Yard waste collection in Fairfax County is provided seasonally by franchise haulers, typically from March through December. Grass clippings, leaves, branches, and brush must be bundled or bagged in paper bags or approved containers. Virginia Code 10.1-1408.1 bans yard waste from landfills when separately collected.
Fairfax County franchise haulers provide seasonal yard waste collection, typically running March 1 through December 15 (dates vary by hauler). Acceptable yard waste includes grass clippings, leaves, small branches (under 4 feet long, 4 inches in diameter), brush, hedge trimmings, and garden debris. Materials must be set out in biodegradable paper yard waste bags, reusable containers clearly marked YARD WASTE, or bundled with natural twine (for branches). Plastic bags are NOT accepted because collected yard waste is composted. Virginia Code 10.1-1408.1 prohibits disposal of yard waste in landfills when a separate yard waste collection or composting program is reasonably available, which applies throughout Fairfax County. Large tree limbs and stumps typically require separate arrangement with the hauler or self-haul to I-66 Transfer Station's mulch processing area. Christmas trees are collected separately in January (check hauler schedule; remove all decorations and lights). Backyard composting is strongly encouraged and unregulated for typical residential volumes; the County operates master composter programs through Virginia Cooperative Extension. HOAs often restrict how long yard waste bags may sit curbside awaiting pickup.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Fairfax County's yard waste collection rules stack up against other locations.
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