Virginia Lets Localities Require Organics Separation

Virginia has a new organics law. A section added to the Code of Virginia in 2026, § 15.2-937.1 (2026 Acts, chapters 1121 and 1122, from HB1011 and SB226), lets a locality adopt an ordinance that requires certain generators to separate organic waste from other solid waste and divert it from landfill disposal. The new rules apply from July 1, 2026.

What the law allows

The law does not create a statewide mandate on its own. It gives cities and counties the power to set one. Under an ordinance, covered generators can meet the requirement in several ways, including:

• reducing the amount of food residuals they generate,
• donating servable food,
• managing organic waste on site.

According to the legislative summary of HB1011, a locality that adopts an ordinance would require a business that generates at least one ton of organic waste a week to send it to a permitted composting facility if one is within 30 miles. Businesses should check the enrolled text and any local ordinance for the exact terms.

A locality must first issue a warning to a generator that breaks the ordinance. Penalties collected go to the locality's treasury.

What it means for businesses

Food businesses, hotels, campuses and venues in Virginia should watch for ordinances in their city or county. Where the 30-mile option is not practical, or where hauling is costly, on-site management gives generators a way to comply on their own site.

To see how on-site composting fits your site, visit our products page or contact us.