Alexandria, VA Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Section 5-1-41(a) fixes exactly where containers must go for city pickup: 'Approved waste containers and yard debris shall be placed for collection at a point 10 feet or less from the curb line or at a point on the property line adjacent to which the collection vehicle stops,' with the same 10-foot rule from the alley line for properties served from an alley. Placement cannot 'hinder or interfere with parking, traffic or pedestrians' under Section 5-1-41(c). Section 5-1-41(d) limits volume rather than requiring a specific screened enclosure for ordinary households: 'An annual average of no more than nine approved waste containers and approved plastic liners shall be collected per collection per residence or business establishment,' and a household generating more must switch to a bulk waste container, which the occupant provides and maintains.

For bulk containers, Section 5-1-12(c) gives the director of transportation and environmental services authority to 'require screening of the storage place as a prerequisite for approval' when the container's location affects nearby residents. Section 5-1-41(h) also requires occupants to keep any gate blocking the collection point unlocked by the applicable set-out time and, where reasonably possible, to clear snow and ice from around containers and approach walks on collection day.