Public Works and Environmental Services Alert:
The Solid Waste Management Program invites County vacuum leaf collection customers to join us at a virtual information session where staff will provide updates on the upcoming season. The session will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.
Over 3,800 residents responded to the 2024 Vacuum Leaf Collection Customer Service Survey. Additionally, staff reviewed over 3,400 comments. This valuable survey feedback is incorporated into the upcoming 2025 vacuum leaf season.
Vacuum leaf collection for the 2024 season began on November 4, 2024. Crews completed three rounds of collection to service all areas. However, the program experienced delays and the final round of collection was not completed until February 28, 2025.
Several factors contributed to the delays in service delivery. See the list below.
During the 2024 season, crews were assigned to work simultaneously across four different areas. This approach resulted in inefficiencies, as collection equipment frequently idled while waiting for haul trucks to return from disposal facilities.
Early-season leaf volumes were high. The dry condition of the leaves reduced the weight per load, requiring more frequent truck trips to disposal sites impacting collection time.
Snowfall and cold temperatures in January suspended collection activities for several weeks since leaves that were wet, covered, or matted became inaccessible.
Updates were provided using existing communication channels that did not accommodate real-time notifications to better inform residents.
We are excited to demonstrate the positive changes we’ve made to enhance our service delivery and communication during the upcoming leaf collection season. These planned improvements follow.
In addition to existing collection facilities at the I-66 Transfer Station and the I-95 Landfill Complex, strategically located staging sites within service areas will be utilized. These sites will reduce travel time for trucks emptying loads, improving overall efficiency and productivity.
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.