Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Fair Oaks
Trash Day
Curbside collection occurs Monday through Friday depending on your neighborhood route; service is provided either through Fairfax County Sanitary Districts or private haulers.
Recycling
Collected once weekly on your scheduled collection day.
Yard Waste
Collected weekly on your regular service day from March 1 through December 24.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
If you receive county collection service, solid waste fees are billed on your Fairfax County real estate property tax bill; otherwise, billing is handled directly through your HOA or private hauler.
Billing Cycle
Semi-Annually
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, Phone, In Person
Varies by hauler (typically dark gray or black) Bin (Trash)
Trash must be securely bagged inside the container. Bins must generally be placed at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on collection day. Weight limit is typically 50 lbs per container.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Plastics #3 through #7
- ✓Styrofoam (Polystyrene)
- ✓Food waste and greasy pizza boxes
Varies by hauler (typically blue or green) Bin (Recycling)
Do not bag recyclables; place items loosely in the cart. All food containers must be rinsed and free of organic residue.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastics #1 (PETE) and #2 (HDPE) bottles and jugs
- ✓Aluminum and steel food cans
- ✓Clean mixed paper, magazines, and mail
- ✓Flattened corrugated cardboard
Do NOT Include
- ✕Glass bottles and jars
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Styrofoam packaging
- ✕Plastics #3 through #7
- ✕Yard waste
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in compostable paper bags or reusable bins clearly marked 'Yard Waste'. Plastic bags are strictly prohibited by county law.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Flower trimmings
- ✓Brush and limbs (under 4 feet long and 4 inches in diameter)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By scheduled appointment only
Placement
Do not set bulky items at the curb until the night before your confirmed, scheduled collection date to comply with HOA aesthetic guidelines.
Accepted
- ✓ Large furniture (sofas, dressers)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Household appliances (restrictions apply)
- ✓ Large boxed items
Not Accepted
- ✕ Household hazardous waste
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Dirt, concrete, and rock
- ✕ Automotive parts
Private haulers usually charge an additional fee for bulk item collection. To avoid fees, residents can self-haul items to the I-66 Transfer Station (weight-based fees may apply).
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Because Fair Oaks uses private haulers, holiday schedules can vary. However, most companies shift collection days one day forward for the remainder of the week following a major holiday.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste pickups follow the same holiday delay schedule as regular trash but pause completely in January and February (except for Christmas tree collection).
Always check directly with your specific HOA or your hauler's website (e.g., American Disposal or Patriot Disposal) for real-time weather delays or holiday shifts.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring/Summer
March to DecemberMandatory yard waste separation is in full effect. Ensure you are 'grasscycling' (leaving clippings on your lawn) or placing organic debris in approved paper bags.
Winter
First two weeks of JanuaryPrivate haulers will collect live Christmas trees at the curb during the first two weeks of January. You must remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, and the tree stand before placing it out.
Fall
October to DecemberDuring peak leaf season, refrain from blowing leaves into the street. If your HOA does not provide a vacuum service, leaves must be bagged in paper lawn bags—never plastic.
Local Tips & Community Info
Fair Oaks Folks: Where to Turn Those Cans and Bottles into Cash!
While Fair Oaks might not have specific local buyback centers right within its zip code, the great state of Virginia has a bottle bill! That means many beverage containers like soda and water bottles can be returned for a deposit. Check out places like the nearby ABC stores or larger grocery chains in Fairfax County that often have redemption machines. It's a super easy way to get a few bucks back while helping the environment. For scrap metal, a quick drive to a place like Fairfax Metal Recycling in Lorton could turn your old appliances or unwanted metal items into cash. Remember to call ahead to see what they accept!
Giving Your Good Stuff a Second Life Around Fair Oaks
Instead of tossing items that are still perfectly usable, why not pass them on? In or near Fair Oaks, consider donating to organizations like the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Manassas. They happily accept furniture, appliances, building materials, and home goods, and your donations help fund their affordable housing projects. Another fantastic option is the Goodwill store in Fair Oaks itself, or explore other Fairfax County thrift shops. It’s a win-win: you declutter, and someone else gets a bargain while supporting a good cause.
Keeping Fair Oaks Clean: Reporting Unwanted Dumping
Seeing trash dumped where it shouldn't be is a bummer for everyone in Fair Oaks. If you spot illegal dumping, the best thing to do is report it. For Fairfax County, you can contact the Fairfax County Solid Waste Management office. They have procedures in place to investigate and clean up these areas. Participating in local community clean-up events, when they pop up, is also a great way to make a direct impact on keeping our neighborhoods looking their best. Stay informed about these opportunities through local community boards or county announcements.
Drop-off Facilities
I-66 Transfer Station Complex
4618 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030
Materials Accepted
I-95 Landfill Complex
9850 Furnace Road, Lorton, VA 22079
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for picking up my trash in Fair Oaks?
Fair Oaks is located in Fairfax County, where approximately 90% of trash collection is privatized. Your trash is picked up by a private hauler, such as American Disposal Services or Patriot Disposal, which is typically selected and contracted by your neighborhood's Homeowners Association (HOA).
Can I throw glass bottles in my blue recycling bin?
No. Fairfax County has banned glass from all curbside single-stream recycling carts. To recycle glass, you must take your clean and empty bottles and jars to one of the designated Purple Can Club drop-off locations.
Why did the garbage truck leave my yard waste at the curb?
If your yard waste was left behind, it was likely placed in a plastic bag. Fairfax County law strictly prohibits the use of plastic bags for yard waste. You must use compostable paper lawn bags or a reusable container labeled 'Yard Waste'.
Where can I dispose of old paint, motor oil, and batteries near Fair Oaks?
Fair Oaks residents can safely dispose of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)—including wet paint, chemicals, and batteries—for free at the I-66 Transfer Station Complex located very close by at 4618 West Ox Road in Fairfax.