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Fairfax County, VA Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Marking required
2+ cubic yard containers
Reflectors required
Roll-offs & compactors
Abandonment
10 business days
Construction
Watertight, tight-fitting lid

Summary

Fairfax County requires commercial dumpsters, compactors, and roll-off containers to be watertight, reflectorized, and marked with the owner's name under Section 109.1-5-6.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Fairfax County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Containers (including compactors, front-end containers and roll-off containers) used to collect refuse and recycling shall comply with the following: ...(5)All roll-off containers and compactors shall have safety reflectors affixed to both sides and ends of container. ...(6)All solid waste collection containers with a capacity of two cubic yards or larger and are used for the collection of solid waste shall be clearly marked with the owner's name and telephone number and the type of material acceptable for the container.

Full Breakdown

County Code Section 109.1-5-6 sets construction and marking standards for the containers haulers use, including compactors, front-end containers, and roll-off containers. They must be sturdy, rodent- and insect-resistant, watertight, and fitted with tight lids, kept closed when not in use. Roll-off containers and compactors need safety reflectors on both sides and ends. Any container of two cubic yards or larger must be clearly marked with the owner's name, phone number, and the type of material it accepts. Owners must remove a container within ten business days of service cancellation or the County can seize and auction it.

Violations & Fines

Dumpsters or roll-offs missing safety reflectors, owner markings, or tight-fitting lids are non-compliant; containers left more than ten business days after service cancellation are deemed abandoned and subject to County removal and sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

What markings must a Fairfax County dumpster carry?
Containers of two cubic yards or larger must show the owner's name, phone number, and accepted material type under Section 109.1-5-6.
How long can an unused dumpster sit after service ends?
Owners must remove it within ten business days or the County can remove, store, and sell it.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fairfax County

All Fairfax County rules

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