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

Chapter 22, Article I of the County Code governs commercial container placement. Section 22-20(d) requires all nonresidential refuse, recycling and yard waste containers to be stored on private property at points that are well drained and fully accessible to collection vehicles and to public health, fire and solid waste inspection personnel. Non-residential customers may only store refuse and recyclables outdoors inside an approved container meeting the material and size specifications of Section 22-20(b) and (c); storing loose bags, boxes or bundles outside a container is banned unless the Director of Public Works gives specific written approval.

Recyclables must be set out separately from refuse and cannot be co-collected in a single container, and non-residential recycling containers must hold at least 25% of the volume of the accompanying refuse container. if the collection point sits at least 100 yards from any occupied residential dwelling. If a non-residential customer's refuse placed at the curb or right-of-way is not picked up within ten days, Section 22-20(d) lets the County remove it and bill the removal cost to the customer, the hauler, or their designee.

Containers themselves must stay in good repair under Section 22-20(e), free of cracks and holes, with lids or doors closed except when emptying, and emptied at least every seven days per Section 22-20(f).