FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2026
FREE Mulch Available at the Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The Rivanna Solid Waste Authority (RSWA) is excited to announce the return of its FREE mulch program. Nearly 2,700 tons of double-ground mulch are now available at the Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center (ISWRC).
The mulch is produced from vegetative waste collected at the ISWRC. Trees, shrubs, and brush are processed and ground to create a high-quality mulch that is naturally colored and free of artificial dyes. This proactive program helps reduce the amount of organic material sent to nearby landfills while providing the community with a sustainable way to enhance local landscapes.
Community members are encouraged to visit the ISWRC, located at 4576 Dick Woods Road, Charlottesville, VA, to pick up their free mulch. The facility is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Upon arrival, visitors should drive onto the scales, where friendly scale house staff will provide directions for mulch pickup.
Visitors wanting small quantities are encouraged to bring their own shovels, buckets, tubs, baskets, or bags for loading. Those planning to fill pickup truck beds or trailers can receive assistance from ISWRC staff, who will load the mulch using powered equipment.
The program will continue while mulch supplies last. For availability, please visit https://rivannasolidwaste.org/our-facilities/ivy-solid-waste-recycling-center/#mulch.
Upon entering the facility, visitors should drive onto the scale (Location A). Friendly staff in the scale house will direct individuals to the appropriate loading location. (Location D or E). Click map to enlarge.
Check out RWSA's promotional video!
Benefits of mulch application:
- Retains soil moisture
- Helps suppress weeds
- Prevents soil erosion
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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 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 5:30 PM (6:30 PM beginning March 9, 2026). 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.
More information about the Rivanna Solid Waste Authority can be found at www.rivannasolidwaste.org.
Media Contact
Westley Kern
Communications & Outreach Coordinator
Rivanna Solid Waste Authority
434-977-2970, ext. 117
WKern@rivanna.org