a single bin at each facility.
Early estimates put the resulting CO₂ savings at around 2 metric tons per year.
Plastic classifications
Plastics are classified by their composition. The Society of Plastic Industries created the Plastic Identification Code to identify the core materials used in each type of plastic. Grouping similar plastics together helps recyclers work more efficiently as they turn discarded plastics into reusable commodities.
- #1 polyethylene terephthalate (PETE)
- Sample beverage bottles, food packaging, and polyester fibers.
- Accepted at RSWA recycling facilities.
- #2 high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
- Milk jugs, detergent bottles, and select plastic bags.
- Accepted at RSWA recycling facilities.
- #3 polyvinyl chloride (V)
- Pipes, outdoor furniture, cable insulation, clothing, and inflatable structures.
- #4 low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
- Plastic bags, shrink wraps, and squeeze bottles.
- #5 polypropylene (PP)
- Packaging, caps, containers, and certain automotive parts.
- Accepted at RSWA recycling facilities.
- #6 polystyrene (PS)
- Foam packaging, disposable cutlery, and insulation materials.
- #7 other plastics (OTHER)
- Encompasses various plastics not covered by the above codes.
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 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please 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/or 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 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (6:30 p.m. 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/or at Brown’s Market, 2724 Irish Road, Esmont, Va. Regular business hours are Friday through Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The facility is closed on Thursdays.
