This information applies to COUNTY collection customers, about ten percent (10%) of residents in Fairfax County, who receive trash and recycling collection from Fairfax County Government. If you receive services from a PRIVATE collector, ninety percent (90%) of residents and businesses in Fairfax County, contact them directly for information. Unsure if you are a county collection customer? Visit "Does Fairfax County Pick Up My Trash?"
The following subscription service applies to COUNTY collection customers, about ten percent (10%) of residents in Fairfax County, who receive trash and recycling collection from Fairfax County Government. If you receive services from a PRIVATE collector, ninety percent (90%) of residents and businesses in Fairfax County, contact them directly for information. Unsure if you are a county collection customer? Visit "Does Fairfax County Pick Up My Trash?
Does Fairfax County Pick Up My Trash?
County
About ten percent (10%) of residents in Fairfax County receive trash and recycling collection from Fairfax County Government. Unsure if you are a county collection customer? Visit "Does Fairfax County Pick Up My Trash?"
Private
Ninety percent (90%) of residents and businesses in Fairfax County receive trash and recycling service from a private collection company. Residents are billed by the collection company or pay via their Homeowner Association fees. Please contact your provider directly regarding services. View Permitted Solid Waste Collection Companies.
County
About ten percent (10%) of residents in Fairfax County receive trash and recycling collection from Fairfax County Government. Unsure if you are a county collection customer? Use the map below to find out.
Private
Ninety percent (90%) of residents and businesses in Fairfax County receive trash and recycling service from a private collection company. Residents are billed by the collection company or pay via their Homeowner Association fees. Please contact your provider directly regarding services. View Permitted Solid Waste Collection Companies.
Service Updates - December 30, 2025
New Year's Day
Please be advised that trash and recycling collection will operate on the regular schedule for Thursday, January 1, 2026 (New Year’s Day). If you have private collections, please contact your hauler.
Our administrative office will be closed Thursday, January 1. The office will re-open at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, January 2.
The Recycling and Disposal Centers at the I-66 Transfer Station and the I-95 Landfill Complex will be closing at 2:00 p.m. on December 31 and closed all day on January 1.
Christmas Tree Disposal
Natural Christmas trees will be collected from January 5 to 16, 2026 for recycling. Lights, decorations, and stands must be removed to ensure collection. After January 16, please schedule a brush Special Pickup to have the natural Christmas tree removed.
ACCEPTED CURBSIDE
(All trash must be bagged in the county trash cart)
Normal household trash
Syringes, Needles and Other Medical Sharps: Place in a sturdy plastic container (like a laundry detergent bottle) with screw-on top. Mark the container "residential sharps” and put in the trash cart.
Broken glass should be placed in a taped box before placement in the cart.
Animal waste must be double-bagged before placing in the cart.
Search the Waste Wizard and learn how to dispose of everyday items.
Collections - Click tabs for more information
Trash carts (gray) are for household trash only. Do not use these carts for recycling or yard waste. Carts provided by the County should not be loaded to more than 50 pounds.
Recycle carts (blue) are used for recycling only. Do not use these carts for trash or yard waste. Recycling items should be placed clean, loose, and dry in your recycling cart (do not bag the recycling items). No Plastic Bags!
The homeowner is responsible for storing and cleaning the carts.
If a cart is damaged or missing, you may report this online at Trash/Recycling Cart Request or by calling 703-802-3322 | TTY 711.
Trash and recycling may be left if improperly prepared for collection.
Set your carts out by 6 a.m. on your collection day.
Don’t place containers at the curb more than 1 day before your collection day; remove them within 24 hours after collection.
Trash collection is for wastes accumulated from normal household activities only.
Secure carts to keep contents from spilling onto street.
Bag household trash before placing it in the trash cart.
All trash must be placed inside the county provided cart. Trash or recycling, other than collapsed cardboard, placed outside the county-provided cart will not be collected. No privately-owned carts will be serviced. For extra service please contact customer service by calling 703-802-3322 | TTY 711.
Fairfax County is not responsible for items not intended for collection that are placed next to trash and recycle carts, or for damage to or loss of personal trash containers.
Report Missed or Partial Pickup
Please do not report a missed collection until late in the day. In many cases crews are simply delayed.
Report missed collections the following business day by 4:30 p.m. If you set your trash/recycling out after 6 a.m. and it is not collected, please hold the debris until your next collection day or take it to one of the county disposal facilities. Fees apply.
Download the Trash & Recycling Customer Guidelines for a printable version of set-out instructions, cart information, and what can be recycled at the curb. You will also find how to handle household hazardous waste and yard waste.
