Rivanna Adds #5 Plastics to Recycling Centers
Three Charlottesville-area centers now accept #5 plastics, and #1, #2 and #5 plastics go into a single bin.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Environmental
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Rivanna Solid Waste Authority began accepting #5 plastics at the McIntire Recycling Center, Southern Albemarle Convenience Center and Ivy Convenience Center. Patrons no longer need to separate #1, #2 and #5 plastics, which are combined in one bin.
Why it matters
The change makes recycling more convenient for patrons and reduces the number of recycling bins moved between facilities each week. Rivanna estimates the consolidation will cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 2 metric tons per year.
The authority's estimate of roughly 2 metric tons of annual CO₂ savings is an internal projection, and the basis for the calculation was not provided. The authority oversees three recycling and disposal centers in Charlottesville and Albemarle County.
The players
Rivanna Solid Waste Authority
A regional public authority that oversees three recycling and disposal centers serving Charlottesville and Albemarle County.
Sonoco
A global packaging company whose facility serves as the authority's contracted recycler for sorting plastics.
The details
Rivanna Solid Waste Authority previously accepted only plastic films, #1 and #2 plastics at these sites. Plastics are sorted at Sonoco's facility, the authority's contracted recycler, while all paper except cardboard goes into a single bin at each facility.
Timeline
March 9, 2026: McIntire Recycling Center extends evening hours to 6:30 p.m.
November 5, 2026: Rivanna Solid Waste Authority announces expanded #5 plastic acceptance.
Big Picture
Local acceptance of #5 plastics extends a recycling system built around the 1988 Society of the Plastics Industry resin codes, which many municipalities have struggled to apply consistently. Consolidating coded plastics into one bin moves Charlottesville-area recycling toward fewer, broader sorting categories.
Residents who bring plastics to the McIntire, Southern Albemarle and Ivy centers no longer need to sort #1, #2 and #5 plastics separately. The McIntire center's closing time extends to 6:30 p.m. starting March 9, 2026.
The takeaway
Sorting fewer categories at the drop-off point can make recycling easier for households to follow. Checking which plastics each local center accepts remains worthwhile, since acceptance varies by facility.
Further reading
For more on local green efforts, see Environmental coverage for Charlottesville.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The News Virginian.
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