Fairfax County, VA Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum frequency
- Once weekly
- Applies to
- Homes & businesses alike
- Reduced service
- Needs Director approval
- Backstop
- Bond covers missed pickups
Summary
Fairfax County mandates weekly trash collection for every single-family home and townhouse, with the same minimum frequency required for most other customers under Section 109.1-5-4.
(a)MSW shall be collected no less than once weekly from single-family residences and townhouses.(b)MSW from all other sources shall also be collected no less than once weekly, unless a reduced collection frequency or alternative recycling system is approved in writing by the Director.(c)MSW shall be collected more frequently, as may be fixed by the Director or collected more frequently as may be fixed by the Fire Marshal or Chief of Fire and Rescue Department upon a determination that more frequent collections are necessary for the preservation of the public safety with respect to any particular establishment producing flammable MSW.(d)Any solid waste management bond or other surety held by Fairfax County as required by Article 4 may be used to pay for collection of waste where the collector for whom the bond/surety was issued has failed to meet the minimum collection frequency specified in this Article. (13-15-109.1.)
Full Breakdown
Under County Code Section 109.1-5-4, permitted haulers must collect municipal solid waste at least once a week from every single-family residence and townhouse. Other customers, including businesses, also get weekly service unless the Director of Public Works and Environmental Services approves a reduced frequency or an alternative recycling system in writing. The Director or the Fire Marshal can order more frequent pickups where flammable waste poses a safety risk. A hauler's solid waste bond can be tapped to pay for collection if it fails to meet this minimum frequency.
Violations & Fines
Haulers that skip a scheduled weekly pickup without Director approval fall out of compliance with their Certificate to Operate, and the County can draw on their solid waste bond to cover the missed collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often must my trash be picked up in Fairfax County?
Can my hauler skip a week of collection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fairfax County
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