Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for McLean
Virginia curbside collection runs weekly from Monday through Friday. Your exact pickup day depends on your local county or city zoning schedule.
State Mandate
Virginia DEQ regulations strictly prohibit lead-acid batteries, motor oil, and whole waste tires in curbside bins.
Varies by Private Hauler Bin (Trash)
All trash must be securely bagged and placed entirely inside the provided cart. Set out at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your designated collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Styrofoam
- ✓Wrappers and chip bags
Varies by Private Hauler (Often Blue) Bin (Recycling)
Keep recyclables loose, clean, and dry. Do not bag your recycling in plastic bags, as they jam processing machinery.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean, flattened cardboard
- ✓Mixed paper, mail, and magazines
- ✓Metal food and beverage cans
- ✓Plastic jugs and bottles (Keep caps attached)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Glass bottles and jars (Use Purple Cans)
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Food-soiled pizza boxes
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses)
- ✕Styrofoam packaging
Yard Waste Bin
Do not use plastic bags. Place yard waste in paper yard bags or personal reusable containers. Collection runs separately from March 1 through December 24.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small prunings
- ✓Brush and twigs under 4 feet in length
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Upon request (Varies by hauler)
Placement
Place items at the curb no earlier than the evening before your scheduled special collection date. Limit piles to the size agreed upon with your hauler.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (couches, chairs, tables)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Appliances (Freon must often be removed)
- ✓ Large electronics and televisions
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste (paint, chemicals)
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Dirt, concrete, and heavy rocks
- ✕ Automotive parts and tires
Curbside bulk fees are determined by your private hauler. Taking items directly to the I-66 Transfer Station typically incurs standard residential disposal fees.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Fairfax County government crews observe only Christmas Day. However, the private haulers servicing the majority of McLean often observe Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day, shifting collection back one day for the rest of the week.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste collection is typically suspended entirely during the deep winter months of January and February.
Because McLean relies on an open-market hauler system, holiday schedules vary significantly. Always verify directly with your private provider for specific delays and weather-related pushbacks.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Autumn/Winter
November to JanuaryVacuum Leaf Collection is provided in specific county-serviced Sanitary Districts. If you use a private hauler, you will likely need to bag your leaves in compostable paper bags for regular yard waste collection.
Winter
JanuaryDuring the first two weeks of January, real Christmas trees (under 8 feet) are collected curbside. Ensure all tinsel, lights, ornaments, and tree stands are completely removed before setting the tree out.
Spring/Summer
March to DecemberDedicated yard waste collection runs from March through December. Grasscycling—leaving clippings on the lawn to return nutrients to the soil—is highly encouraged to reduce landfill waste.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Your Trash into Treasure in McLean: Where to Cash In on Recyclables?
While McLean itself might not have specific cash-for-recyclables buyback centers right in town, you're in luck because the broader Northern Virginia area has options! In Fairfax County, and nearby Prince William County, you can often find scrap metal yards that will pay for items like aluminum, copper, and steel. For glass bottles and aluminum cans, Virginia has a statewide 'bottle bill' redemption program. While you might not get rich, it's a nice way to recoup some cash for those items. Look for grocery stores or redemption centers that participate in the Virginia Code Section 3.2-2900. This keeps valuable materials out of the landfill and puts a little money back in your pocket. Always call ahead to check what types of metals they accept and their current prices.
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in McLean!
Before you toss out items that still have plenty of life left, think about donating them locally! McLean and the surrounding Fairfax County area have some fantastic places that would love to give your usable goods a new home. Goodwill is always a great option, and they have locations nearby where you can drop off clothing, household items, and even furniture. If you're looking to support home building efforts, Habitat for Humanity ReStores often accept furniture, appliances, and building materials – check their website for a ReStore near McLean. You might also find smaller, local thrift shops that benefit specific community causes. It’s a win-win: you declutter your home, and someone else gets a great deal!
Keeping McLean Beautiful: Reporting Dumping & Joining Cleanups
Nobody likes seeing trash littering our beautiful McLean neighborhoods. If you happen to spot illegal dumping – that's when someone leaves trash or bulky items where they shouldn't – Fairfax County has a system for that. You can usually report it online through the Fairfax County government website or by calling their solid waste and recycling department. They take these reports seriously and work to clean up the mess. Keep an eye out for community clean-up events organized by local groups or the county itself. Participating in these events is a fantastic way to give back, meet your neighbors, and make a visible difference in keeping McLean tidy and enjoyable for everyone.
Drop-off Facilities
I-66 Transfer Station
4618 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for trash collection in McLean, VA?
Trash collection in McLean is primarily managed by private haulers. Since McLean is unincorporated, most residents or their HOAs must subscribe to private companies like Republic Services or American Disposal. A small percentage of homes are serviced directly by Fairfax County. You can verify your provider using the county's online address tool.
Can I put glass in my curbside recycling bin in McLean?
No. Fairfax County prohibits glass in all curbside recycling carts. McLean residents should take clean glass bottles and jars to the 'Purple Can Club' drop-off bin located at the Dolley Madison Library or the I-66 Transfer Station.
Are plastic bags allowed for yard waste?
No. Fairfax County has a strict ordinance banning the use of plastic bags for yard debris. Grass clippings, leaves, and brush must be placed in compostable brown paper yard bags or loose in personal, reusable containers clearly marked for yard waste.
Where can I safely dispose of paint and batteries?
Household hazardous waste like paint, lithium batteries, pesticides, and motor oil cannot go in your curbside bins. Residents must securely transport these materials to the Household Hazardous Waste drop-off center at the I-66 Transfer Station in Fairfax.