Alexandria, VA Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)

Solid Waste Control, City Code Chapter 1 of Title 5, sets a precise definition for what counts as yard debris and a precise way to put it out. Section 5-1-2(17) defines yard debris as 'Shrubbery prunings, tree prunings not over two inches in diameter, grass clippings, leaves and similar materials,' separating it from ordinary trash and from bulk special-collection items like fallen limbs over that diameter. ' Section 5-1-11(f) caps the weight of any bundle, container or liner, yard debris included, at 75 pounds. Under Section 5-1-31, the city collects yard debris on the same weekly schedule as solid waste and ashes from every required user property, meaning single-family, two-family and row dwellings and buildings of four or fewer units, while owners of larger buildings, commercial establishments and churches may request service but the city is not obligated to provide it.

Tree prunings thicker than two inches, tree removal debris and similar larger material fall outside the yard-debris definition and must go through the Section 5-1-41(g) special bulk collection instead. Violating the preparation or collection rules is enforced under the chapter's general penalty in Section 5-1-87.