Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Sterling
Trash Day
Trash collection days vary by neighborhood, as Sterling is an unincorporated area in Loudoun County where curbside waste collection is contracted privately by individual Homeowners Associations (HOAs) or subscription haulers like Republic Services, American Disposal, and Patriot Disposal (typically 1–2 times per week, Monday through Friday).
Recycling
Curbside recycling is collected weekly on designated service days established by your neighborhood HOA contract or private subscription hauler.
Yard Waste
Seasonal curbside yard waste pickup is provided by most private haulers from March through December on designated collection days; debris may also be taken to Loudoun County drop-off facilities.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Loudoun County does not provide municipal trash collection or billing. Trash and recycling fees are paid directly to your private waste collector or bundled into your community HOA fees.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly or Monthly (or included in HOA dues)
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, Phone
Varies by private hauler (typically Black or Gray) Bin (Trash)
All trash must be tightly bagged before being placed in the toter. Containers must be at the curb by 6:00 a.m. (or the night before) and removed from public view by the evening following collection.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Polystyrene (Styrofoam) foam
- ✓Food waste and scraps
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics (#3 - #7)
Varies by private hauler (typically Blue or Green) Bin (Recycling)
Do not bag recyclables; place them loosely in the cart. All food containers must be lightly rinsed and completely dry before disposal.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastics bottles and jugs (#1 and #2 only)
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans (empty aerosol cans)
- ✓Flattened corrugated cardboard
- ✓Mixed paper, magazines, and mail
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Glass bottles and jars (use Purple Bins)
- ✕Styrofoam packaging
- ✕Greasy pizza boxes
- ✕Electronic waste
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in compostable paper bags or a personal toter labeled 'Yard Waste' in 4-inch letters. Brush must be bundled with twine (under 50 lbs per bundle). Limit of 10 items per pickup.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Fallen leaves
- ✓Small twigs and seasonal plant trimmings
- ✓Brush limbs (max 4-foot length, under 6 inches in diameter)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By advance scheduled appointment only
Placement
To comply with HOA visual standards, do not place bulky items at the curb until you have received confirmation of your scheduled pickup date. Unscheduled items will not be collected.
Accepted
- ✓ Large household furniture (sofas, tables, dressers)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Large boxed items
- ✓ Children's bulky plastic outdoor toys
Not Accepted
- ✕ Rocks, dirt, concrete, and tires
- ✕ Construction and landscaping debris
- ✕ Hazardous waste and wet paint
- ✕ Tree stumps
Bulk pickups are not free. Haulers typically charge an average fee of $85 per item, though exact prices vary depending on your specific HOA contract and the item's size.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Major holidays observed by private haulers will push collection schedules back by one day for the remainder of the week. Most minor federal holidays (like Presidents' Day) do not affect normal trash routes.
Yard Waste Exception
If a major holiday falls on a Monday during peak season, yard waste collections are typically delayed to Tuesday.
Because Sterling utilizes various private haulers, it is highly recommended to check your specific HOA newsletter or your hauler's online alert banner (e.g., Republic Services, Patriot Disposal) for exact holiday and inclement weather delays.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring through Fall
March 1 to December 24Mandatory yard waste separation is in effect. All organic lawn debris must be kept entirely separate from household garbage and prepared according to your hauler's 10-bag/bundle limits.
Winter
January and FebruaryDedicated yard waste routes are suspended for the deep winter. Any small amounts of yard debris generated during these two months should be bagged and placed directly into your normal household trash toter.
Post-Holidays
First two weeks of JanuaryLive Christmas trees are generally collected at the curb. Trees must be completely free of lights, ornaments, tinsel, and stands. Do not place the tree inside a plastic disposal bag, and trees taller than 8 feet must be cut in half.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Your Recyclables into Real Cash Around Sterling?
While Sterling itself doesn't have a dedicated local buyback center for cans and bottles, don't toss that aluminum and glass just yet! Virginia has a state bottle bill, meaning many beverage containers can be redeemed for a deposit. Keep an eye out for larger recycling centers in nearby areas like Fairfax or Loudoun counties that might accept these, or check with local scrap metal yards for prices on aluminum and other metals. Every bit counts towards keeping our community cleaner and your wallet a little heavier!
Got Stuff to Give Away? Find a Good Home for Your Treasures Near Sterling!
Before you decide to toss usable items, think about giving them a second life! The Northern Virginia area has some fantastic options. Habitat for Humanity ReStores are always looking for furniture, appliances, and building materials – check out the one in Chantilly. Local Goodwill stores also do a wonderful job of taking clothing, household goods, and books, supporting job training programs. Even smaller, local thrift shops often accept donations, so a quick call to a nearby shop can help you find the perfect spot for your unwanted but still-good items.
Keeping Sterling Spick-and-Span: Tackling Bulky Trash and Community Clean-Ups
While your regular trash schedule covers the basics, what about those bigger items or neighborhood clean-up efforts? If you've got a couch or a fridge to dispose of that goes beyond the standard bulky item limit, it's usually best to contact your waste management provider directly to arrange a special pickup – this avoids any surprises. Loudoun County often hosts household hazardous waste collection days for things like paint or electronics that shouldn't go in your regular bin. Also, keep an eye on local community social media groups or town hall announcements for any upcoming neighborhood clean-up events that you can join to make Sterling even more beautiful for everyone!
Drop-off Facilities
Loudoun County Solid Waste Management Facility (Landfill)
21101 Evergreen Mills Road, Leesburg, VA 20175
Materials Accepted
Sterling Park Recycling Center (Purple Bin Drop-Off)
400 W Laurel Avenue, Sterling, VA 20164
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who provides trash collection service in Sterling, VA?
Since Sterling is unincorporated, trash collection is not provided by the municipality. Instead, services are managed by private waste hauling companies like American Disposal, Republic Services, or Patriot Disposal. Typically, your Homeowners Association (HOA) selects and contracts the hauler for your neighborhood.
Can I put glass bottles in my curbside recycling bin?
Loudoun County strongly advises against putting glass in curbside single-stream recycling carts because it easily breaks and ruins other materials. Instead, you should take your empty glass bottles and jars to a designated Purple Bin, such as the one at the Sterling Park Recycling Center.
How do I throw away an old couch or mattress?
Bulk item pickup is not included in your weekly service. You must contact your specific private hauler directly to schedule a special pickup. Be prepared to pay an additional per-item fee (often around $85), and do not place the item at the curb until your appointment is confirmed.
Why did my hauler refuse to take my yard waste bags?
If your yard waste was left at the curb, it was almost certainly placed in a plastic garbage bag. Loudoun County ordinances strictly prohibit the use of plastic bags for yard debris. You must use compostable paper lawn bags or a reusable rigid container clearly labeled 'Yard Waste'.