Frederick County, VA Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Set-out window
- 6:00 p.m. day before to 7:00 a.m. collection day
- Container standard
- watertight, durable, rust-resistant, tight covers/handles
- Bag alternative
- sealed plastic/polyethylene bags keeping out water and pests
- Ash containers
- noncombustible, max 20 gallons
- Empty cans
- removed same day as collection
- Maximum penalty
- $2,500 fine, 12 months jail, or loss of privileges
Summary
In Frederick County outside Winchester, Stephens City and Middletown, curbside refuse containers must be watertight, durable, rust-resistant and either tight-covered or sealed plastic bags under Section 142-28(E). Set-out is limited to between 6:00 p.m. the day before collection and 7:00 a.m. on collection day, with empty cans removed the same day.
E. General container requirements. All refuse to be collected by the County shall be placed in watertight containers of durable construction, which shall be rust-resistant, nonabsorbent, easily washable, with tight-fitting covers and handles, or properly sealed plastic or polyethylene refuse bags of sufficient construction to keep out water, to prevent animals and entrance by insects and to be safely handled by one collector without coming apart due to the contents or weather conditions. Containers shall be filled to such a degree and so secured that the containers will not spill. ... ... H. Schedule. All refuse, ashes or other waste material to be collected shall be placed on the curb or other approved place of collection not earlier than 6:00 p.m. on the day prior to and not later than 7:00 a.m. on the day of regular collection. All garbage not collected because of noncompliance with this article shall be removed at once. Empty cans shall be removed on the same day of collection.
Full Breakdown
For the residential areas the County has opted to serve with curbside collection, Section 142-28(E) sets a general container standard: refuse must go in watertight containers of durable construction that are rust-resistant, nonabsorbent, easily washable, and fitted with tight covers and handles, or in properly sealed plastic or polyethylene refuse bags strong enough to keep out water, keep out animals and insects, and be handled safely by one collector without breaking apart. The Director of Public Works or a designee can further specify the exact container type, gallon capacity and weight limits under Section 142-28(F), and cold ashes get their own rule in Section 142-28(G): they must go in cans or other tight, noncombustible receptacles of no more than 20 gallons, filled so they will not spill or blow.
on collection day itself, and any empty can must be brought back in from the curb the same day it is emptied. If garbage is not picked up because a resident's container did not meet these rules, the code requires the resident to remove it right away rather than leave it out. The County disclaims responsibility for container damage from normal wear, inferior construction or weather under Section 142-28(I).
Violations & Fines
Placing containers out earlier than 6:00 p.m. the day before collection, leaving empty cans at the curb past collection day, or using containers that do not meet the watertight, tight-covered standard violates Section 142-28 and is punishable under Section 142-10 by a maximum fine of $2,500, up to 12 months in jail, or both, plus possible loss of disposal privileges.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I put my trash can out for collection in Frederick County?
What kind of container does the County require?
Are there special rules for disposing of ashes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Frederick County
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