Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Herndon
Trash Day
Trash is collected once weekly on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday depending on your neighborhood zone.
Recycling
Recycling is collected once weekly on Monday or Tuesday depending on your neighborhood zone.
Yard Waste
Yard waste is collected once weekly by town crews, with vacuum leaf collection provided each fall from October through mid-December.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Water and sewer utilities are billed quarterly across designated town cycles, while residential curbside collection services are managed by the Department of Public Works.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail, In Person
Town-issued Refuse Cart Bin (Trash)
Trash carts must be placed curbside by 6:00 a.m. on your designated collection day, but no earlier than 24 hours prior. All trash must fit inside the cart so the lid shuts completely; bags left on the ground will not be collected.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food wrappers and non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Bagged pet waste
- ✓Styrofoam
Town-issued Recycling Cart Bin (Recycling)
All recyclable items must be placed loose, clean, and dry into the recycling cart. Do not bag your recyclables. Carts must be facing forward according to the stamped arrow on the lid.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean cardboard and mixed paper
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs
Do NOT Include
- ✕Glass bottles and jars
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses, clothing)
- ✕Food waste and greasy pizza boxes
Yard Waste Bin
Yard waste is collected on your regular trash day. Use reusable sturdy plastic/metal containers (max 50 gallons/50 lbs) clearly labeled 'Yard Waste' or 30-gallon paper lawn bags. Plastic bags are strictly prohibited.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings and weeds
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Shrub clippings and twigs
- ✓Small branches
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By request only (Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays)
Placement
Approved items must be placed at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on the confirmed collection day, but no earlier than 24 hours before pickup. Avoid placing items near low-hanging wires or parked cars.
Accepted
- ✓ Large furniture (sofas, mattresses)
- ✓ Small amounts of scrap metal (under 50 lbs)
- ✓ Lawn mowers (fluids drained)
- ✓ Up to two tires per collection
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris (shingles, lumber, drywall)
- ✕ Household hazardous waste
- ✕ Electronics and E-waste
- ✕ Stumps or tree limbs cut by a contractor
The $60 fee covers up to 3 cubic yards. Service is completely unavailable on Mondays, Tuesdays, weekends, and during major holiday weeks.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a holiday falls on your collection day, services are typically shifted. For example, Thursday collections might shift to Friday. Always verify exact shifts using the town's current holiday calendar.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste follows the same holiday slide schedule as regular refuse and recycling collections.
Residents are highly encouraged to sign up for the 'News You Can Use' town e-newsletter to receive timely notifications about weather or holiday-related collection delays.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Autumn
October to DecemberVacuum leaf collection alternates weekly for residents north and south of the W&OD Trail from mid-October through the second week of December. Rake loose leaves to the curb, avoiding storm drains.
Winter
December to MarchDuring winter storms, snow removal becomes the town's top priority. Do not rake leaves or place bulky items into the street when freezing rain or snow is forecast, as it blocks plow routes.
Holidays
May, November, December, JanuaryThe Town of Herndon explicitly halts all special bulk collections during the weeks of Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day to focus manpower on standard holiday trash routes.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Scrap? Turn Your Recyclables into Cash Right Here in the D.C. Metro Area!
While Herndon doesn't have specific buyback centers right in town, don't let those cans and bottles go to waste! For folks in Northern Virginia, there are usually a few options. You might find scrap metal yards around the broader Fairfax County area that will take more than just aluminum cans. Also, keep an eye out for events organized by Fairfax County's recycling programs, as they sometimes offer special collection days for things you can redeem for cash. It's always a good idea to check the Fairfax County Solid Waste Management website for the latest on where you can get paid for your efforts.
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life Around Herndon
Before tossing something that's still in good shape, think about donating it! Right near Herndon, you'll find some great spots. The Goodwill stores in nearby areas are always looking for clothing, household items, and electronics. For furniture and home goods, definitely check out the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Chantilly – it's a fantastic way to declutter and help build homes. Even smaller local charities might be accepting donations; a quick search for 'charity donations Herndon VA' can point you to them.
Keeping Herndon Beautiful: What to Do About Dumped Trash
Seeing trash dumped where it shouldn't be is a bummer for everyone in Herndon. If you spot illegal dumping, it's important to report it so the city can take action. Fairfax County has a dedicated system for this. You can typically report it through the Fairfax County Public Works and Environmental Services website, often with an online form or a phone number to call. They also sometimes organize community clean-up days, especially around local parks and waterways, which are awesome opportunities to pitch in and make our town shine.
Drop-off Facilities
I-66 Transfer Station
4618 West Ox Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030
Materials Accepted
Sterling Road Purple Glass Container
1479 Sterling Road, Herndon, VA 20170
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Town of Herndon provide a bulky item pickup service?
Yes, but it requires an application and a fee. Special collections can be scheduled for a $60 fee per 3 cubic yards. You must apply in advance, and pickups are only performed on Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays (excluding holiday weeks).
What should I do if I have too much cardboard to fit in my recycling cart?
If you have excess cardboard from moving or large deliveries, you can have it collected on your recycling day for free. However, you must submit an application to [email protected] at least 24 hours prior so the town can allocate the right equipment.
Why didn't the town pick up my yard waste bags?
Yard waste will be left behind if it is placed in plastic bags, exceeds the 50-pound weight limit, or if brush bundles are improperly sized. Ensure you use paper lawn bags or rigid containers, and tie brush in bundles no longer than 4 feet.
Where can I recycle my old computer or television?
The Town of Herndon does not collect E-waste curbside. You must transport your old electronics and televisions to a Fairfax County drop-off location, such as the I-66 Transfer Station on West Ox Road.