Refuse Collection
Refuse Collection
The Department of Environmental Services Operations Division collects residential trash from the City's four  collection zones Tuesdays through Fridays, except on observed City holidays. Refuse is collected from single-family residences and townhomes (those on public streets).
Holidays
If your collection day falls on a holiday, see the City Calendar for the alternate collection day. Holiday schedules are also published in the Weekly Focus section of the Falls Church News-Press every Thursday.
Trash Cans/Containers
Residents must provide their own trash containers. Each container must be:
- Watertight
- Cannot exceed 30 gallons, must have at least a five-gallon capacity
- Cannot weigh more than 50 pounds when filled
Containers not meeting these requirements will not be collected. Sturdy containers with a tight fitting lid are recommended to keep out animals and avoid litter. Containers must be placed at the curb by 7 a.m. the day of collection or no earlier than 5 p.m. the night before the designated collection day and must be returned to the side or rear of the residence by evening on the day of collection. Please do not ask City crews to return for your trash if you did not have it at the curb by 7 a.m. Plastic trash bags may be used, but are not recommended as they may be easily ripped by wildlife.
Materials Collected
Refuse and special collection services are provided only for the removal of materials resulting from normal residential use and routine home maintenance. Solid waste from any work done by a contractor must not be included with special collections. Many contractors can arrange for removal as part of the overall job cost or you can contact a private company to make alternative collection and disposal arrangements.
Materials Not Collected With Weekly Refuse
- Items that are too large to fit inside a 30-gallon container or weigh more than 50 pounds (see Special Collections)
-
Hazardous wastes
- Asbestos
- Bricks
- Concrete
- Construction debris
- Dirt
- Drywall
- Floor/ceiling tiles
-
Metal
-
Paint cans
- Sheets of glass
- Shingles
- Stones
- Stumps
- Tires
These items can severely damage equipment. If your refuse contains even a small amount of any of these materials, collection will not occur. Call for a special collection for these materials.
Penalties
Violations are subject to a civil penalty of $100 for the first violation and $150 for each subsequent violation.
Important Numbers
Solid Waste Code Enforcement: 703-248-5281 (TTY 711)
Missed Collections and Other Questions: 703-248-5316 (TTY 711)
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