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