Learn How to Reduce Waste and Recycle Right During Zero Waste Awareness Week

As Virginia Beach marks Zero Waste Awareness Week, Sept. 1-7, the Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission (VBCCC), Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, and Virginia Beach Public Library (VBPL) are doing their part to help spread awareness through a series of engaging events that inspire us all to recycle smarter and rethink the way we manage waste. 

Zero Waste Awareness Week 

Zero waste awareness is more than just a campaign. It is part of a global movement that began in the United Kingdom in 2008 and has since spread worldwide. Thanks to a resolution passed by Virginia Beach City Council in 2023, our city proudly recognizes the first full week of September as Zero Waste Awareness Week.

The Virginia General Assembly also has officially designated the first full week of September, in 2025 and each succeeding year, as Zero Waste Awareness Week in the Commonwealth of Virginia. This landmark resolution is a direct result of the Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission’s advocacy, vision and unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability across the state.

The resolution encourages all Virginians to take part in the effort to reduce waste by:

• Refusing to purchase products that generate excessive or non-recyclable waste,
• Reducing dependence on single-use and unnecessary items,
• Reusing, recycling, or repurposing materials whenever possible.

The resolution also calls on businesses across the Commonwealth to engage with employees and customers to support waste-reduction strategies and challenges state agencies to actively participate by offering public education programs during Zero Waste Awareness Week.

Participate

This initiative offers a chance for the entire community to come together, learn and act for a cleaner, greener future. Here’s how you can join in: 

• Tuesday, Sept. 2, 6 p.m. – VBCCC will present a formal statement to Virginia Beach City Council highlighting the importance of Zero Waste Awareness Week. 

• Wednesday, Sept. 3, 4:30-6:30 p.m. – VBCCC will distribute free reusable grocery totes at the Gathering at Scott Memorial food pantry (409 First Colonial Road). 

• Saturday, Sept. 6, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Stop by VBCCC’s table at Endless Summer at Bow Creek Recreation Center for hands-on education about zero waste and how to “recycle right.” 

• Saturday, Sept. 13, 9 a.m.-noon – The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center will host a special E-cycling event, where residents can safely recycle old electronics, unused prescriptions, cardboard, plastic bags, bubble wrap and more.

In addition, the Central, Joint-Use/TCC, Windsor Woods, Princess Anne, Kempsville, Pungo-Blackwater and Oceanfront area VBPL branches have displays highlighting books about zero waste, reducing our reliance on plastic and recycling. Drop in to learn more! 

Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission 

The VB Clean Community Commission is appointed by City Council to promote litter prevention, recycling, beautification and general environmental awareness through educational projects designed to reach all segments of the community.  

The VBCCC reminds everyone to minimize their household waste by reducing, reusing, recycling correctly and re-purposing. Together, we can ensure Virginia Beach continues to be a cleaner, more beautiful and more sustainable city for generations to come. 

• Recycling in VB
• VBCCC
• Appointive Agencies