Fairfax County, VA Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Bag storage limit
- 12 hours max
- Container storage
- On premises only
- Uncollected waste
- Removed after 10 days
- Placement
- Curb line, clear of sidewalks
Summary
Fairfax County requires residential trash and recycling containers to be stored on the property they serve, not left in the street or right-of-way. Section 109.1-5-5 lets closed-top bags sit outside no more than 12 hours before collection, and waste stranded at the curb over ten days can be removed at the customer's expense.
(1)Containers for residential use shall be stored upon the residential premises.(2)The outside storage of refuse and recyclables in plastic bags with closed tops for not more than 12 hours is allowed by residential customers only. ... (7)If MSW placed at the curb or in the public right-of-way by a residential customer is not picked up within ten days, the County may remove them and recover the costs of removal.
Full Breakdown
1-5-5(a) draws a line between where waste lives and where it is collected. Between pickups, containers for residential use shall be stored upon the residential premises, which means carts belong on your own lot rather than at the curb full time. The code carves out one short window for bags: residential customers may store refuse and recyclables outside in plastic bags for up to 12 hours, and only if the bags have closed tops. Both conditions matter, since an open bag or one left out beyond 12 hours falls outside the allowance.
On collection day, carts and bags go at the curb line or the edge of pavement where the collection vehicle stops, positioned clear of sidewalks and traffic. The ordinance also answers what happens when material never gets picked up. Under subsection (7), if waste a residential customer places at the curb or in the public right-of-way is not collected within ten days, the County may remove it itself and recover the costs of removal from the customer, so a missed or refused pickup does not become permanent curb storage.
Violations & Fines
Leaving bagged trash at the curb more than 12 hours, storing containers off the residential premises, or letting waste sit uncollected past ten days can bring County removal and a cost-recovery bill to the customer under Section 109.1-5-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can I put my trash out in Fairfax County?
Can I keep my cart at the curb between pickups?
Where exactly do bins go on pickup day?
What if my trash is never collected?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
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