Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Reston
Trash Day
Collection schedules vary by neighborhood cluster, HOA contract, or private hauler, with pickups generally occurring Monday through Friday.
Recycling
Collected once per week on your designated neighborhood service day.
Yard Waste
Collected weekly during the active season (March 1 through December 24) on your assigned collection day.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Around 90% of Fairfax County and Reston residents receive trash collection through private haulers contracted directly or through their HOA/cluster association, while sanitary district customers are billed on their county property tax assessment.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly, Monthly, or Included in HOA Dues / Annual Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, Phone
Pro Tip / Discount
Fairfax County provides tax relief and exemption programs for qualifying low-income seniors and residents with permanent disabilities.
Varies by Private Hauler or HOA Bin (Trash)
Trash must be securely bagged inside the bin to prevent litter and deter wildlife. Check your cluster's specific covenants regarding exact set-out times (usually dusk the night prior).
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Styrofoam
- ✓Wrappers and heavily soiled paper
Varies by Private Hauler Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be loose, clean, and dry. Never bag your recycling in plastic bags, as this causes immediate contamination at the processing facility.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean, flattened cardboard
- ✓Mixed paper, junk mail, and newspapers
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Rigid plastic bottles and jugs (Caps attached)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Glass bottles and jars
- ✕Plastic grocery bags or film
- ✕Tanglers (cords, wires, hoses)
- ✕Styrofoam packaging
- ✕Food-soiled pizza boxes
Yard Waste Bin
Plastic bags are strictly prohibited. Use compostable paper yard bags or clearly labeled personal reusable containers. Collection runs separately from March 1 through December 24.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small prunings
- ✓Brush and twigs (bundled, under 4 feet in length)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By request only (Subject to hauler fees)
Placement
Per Reston Association and HOA rules, do not place bulk items at the curb days in advance. They should only be set out the evening before your scheduled special collection date.
Accepted
- ✓ Household furniture
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Appliances (Freon removal often requires advanced notice and fees)
- ✓ Large rigid plastics
Not Accepted
- ✕ Household hazardous waste (paint, pesticides)
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Dirt, concrete, and heavy rocks
- ✕ Automotive parts and tires
Curbside bulk fees are determined independently by your private hauler. Alternatively, residents can transport bulk items to the I-66 Transfer Station in Fairfax for a standard county disposal fee.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Because collection is managed by private companies (e.g., Republic Services, American Disposal), holiday delays vary. However, most haulers observe Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day, pushing service back one day for the rest of the week.
Yard Waste Exception
Curbside yard waste collection halts entirely during the freezing winter months of January and February.
Always check your specific cluster’s community portal or your hauler's website for exact holiday schedules and weather-related service suspensions.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring/Summer
March to DecemberDedicated weekly yard waste collection begins on March 1st. Many Reston clusters encourage grasscycling (leaving clippings on the lawn) to reduce the volume of organic waste processed by the county.
Autumn
October to DecemberDuring peak fall foliage, ensure all leaves are bagged in compostable paper bags or approved reusable containers. Never rake or blow leaves directly into Reston's natural wooded areas or pathways, as this is considered illegal dumping.
Winter
JanuaryLive Christmas tree collection typically occurs during the first two weeks of January. Depending on your hauler, trees larger than 8 feet may need to be cut in half, and all ornaments, lights, and stands must be fully removed.
Local Tips & Community Info
Cashing In on Your Cans and Bottles Around Reston? Here's How!
While Virginia doesn't have a state-wide bottle and can redemption program that pays you back directly like some other states, don't toss those aluminum cans and plastic bottles just yet! Your best bet for getting a little cash back is to gather them up and find a local scrap metal dealer. A quick search shows options like Eagle Metal Recycling in nearby Sterling or Fairfax. They'll buy your aluminum, steel, and other metals by weight. It's a great way to make a few bucks while keeping valuable materials out of the landfill. Remember to check their specific accepted materials and hours before you haul them over!
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a New Life in Reston
Got furniture, clothes, or household items that are still in good shape but no longer fit your needs? Before they end up on the curb, think about donating them! Reston is fortunate to have places like the Goodwill of Greater Washington stores, where your donations can help fund job training programs. Another fantastic option is the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Alexandria. They accept a wide range of home goods, from furniture and appliances to building materials. Dropping off your unwanted items at these spots not only helps others but also keeps perfectly good things out of the trash heap.
Keeping Our Reston Neighborhoods Clean and Bright
Seeing trash where it shouldn't be is never a good look for our beautiful Reston community. While the official trash schedule handles regular pickups, if you notice any illegal dumping or have bulky items that don't fit the standard guidelines, it's good to know how to report it. Fairfax County, which includes Reston, has a Solid Waste Management division that handles these issues. You can usually report bulk trash pickup issues or illegal dumping through their website or by calling their customer service line. They often have specific procedures for larger items or situations where waste is improperly discarded. Plus, keep an eye out for community clean-up events that pop up throughout the year – joining one is a fantastic way to give back and meet your neighbors!
Drop-off Facilities
I-66 Transfer Station
4618 West Ox Road, Fairfax, VA 22030
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Reston Association pick up my trash?
No. The Reston Association only handles trash collection for public parks, pathways, and recreational facilities. Residential trash collection for homes and townhouses in Reston is managed by private haulers contracted either by the individual homeowner or their specific cluster association.
Why can't I put glass in my curbside recycling bin in Reston?
Reston follows Fairfax County's solid waste regulations, which removed glass from the single-stream recycling program. Broken glass causes severe damage to local sorting machinery. Residents should take clean glass to regional 'Purple Can Club' drop-off bins, like the one at the Reston South Park & Ride.
Can I store my trash bins on the side of my house?
In most cases, no. Reston Association guidelines and individual HOA covenants strictly regulate bin placement to maintain neighborhood aesthetics. Cans must generally be stored completely out of public view, such as inside a garage or behind an approved screening enclosure, except on collection day.
How do I dispose of old paint or lithium batteries in Reston?
Private curbside haulers will not accept household hazardous waste. You must safely store items like wet paint, chemicals, and lithium batteries and transport them to the Household Hazardous Waste drop-off area at the I-66 Transfer Station in Fairfax.