FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2025

Rivanna Solid Waste Authority Offers FREE Mulch

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The Rivanna Solid Waste Authority is excited to announce the reinstatement of its FREE mulch program!

Community members are invited to visit the Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center (ISWRC), located at 4576 Dick Woods Rd, Charlottesville, VA, to pick up the free mulch. The ISWRC is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Upon arriving, visitors should drive onto the weigh-in scales. Staff in the scale house will direct individuals where to go.

For small quantities, visitors are encouraged to bring their own shovels, buckets, tubs, baskets, and bags to load the mulch. For those wishing to fill their trailers or pickup truck beds, the staff at ISWRC will help load the mulch with powered equipment.

This proactive program was implemented to minimize the amount of organic waste going to landfills. By offering repurposed vegetative waste that's free from artificial dyes, local residents can enhance their yard’s landscape while making a positive impact on the environment. Other benefits of mulch include maintaining moisture in the soil, reducing weeds, and preventing soil erosion.

The program will continue while mulch supplies are available.

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The Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority & Solid Waste Authority’s mission is to serve the Charlottesville, Albemarle, and UVA communities by providing high-quality water and wastewater treatment, refuse, and recycling services in a financially responsible and sustainable manner.

The Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority provides wholesale water and sewer services to the Charlottesville Department of Utilities and Albemarle County Service Authority.

The Rivanna Solid Waste Authority oversees three recycling and disposal centers in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Residents are encouraged to use these facilities as they are needed. 

The Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center is located at 4576 Dick Woods Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903. The facility accepts municipal solid waste from private citizens and collection vehicles servicing Charlottesville and Albemarle. Accepted wastes include: construction debris, demolition debris, bagged trash (Tag-a-Bag), grindable vegetative materials, clean fill materials, tires, appliances, large bulk items, and paint. Accepted recyclables include plastic films, aluminum beverage cans, newsprint, mixed metals, office paper, glass, #1 plastic containers, #2 plastic containers, mixed paper, corrugated cardboard, antifreeze, motor oil, and compostable food waste. Regular business hours are Monday through Saturday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Please visit Rivanna Solid Waste Authority’s service fees webpage for a current list of dumping fees. Tag-a-Bag stickers can be purchased by mail and/or at the scales. 

The McIntire Recycling Center is located at 611 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902. The facility accepts recyclable materials. Accepted materials include: aluminum beverage cans, corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, plastic films, #1 plastic containers, #2 plastic containers, office paper, glass, newsprint, mixed metals, compostable food waste, oyster shells, pizza boxes, and used cooking oil. Regular business hours are Wednesday through Monday from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM. The facility is closed on Tuesdays. 

The Southern Albemarle Convenience Center is located at 6269 Esmont Road, Keene, VA 22946. The facility accepts recyclable materials and bagged trash (Tag-a-Bag). Accepted materials include plastic films, aluminum beverage cans, newsprint, mixed metals, office paper, glass, #1 plastic containers, #2 plastic containers, mixed paper, and corrugated cardboard. Tag-a-Bag stickers can be purchased by mail, at Green Mountain Country Store, 5977 Scottsville Road, Scottsville, VA and/or at Brown’s Market, 2724 Irish Road, Esmont, VA. Regular business hours are Friday through Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The facility is closed on Thursdays.

Media Contact
Westley Kern
Communications & Outreach Coordinator
Rivanna Solid Waste Authority
434-977-2970, ext. 117
WKern@rivanna.org