Henrico County Trash Schedule 2026 (Holidays, Recycling & Bulk Pickup)
Living in Henrico County means having access to a well organized and reliable solid waste system. However many residents still feel confused about collection days recycling weeks bulk pickup rules and holiday delays. This one page guide explains everything about the Henrico County trash schedule for 2026 in simple language so you always know what to do and when to do it.
About Trash and Recycling Services in Henrico County
Henrico County provides curbside refuse collection recycling services bulk item pickup and public disposal areas for eligible residential properties. These services are managed by the Department of Public Utilities and coordinated with regional recycling partners.
Most single family homes qualify for weekly trash collection and biweekly recycling service. Collection days are assigned based on your address and remain consistent throughout the year except during holidays.
You can always confirm your service eligibility and details through the official county service page
https://henrico.gov/services/refuse-collections/
Solid Trash Schedule 2026
Weekly Trash Pickup
Solid trash in Henrico County is collected once every week on your assigned weekday. Collection runs Monday through Friday and trucks typically begin routes early in the morning.
You should place your trash cart at the curb by 7 AM on your scheduled collection day. Late placement may result in missed service.
Trash Cart Rules
Only trash that fits inside the county issued cart with the lid fully closed will be collected. Loose bags or items placed beside the cart are not guaranteed to be picked up.
Trash should be bagged securely to prevent litter and odors. Do not place hot ashes hazardous materials electronics or construction debris in the trash cart.
Missed Collection
If your trash is missed and it was placed out on time you can report the issue through the county service portal. Weather equipment issues or blocked access may occasionally cause delays.
Recycling Schedule 2026
Biweekly Recycling Collection
Recycling in Henrico County is collected every other week not weekly. Your home is assigned either a Blue Week or Red Week schedule. Recycling is collected on the same weekday as your trash during your assigned week.
Because the schedule alternates it is important to know which week applies to your address.
Recycling details and accepted materials are coordinated through the regional authority
https://henrico.gov/services/refuse-collections/
What Goes in the Recycling Cart
Accepted recyclables include paper cardboard metal cans glass bottles and approved plastic containers. All items must be empty and clean. Food residue and plastic bags contaminate recycling loads and should not be placed in the cart.
Cardboard should be flattened to save space and improve collection efficiency.
Recycling Cart Placement
Recycling carts should be placed at the curb by 7 AM with enough space between carts to allow automated pickup.
Bulk Trash Schedule 2026
What Is Considered Bulk Trash
Bulk trash includes large household items that cannot fit inside your regular trash cart. Examples include furniture mattresses appliances and large household items.
Bulk items are not collected automatically and must be scheduled in advance.
How to Schedule Bulk Pickup
Henrico County contracts bulk waste collection through an approved service provider. Residents must request service and pay the required fee depending on the item type.
Once scheduled bulk items are usually collected within a set service window. Items should not be placed at the curb until your pickup date is confirmed.
Official bulk collection information is available here
https://henrico.gov/services/refuse-collections/
Items That Require Special Handling
Some appliances and electronics may require additional fees or special preparation. Refrigerators freezers and air conditioners must be properly handled due to refrigerants.
Construction debris tires and hazardous waste are not accepted as bulk trash.
Holiday Trash Schedule 2026
How Holidays Affect Collection
When a recognized county holiday occurs on a weekday trash and recycling collection is delayed by one day for the remainder of that week.
For example if your normal pickup day is Monday and Monday is a holiday your collection will occur on Tuesday. Tuesday routes move to Wednesday and so on.
There is no double pickup to catch up.
Holidays Observed in 2026
Henrico County observes several holidays that impact trash and recycling schedules including
New Years Day
Martin Luther King Jr Day
Presidents Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
Christmas Day
When these holidays fall on a weekday expect a one day delay.
The official holiday schedule and facility closures are published here
https://henrico.gov/utility/solid-waste/hours-of-operation-and-holiday-schedule/
Public Use Disposal Areas
What They Are Used For
Henrico County operates public use disposal areas where residents can drop off household trash recycling yard waste and certain bulky items.
These sites are helpful if you miss collection day or need to dispose of items not accepted curbside.
Hours and Holiday Closures
Public use areas operate daily but are closed on major holidays. Hours may change during severe weather or special circumstances.
Proof of residency is required and some materials may require a fee.
Important Tips for Residents
Place carts curbside the night before or by 7 AM
Keep lids closed to prevent missed collection
Do not overfill carts
Check your recycling week regularly
Never place bulk items out without scheduling
Plan ahead during holiday weeks
Final Thoughts
Understanding the Henrico County trash schedule for 2026 helps you avoid missed pickups fines and confusion. With weekly trash biweekly recycling scheduled bulk services and predictable holiday delays the system is reliable once you know how it works.
