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

Fairfax County operates a private-hauler model for residential solid waste collection. The County's Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) regulates haulers through permitting but does not provide direct curbside collection to most households (the small Sanitary District in Mount Vernon is an exception, where County crews collect). Residents must arrange service individually or through their Homeowners Association, which often negotiates a single hauler contract for a subdivision. Major franchise haulers serving Fairfax County include Patriot Disposal, American Disposal Services, Republic Services, AAA Recycling and Trash Service, and Waste Management. Typical service includes once-weekly trash pickup, weekly or biweekly single-stream recycling, and seasonal yard waste collection. Residents may also self-haul to the I-66 Transfer Station (Fairfax) or I-95 Landfill Complex (Lorton), which accept household trash, recycling, yard waste, and hazardous waste during designated collection events. Virginia law (VA Code 15.2-928) authorizes localities to regulate solid waste collection, and Fairfax County Code Chapter 109.1 sets hauler licensing, container standards, and service requirements. Holiday schedules vary by hauler; most observe New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas with service shifted one day later.