Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Loudoun County

Loudoun County, VA Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing chapter
Codified Ordinances Ch. 1086
Applies to
Unincorporated County residents and businesses
Minimum pickup frequency
At least every two weeks
Household materials
Paper, glass, metal, plastic, cardboard, yard waste
Notice requirement
Written notice within 5 days, annually after
Civil penalty
Up to $200 per offense per day

Summary

Loudoun County requires every household and business in the unincorporated county to source-separate at least newspaper, container glass, metal and plastic containers, and cardboard, and to set them out for a permitted collector at least every two weeks under the Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling Ordinance.

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

Any person who resides within Loudoun County shall source separate recyclable material as required under this chapter from his/her household waste and deposit such recyclable material at a recycling drop-off center, recycling facility, approved facility, or make such recyclable material available for collection by a permitted collector that provides recycling services... The frequency of collection for all recyclable material shall not be less than once every two weeks.

Source: Loudoun County RecyclingView official code

Full Breakdown

03(a). 03(b) excludes anyone located solely within an incorporated town, Leesburg, Purcellville, Hamilton, Middleburg, Round Hill, Hillsboro, or Lovettsville, unless that town's governing body opts in. 07(b), households must separate newspaper and magazines, container glass, metal and aluminum cans, and plastic beverage and detergent containers, and, as of July 1, 2003, cardboard, paperboard, and yard waste (if the household's collector offers yard-waste recycling). 07(c). 08. 09 bar recyclables from being placed in plastic bags, require rinsed and organic-free glass, metal, and plastic containers, and cap flattened cardboard at 24-by-24 inches unless the collector allows larger. 05.

Violations & Fines

Section 1086.99(a) sets a civil penalty of up to $200 per offense for violating any provision of Chapter 1086 other than the inspection-warrant section, with each day of a continuing violation counted as a separate offense. Refusing to comply with a valid inspection warrant issued under 1086.05, however, is a criminal Class 3 misdemeanor carrying a fine of up to $500 under 1086.99(b).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is recycling actually mandatory in Loudoun County?
Yes for the unincorporated county. Section 1086.07(a) requires every resident to source-separate recyclable material from household waste and set it out for a permitted collector or take it to a drop-off center, with pickup no less than once every two weeks.
What materials must a Loudoun County household separate for recycling?
Newspaper and magazines, container glass, metal and aluminum cans, and plastic beverage and detergent containers at minimum, plus cardboard, paperboard, and yard waste as of July 1, 2003, if the household's collector provides yard-waste recycling service, per 1086.07(b).
Does the county recycling ordinance apply inside Leesburg or Purcellville?
No. Section 1086.03(b) excludes anyone located solely within an incorporated town unless that town's own governing body votes to opt in, so residents of Leesburg, Purcellville, Hamilton, Middleburg, Round Hill, Hillsboro, or Lovettsville follow their town code instead.
Can recyclables be set out in plastic bags in Loudoun County?
No. Section 1086.09(a) states recyclable material may not be set out in plastic bags, and no collector is required to pick up recyclables or yard waste bagged in plastic that isn't specifically marked as accepting bags.
What is the penalty for violating Loudoun County's recycling ordinance?
Most violations carry a civil penalty of up to $200 per offense under 1086.99(a), with each day of continued violation a separate offense; refusing a valid inspection warrant under 1086.05 is instead a Class 3 misdemeanor with a fine up to $500.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Loudoun County

Collection ScheduleSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingHeavy RestrictionsDumpster RulesSome RestrictionsPickup Rules & SchedulesSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome Restrictions

All Loudoun County rules

Compare Loudoun County to another location·View the Virginia trash & recycling overview

Get notified when Recycling Requirements in Loudoun County, VA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.