Trash & Recycling in Fairfax, VA (2026)
5 verified trash & recycling rules for Fairfax, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Pickup Rules & Schedules
The City of Fairfax provides weekly curbside trash and recycling collection to single-family homes and small multifamily buildings through its Public Works Solid Waste Division. Collection runs Monday through Friday on neighborhood-specific routes, with holiday schedule adjustments announced in advance. Carts should be placed at the curb by 6 AM on collection day and returned out of public view by the end of the day.
Trash: Collection Schedule
Few RestrictionsBin Placement Rules
The city provides standard 65 or 95 gallon wheeled carts for trash and recycling and requires residents to use them for curbside service. Carts must be kept out of public view except on collection day, stored on private property, and replaced when damaged through the Public Works Department. Loose bags and non-city containers are not collected curbside.
Trash: Container Requirements
Some RestrictionsBulk Item Disposal
Fairfax City offers free curbside bulk trash collection for residential customers on the same day as regular trash pickup. Residents may place large items such as furniture, mattresses, and small appliances at the curb by 6 AM and should report the pickup in advance when possible. Items containing refrigerants, tires, and construction debris are excluded from bulk service.
Trash: Bulk Pickup
Few RestrictionsRecycling Requirements
Fairfax City residents receive weekly single-stream curbside recycling through the Public Works Solid Waste Division. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, glass bottles, metal cans, and hard plastics numbered one through seven when clean and empty. Plastic bags, food-soiled items, and tanglers are prohibited in curbside carts and must go to drop-off facilities or trash.
Trash: Recycling
Some RestrictionsIllegal Dumping
Illegal dumping of trash, debris, tires, or yard waste on public or private property in Fairfax City is prohibited and prosecuted under both city code and Virginia Code section 33.2-802. Violations can result in misdemeanor charges, significant fines, restitution for cleanup, and in some cases impoundment of the vehicle used. Fairfax enforces through Code Administration and the Police Department.
Trash: Illegal Dumping
Heavy RestrictionsVa. Code § 33.2-802
§ 33.2-802. Dumping trash; penalty. A. It is unlawful for any person to dump or otherwise dispose of trash, garbage, refuse, litter, a companion animal as defined in § 3.2-6500 for the purpose of disposal, or other unsightly matter on (i) public property, including a public highway, right-of-way, or property adjacent to such highway or right-of-way, or (ii) private property without the written...
Looking for Fairfax County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fairfax city rules.
Trash & Recycling in Fairfax County →