Alexandria, VA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

Section 5-1-51 sets the baseline permit requirement: 'It shall be unlawful for any person to collect, transport or dispose of any solid waste, trash, ashes, yard debris or recyclable material in the city without first obtaining a solid waste collection permit therefor from the director,' with narrow exceptions for a permit holder's own employees and for a resident hauling material in a light vehicle. ' Approved containers receive a director's seal of approval that expires with the permit and must be marked with the permittee's name and phone number in letters at least two inches high, under Section 5-1-53(b).

Section 5-1-41(b) governs where a dumpster or roll-off can sit once approved: the director sets the point of collection, choosing locations that affect occupants and nearby residents as little as reasonably possible, and may require the site surface to be improved as a condition of approval. Every hauler's permit runs on the city fiscal year, expiring June 30 and requiring annual reinspection under Section 5-1-54, and can be suspended under Section 5-1-56 if the container or vehicle standards in Section 5-1-59 are not met.