What gets picked up at the curb?
Trash & Recycling | Yard Waste | Large and/or Bulky Items and Brush | Self Haul
According to Chapter 109.1* of the Fairfax County Code, all permitted solid waste collection companies are required to collect trash and recyclables at least once a week. The recyclables that must be collected vary depending on the type of residence.
Single-family home and townhouse residents should recycle newspaper, container glass, mixed paper, flattened cardboard, plastic bottles and metal food & beverage cans. All single-family homes and most townhouses are required to recycle yard waste (leaves, grass, brush). See our Curbside Recycling Chart (PDF) (Spanish version) for detailed photographs of what recyclables can and cannot be placed at the curb.
Also see recycling requirements for residents of apartments and condominiums.
Some companies might offer more than one trash pickup per week. Prices and services vary among collectors. Contact your collector for detailed information, or learn about what materials are accepted at the curb in Fairfax County sanitary districts in our county customer information section.
Chapter 109.1* of the Fairfax County Code also requires solid waste collection companies to collect yard waste separately from trash. Prices and services vary among collectors. Contact your collector for detailed information.
Please note: Lumber, a processed wood product, is NOT brush OR yard waste. Contact your solid waste collector for disposal instructions.
Some townhouse communities (i.e., those that employ a grounds maintenance contractor and/or have only a small amount of yard waste) can apply for permission to use an alternative recycling system for their yard waste. Call 703-802-3322, TTY 711 for details.
Additional information about yard waste management can be found on our main yard waste information page. You can also learn about composting and how to obtain free mulch.
Large and/or Bulky Items and Brush:
Large and/or bulky items (i.e., refrigerators, appliances, household debris, furniture, etc.) as well as large quantities of brush can often be put at the curb for collection. If you have a private collection company, contact them directly for information on their requirements. If Fairfax County collects your trash, you can schedule a special collection online.
You can self-haul many materials to one of the county's solid waste facilities. These facilities are operated on a fee-for-service basis and you will be charged for disposal based on the type and amount of material. Some recycling is available free of charge. (more...)
*Details regarding Recycling Program Requirements, referenced in the regulations, are available online.