Fairfax vs Herndon
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Fairfax, VA and Herndon, VA?
Fairfax and Herndon have similar restriction levels.
Fairfax, VA
Fairfax County
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.
View full Fairfax rules →Herndon, VA
Fairfax County
Herndon recycling follows single-stream guidelines collected weekly by the Town. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, glass bottles, metal cans, and rigid plastics numbered 1 and 2. Plastic bags, film, foam, and food-contaminated items are not accepted and should not be placed in recycling bins.
View full Herndon rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fairfax | Herndon |
|---|---|---|
| Fact | Single-stream weekly curbside recycling | Single-stream commingled recycling |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fairfax FAQ
Can I put plastic bags in the recycling cart?
No. Plastic bags and film tangle sorting equipment. Take them to grocery store drop-off programs.
Is glass still curbside?
Yes, the City of Fairfax accepts glass in the curbside recycling cart, unlike some surrounding jurisdictions.
Herndon FAQ
Can I recycle plastic bags in Herndon?
No, plastic bags are not accepted curbside. Return them to grocery store drop-off bins for film recycling.
What plastics can I recycle?
Only rigid containers with resin codes 1 (PET) and 2 (HDPE), such as water bottles and milk jugs.
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