Recycle

Schedule

Recycling is collected from curbside residential customers weekly on Wednesdays, year-round (except on observed city holidays.) 


What's Accepted As Recycling?

Check out the "yes/no" flyer or visit the Set-Out Requirements page.

recycle

No Plastic Bags in Recycling Carts

Plastic bags or any type of flexible plastic should never go in your curbside recycling cart. This includes single-use grocery store bags, trash bags/liners, dry-cleaning bags, Ziplock or Saran Wrap, the plastic bags your newspaper is delivered in, and the plastic bubble wrap used in packages. These flexible plastics get tangled and jam up the material sorting machines at recycling processing plants.  

Plastic/trash bags full of recyclables placed in curbside recycling carts will be put in the trash. Keep your recyclables loose in the cart or in paper bags, or else it all gets dumped into the trash.

Glass Containers No Longer Accepted in Curbside Recycling

As of February 19, 2020, glass containers - such as bottles and jars - are no longer accepted in curbside recycling carts or any City recycling receptacle.  Learn more about this change and the about the glass-only purple can now located at the Recycling Center (217 Gordon Rd.) 

Request a Recycling Rolling Cart 


Each residential customer is provided one dark green (see above) rolling cart per address. Two sizes are available - a 35 gallon or 65 gallon option. The City also provides 18 gallon open top rectangular bins by request only.  The recycling carts and bins have the recycling symbol of chasing arrows in white, printed on each side. Carts and bins are the property of the City of Falls Church and must stay with the residence. Customers will be charged a replacement cost of approximately $65 for intentional damage, misuse or removal of a cart from the assigned property.

To request a cart or bin, click 'Service Requests' in the box above or call 703-248-5160 (TTY 711). If you plan to move, please leave clean equipment for the next resident.

Missed Recycling Collections

Missed collections must be reported by 10 a.m. the day after collection. Reporting the issue as soon as possible will often allow for same day service. Missed collections not handled on collection day will be handled Thursday morning. After submitting the request, please leave your items at the curb. To report a missed collection: 

  • Report online. Scroll to the top of this page and click 'Service Requests'. Or download the smartphone app to report via your mobile device.
  • Call the Solid Waste Hotline at 703-248-5160 (TTY 711), Option #1.

Missed collections remain rare but we recognize the inconvenience of the situation each time they occur.  Prompt feedback will help ensure a timely solution.

Important Numbers

  • Solid Waste Code Enforcement: 703-248-5160 (TTY 711)
  • Solid Waste Hotline and Other Questions: 703-248-5160 (TTY 711)

Free Electronics Recycling 

Residents are invited to drop off electronics at City partner eAsset Solutions. CRTs and monitors, which typically incur recycling costs, will be accepted for free.  Proof of residency required.
 
eAsset Solutions is located at 427 N Maple Ave and accepts drop-offs from 10a-5p Monday-Saturday.  Check out the list of accepted items before stopping by.

What Happens to Recycled Items?


Watch this video from the city's trash and recycling contractor, American Disposal Services. It's a fascinating look at where your recycling goes!