How to Properly Dispose of Holiday Items in Virginia Beach

As the holiday festivities conclude, the remnants of gift wrapping, discarded electronics that have since been replaced and dilapidated decorations might have you feeling like the Grinch. No worries, as we’re here to alleviate the post-holiday cleanup stress, with gift wrapping, electronics and Christmas tree disposal tips. 

Holiday Gift Wrapping Disposal

After exchanging gifts this holiday season, let’s unwrap what gift wrapping you can and cannot recycle in Virginia Beach.

What to Recycle:

• Non-coated wrapping paper.
• Non-laminated gift bags.
• Flattened cardboard boxes and cardboard packaging.

What to Toss or Reuse:

• Laminated, shiny or glittery wrapping paper and gift bags.
• Ribbons and bows.
• Tissue paper, plastic foam such as Styrofoam, plastic packaging, bubble wrap and packing peanuts.
• Sticky gift labels.

Old Electronics Disposal

Upgraded your electronics this holiday? Dispose of old electronics responsibly at the Virginia Aquarium’s E-Cycling event, 9 a.m. to noon, Jan. 10, 2026. Participants can recycle old cellphones, used vehicle batteries, personal electronic items, unneeded prescriptions and more.

The free event will be a drive-through in the Aquarium’s East Parking Lot and will end promptly at noon. It is for residential recycling only, and no trees or items from commercial businesses will be accepted.

Christmas Tree Disposal

When the number of needles on the ground becomes “pine-ful,” and you are ready to “spruce” up your living room, here are several ways you can bid a “fir-m” farewell to your Christmas tree.

Drop-Off at the Virginia Aquarium
The Virginia Aquarium is collecting and recycling live-cut Christmas trees in support of marine-focused conservation in partnership with Marine Stewards America. On Jan. 10, bring your Christmas tree to the Aquarium’s East Parking Lot and drop it off in the designated area for recycling during the E-Cycling event.

Marine Stewards America will use some of the trees to restore eroding sand dunes along our coastline, which supports our local marine ecosystem. Others will be repurposed for mulching, which will be used throughout Virginia Beach. Acceptable trees for drop-off must be bare and live-cut trees donated from households.  

It is encouraged to register for free in advance. Trees and recyclables will not be accepted at the Aquarium on any other day or time.

Curbside Collection
Christmas trees are collected as regular yard waste on your normal collection day. Trees must be curbside and free of their stand, tinsel, lights and ornaments.

Landfill & Resource and Recovery Center
Trees taken to the City’s Landfill & Resource Recovery Center, located at 1989 Jake Sears Road, will be chipped and used for mulch by City landscape crews. Trees must be free of their stand, lights, ornaments and tinsel.

The Landfill & Resource Recovery Center will be closed Jan. 1.

• Recycling Info
• E-Cycling Event