This information applies to COUNTY collection customers who receive trash and recycling collection from Fairfax County Government. If you receive services from a PRIVATE collector, contact them directly for information.
Unsure if you are a county collection customer? Visit "Does Fairfax County Pick Up My Trash?"
ACCEPTED CURBSIDE
(All trash must be in the county trash cart)
Normal household trash
It is recommended that all trash be placed in tied bags before placing in the trash cart.
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.
NOT ACCEPTED CURBSIDE
Ammunition
Asbestos
Automobile parts
Bio-hazardous medical waste
Car batteries
Cement, concrete materials
Construction and demolition debris
Dead animals
Dirt
Drywall
E-Waste (Electronics including computers, TVs, cellphones, etc.) For pick up, schedule a Special Pick-up.
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 loose in your recycling cart (do not bag the recycling items).
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/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.
