Waste Reduction Policies

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.

Single-use plastics have a devastating impact on both our environment and city infrastructure:

• Plastic waste is a significant contributor to drain blockages throughout Richmond.
• Plastic products break down into microplastics that enter the James River watershed.
• Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities (DPU) regularly responds to plastic waste clogs in City stormwater infrastructure following heavy rainfall events.

These impacts disproportionately affect lower-income communities, making this not just an environmental issue but an equity issue as well.

The Richmond Office of Sustainability is working to implement actions from the 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: disposable plastic bags, styrofoam containers, and party balloons.

Learn more about our Waste Reduction initiatives:

• Disposable Plastic Bag Tax

• Polystyrene Ban for Food Vendors

• Balloon Release Ban

Visit https://rva.gov/finance/disposable-plastic-bag-tax to learn more about the City of Richmond's Disposable Plastic Bag Tax dates and rates.