McIntire Recycling Center: Holiday Hours, Fees & Items
Use this McIntire Recycling Center guide before you drive to 611 McIntire Road. It explains seasonal hours, Tuesday closure, 2026 holiday closings, free recyclable drop-off, compostable food waste rules, oyster shell collection, used cooking oil, pizza boxes, plastic film, glass, cardboard, items that belong at Ivy instead, and official Rivanna links in clear local language.
McIntire is listed open Wednesday through Monday and closed every Tuesday.
Charlottesville, VA 22902 Administrative Office (434) 977-2970 Office Hours Mon-Fri 8 AM-4:30 PM → Official Facility McIntire Page → VA
Fast Answer for Charlottesville and Albemarle Residents
McIntire Recycling Center is located at 611 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902. Rivanna Solid Waste Authority lists the center as open Wednesday through Monday and closed Tuesday. Summer hours for 2026 are 8:30 AM-6:30 PM, and winter hours are 8:30 AM-5:30 PM.
Accepted recyclables at McIntire include aluminum beverage cans, corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, plastic films, #1 plastic containers, #2 plastic containers, office paper, glass, newsprint and mixed metals. McIntire also has special drop-off options for compostable food waste, oyster shells and used cooking oil.
On This Page
- McIntire overview
- Quick facts before you drive
- Seasonal hours
- 2026 holiday closings
- Fees and free items
- Accepted recyclables
- Plastic rules
- Paper and cardboard
- Glass and mixed metals
- Food waste compost
- Oyster shells
- Used cooking oil
- Not accepted at McIntire
- When to use Ivy instead
- Senior-friendly checklist
- Map and directions
- FAQ
McIntire Recycling Center Overview
When residents search for McIntire Recycling Center, they usually mean the Rivanna Solid Waste Authority recycling facility at 611 McIntire Road in Charlottesville. This facility serves Charlottesville, Albemarle County and nearby residents who need a source-separated drop-off option for recyclables and a few special materials.
McIntire is not the same as the Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center. McIntire focuses on recyclable materials and special drop-offs such as compostable food waste, oyster shells and used cooking oil. Ivy handles trash, municipal solid waste, construction debris, paint, motor oil, antifreeze, lithium batteries, special collections and disposal-fee materials.
Quick Facts Before You Drive
| User Question | Best Answer | Best Link |
|---|---|---|
| Where is McIntire Recycling Center? | 611 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902. | Map and directions |
| Is McIntire open today? | It is normally open Wednesday through Monday and closed Tuesday. Summer and winter closing times differ. | Hours section |
| Is there a fee? | Accepted recyclables are free. Trash and disposal-fee items go to Ivy, not McIntire. | Fees section |
| Can I bring compost? | Yes, household compostable food waste is accepted with compostable bags, not regular plastic trash bags. | Compost rules |
| Can I bring motor oil? | No. McIntire accepts used cooking oil, not motor oil or antifreeze. Use Ivy for motor oil and antifreeze. | Oil section |
McIntire Recycling Center Hours
McIntire’s hours change with the season. RSWA lists winter hours from November 3, 2025 through March 8, 2026 as Wednesday through Monday, 8:30 AM-5:30 PM, with Tuesday closed. Summer hours from March 9, 2026 through November 1, 2026 are Wednesday through Monday, 8:30 AM-6:30 PM, with Tuesday closed.
| Season | Date Range | Open Days | Closed Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Hours | November 3, 2025-March 8, 2026 | Wednesday-Monday, 8:30 AM-5:30 PM | Tuesday |
| Summer Hours | March 9, 2026-November 1, 2026 | Wednesday-Monday, 8:30 AM-6:30 PM | Tuesday |
McIntire Recycling Center Holiday Hours and 2026 Closings
RSWA lists McIntire holiday closings for 2026. If a holiday is listed below, plan around it even if the day would normally be open. Search snippets and map apps can be wrong during holiday weeks.
| Holiday | 2026 Closure Date | Resident Planning Tip |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1, 2026 | Go the day before or after if normal hours allow. |
| Memorial Day | May 25, 2026 | Expect the weekend before to be busier. |
| Independence Day | July 4, 2026 | Do not rely on normal Saturday hours that day. |
| Labor Day | September 7, 2026 | Plan for Sunday before or Wednesday after, depending on your load. |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26, 2026 | Verify winter-hour schedule and closure before a holiday trip. |
| Christmas Day | December 25, 2026 | Do not bring holiday recycling on Christmas Day. |
McIntire Recycling Center Fees: What Is Free and What Costs Money
RSWA’s facilities page says that Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center is the only facility with a disposal charge. Accepted recyclables are listed as free at McIntire, Ivy and Southern Albemarle. That means normal accepted recyclable drop-off at McIntire is not the same as paid trash disposal.
| Material / Service | McIntire Fee Guidance | Correct Route |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted recyclables | Free at McIntire when placed in the correct designated container. | McIntire Recycling Center. |
| Compostable food waste | Accepted at McIntire with compostable bags; free bags may be available on site. | McIntire compost drop-off area. |
| Used cooking oil | Accepted in a sealed collection container near the entrance; bring your transport container home. | McIntire used cooking oil container. |
| Trash, bulky waste, C&D, vegetative waste | Not a McIntire recycling drop-off service; disposal fees may apply at Ivy. | Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center. |
| Paint, motor oil, antifreeze, lithium batteries | Not a McIntire item. Check Ivy and special collection guidance. | Ivy / special collections. |
Accepted Items at McIntire Recycling Center
McIntire accepts source-separated recyclables. Do not throw mixed bags into a random container. Use the correct bin for each material and keep items clean and dry where required.
| Category | Accepted at McIntire | Important Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic films | #2 and #4 plastic films, plastic grocery bags, Ziploc-type storage bags, produce bags, dry-cleaning bags and bread bags. | Must be clean and dry. Do not include cling film, frozen food bags or metal foils. |
| Aluminum beverage cans | Soda cans and beer cans. | Cans may be flattened or whole; keep clean and dry. |
| Newsprint | Newspapers and comic/funny pages. | Do not mix with glossy inserts, junk mail, bags, string or cardboard. |
| Mixed metals | Aluminum plates, trays, foil, pet food cans, tin cans, steel containers, empty aerosol cans and metal coat hangers. | No liquids, batteries, hazardous material, toxic material or appliances. |
| Office paper | White office paper, staples, paper clips, white envelopes, shredded office paper and engineering plans. | No colored paper, junk mail, magazines, binders, plastic dividers or binder clips. |
| Glass | Clear or colored glass bottles and jars. | Remove lids, caps and corks. No ceramics, mirrors, window glass, lightbulbs, drinkware or cookware. |
| #1 plastic containers | #1 containers, water/soda bottles and clear deli or food packaging portions. | Caps and labels can remain. No food residue, grease, liquids or black/opaque food trays. |
| #2 plastic containers | #2 containers, plastic milk jugs and detergent bottles. | Caps and labels can remain. No toys, storage bins, coat hangers or wrong plastic numbers. |
| Mixed paper | Food boxes, craft paper, magazines, junk mail, colored paper and books. | No frozen food boxes, waxed coatings, greasy paper, wet paper, milk cartons or tetrapaks. |
| Corrugated cardboard | Corrugated cardboard and pizza boxes with all plastics removed. | Keep clean and dry. No waxed cardboard, single-layer packaging, grease or metal foils. |
Plastic Rules at McIntire Recycling Center
McIntire does not accept every plastic type. #1 and #2 plastic containers are accepted when they have a three-dimensional shape and are clean. Plastic films are separate and must be clean and dry. Flat plastic items can be misread by processing screens and become contaminants.
Paper, Cardboard and Pizza Boxes
McIntire accepts mixed paper, office paper, newsprint and corrugated cardboard in separate streams. Pizza boxes are no longer accepted as part of the food composting program, but RSWA says pizza boxes with all plastics removed can still be recycled in the corrugated cardboard container.
Keep cardboard clean and dry. Do not place greasy cardboard, waxed cardboard, metal foil, single-layer packaging or wet paper into the cardboard stream.
Glass, Metals and Container Rules
McIntire accepts clear and colored glass bottles and jars, but the glass stream is not for every glass-like object. Remove lids, caps and corks. Keep mirrors, ceramics, porcelain, lightbulbs, window glass, drinkware, cookware and serving dishes out.
Mixed metals include tin cans, steel containers, pet food cans, aluminum plates, trays and foil, empty aerosol cans and metal coat hangers. Do not put liquids, batteries, hazardous material, toxic material or appliances into the mixed metals container.
Compostable Food Waste Drop-Off at McIntire
McIntire offers a household food waste compost drop-off. RSWA states that compostables must be brought in compostable bags, not regular plastic trash bags. Free three-gallon compostable bags may be available on site, and the program follows the City of Charlottesville residential composting do’s and don’ts.
Oyster Shell Recycling at McIntire
McIntire is a local collection point for oyster shells in the Charlottesville/Albemarle area. Oyster shells are collected for recycling back into oyster habitat in the Chesapeake through the Virginia Oyster Shell Recycling and Restoration Program.
Keep oyster shells separate from household trash and normal recyclables. If shells are mixed with napkins, plastic bags, food containers or other contamination, they may not be useful for shell restoration.
Used Cooking Oil at McIntire
McIntire has a sealed container near the MRC entrance for used cooking oil and grease. Bring used cooking oil in a container, pour or dispose of it according to posted instructions, and take your transport container home for reuse or disposal. Do not put motor oil or antifreeze in the used cooking oil container.
Items Not Accepted at McIntire Recycling Center
McIntire is not a trash dump. Do not leave unaccepted items on the ground, outside bins or at any other facility location. RSWA specifically reminds users to put items only in the correct designated container and not to drop off material when the facility is closed.
When to Use Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center Instead
If your item is trash, construction debris, demolition debris, bulky furniture, mattresses, appliances, paint, motor oil, antifreeze, lithium batteries, vegetative waste or household hazardous waste, McIntire is usually not the right stop. RSWA routes many of these materials to the Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center at 4576 Dick Woods Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903.
| Item | Better Route | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Trash / bulky waste | Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center | Ivy is the facility with disposal charges and trash/bulk handling. |
| Paint | Ivy / paint collection guidance | City guidance points paint collection to RSWA’s Ivy location. |
| Motor oil / antifreeze | Ivy Convenience Center | RSWA notes motor oils and antifreeze are collected free at Ivy. |
| Electronics | RSWA e-waste event at Ivy | Special e-waste events require registration and occur at Ivy. |
| HHW | RSWA HHW event at Ivy | Household hazardous waste is handled during special collection events. |
Senior-Friendly Checklist Before Visiting McIntire
- Check the day first. McIntire is closed Tuesday. Do not load your car for a Tuesday recycling trip.
- Check the season. Summer hours close at 6:30 PM. Winter hours close at 5:30 PM.
- Separate items at home. Keep plastic film, cans, newsprint, office paper, mixed paper, cardboard, glass, mixed metals, compost, oyster shells and used cooking oil separate.
- Keep recyclables clean and dry. Dirty, wet or greasy materials can contaminate the bin.
- Use compostable bags for food waste. Do not use regular plastic trash bags for compost drop-off.
- Keep motor oil and antifreeze out. Use Ivy for motor oil and antifreeze, not McIntire’s used cooking oil container.
- Do not leave items after hours. RSWA says not to drop off material when the facility is closed or leave unaccepted items outside bins.
Official McIntire, Ivy and Charlottesville Recycling Links
McIntire Recycling Center Map and Directions
The map below points to McIntire Recycling Center at 611 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902. Use it for directions, but use RSWA’s official page for the final word on seasonal hours, holiday closings, accepted items and facility notices.
Map note: Recycling-Centre.org is an independent guide, not the official Rivanna Solid Waste Authority, City of Charlottesville or Albemarle County website. Hours, holiday closings, accepted items, disposal fees, special collection dates and facility rules can change. Always verify with RSWA before driving with a large, hazardous, electronic, trash, paint, oil or questionable load.
Frequently Asked Questions About McIntire Recycling Center
Where is McIntire Recycling Center?
McIntire Recycling Center is at 611 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
What are McIntire Recycling Center hours?
Winter hours are Wednesday through Monday, 8:30 AM-5:30 PM, and Tuesday closed. Summer hours are Wednesday through Monday, 8:30 AM-6:30 PM, and Tuesday closed.
Is McIntire Recycling Center open Tuesday?
No. RSWA lists McIntire Recycling Center as closed on Tuesday.
Is there a fee at McIntire Recycling Center?
Accepted recyclables are listed as free at RSWA facilities. RSWA says Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center is the only facility with a disposal charge. Trash and disposal-fee items should be checked through Ivy.
What holidays is McIntire closed in 2026?
RSWA lists 2026 McIntire closings for New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
What items are accepted at McIntire?
McIntire accepts 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.
Does McIntire accept Styrofoam?
No. RSWA says Styrofoam is not accepted at any recycling location.
Does McIntire accept food waste compost?
Yes. McIntire accepts household compostable food waste, but compostables must be brought in compostable bags, not regular plastic trash bags. Yard waste and commercial food waste are not accepted.
Does McIntire accept used cooking oil?
Yes. McIntire has a used cooking oil and grease collection container near the entrance. Transport containers should be taken home for reuse or disposal.
Can I bring motor oil or antifreeze to McIntire?
No. RSWA notes that motor oils and antifreeze are collected for free at the Ivy Convenience Center and cannot be disposed of in McIntire’s used cooking oil or compostable food waste containers.
Where do electronics, paint and hazardous waste go?
Electronics, paint and household hazardous waste should be checked through RSWA’s Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center and special collection programs, not normal McIntire recycling bins.
What phone number should I call for McIntire recycling questions?
Call the RSWA administrative office at 434-977-2970. The office is listed Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM.
Is Recycling-Centre.org the official McIntire website?
No. Recycling-Centre.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify current hours, closures, accepted items and fees with Rivanna Solid Waste Authority before visiting.
Final Local Summary
McIntire Recycling Center is located at 611 McIntire Road, Charlottesville, VA 22902. It is normally open Wednesday through Monday and closed Tuesday. Summer 2026 hours are 8:30 AM-6:30 PM, while winter hours are 8:30 AM-5:30 PM. RSWA lists 2026 holiday closings for New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Use McIntire for accepted free recyclables, compostable food waste, oyster shells and used cooking oil. Do not use McIntire for Styrofoam, trash, yard waste, commercial food waste, motor oil, antifreeze, electronics, paint, bulky waste, appliances or hazardous waste. Use Ivy Solid Waste & Recycling Center or RSWA special collections for those materials.