Public Works and Environmental Services Alert:
Fairfax County provides vacuum leaf collection from the curb three times each season to a portion of the residences located in Fairfax County. The solid waste collection areas are established through a petition process. Vacuum collection areas require an additional leaf petition process. For more information, see the links below as well as our frequently asked questions.
Report service issues or missed collections using the solid waste feedback form or call 703-802-3322, TTY 711.
Leaf Collection Dates - view schedule and collection status
Vacuum leaf collection is managed by the Solid Waste Management Program. Our crews work with private contractors to provide adequate personnel and vehicles for leaf collection operations. You will see these contract crews in your neighborhood operating the vacuum leaf collection equipment.
The county's vacuum equipment performs three functions: vacuuming, leaf blowing and mulching. As leaves pass through the fan or impeller, they are ground into mulch. When items other than leaves (i.e., rocks, bottles, tree limbs) pass through, the fan or motor can be damaged.
Excess debris can injure our crews and result in scheduling delays. We work with you, our customers, to provide an efficient service. You can help us by making sure there are no additional items mixed in with the leaves.
The Leaf Collection Program is for leaves only. Leaves mixed with brush, rocks, tree trimmings, sticks or trash and other unacceptable materials cannot be vacuumed.
Once leaves are vacuumed from neighborhood streets they are ground into mulch and distributed to various public sites around the county. For information on mulch locations, visit Free Mulch.
In case of severe weather, collection dates may be adjusted. If weather-related delays occur, we assure you that the leaves will be picked up as soon as possible.