Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for West Falls Church
Trash Day
Collection runs Monday through Friday depending on your route; approximately 90% of Fairfax County residents use private haulers or HOA services, while county collection customers have a designated weekly pickup day.
Recycling
Collected weekly on your scheduled collection day.
Yard Waste
Collected weekly on your scheduled pickup day from March through December.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residents in Fairfax County sanitary districts pay solid waste fees through their semi-annual real estate property tax bill, while those outside county districts pay their private hauler or HOA directly.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, Phone, In Person
Pro Tip / Discount
Tax relief and exemptions are available for qualifying low-income senior citizens (age 65+) and disabled residents through the Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration.
Varies by Hauler (Often Gray/Black) Bin (Trash)
Trash must be placed at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your collection day. Do not overfill the cart, and ensure no individual bag or bundled item placed outside the cart exceeds 50 pounds.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food wrappers
- ✓Foam/Styrofoam
- ✓Double-bagged animal waste
- ✓Broken glass (must be in a taped box)
Varies by Hauler (Often Blue) Bin (Recycling)
All recyclables must be placed loose in the bin. Do not use plastic bags to hold recyclables. Ensure containers are relatively clean and dry, and leave caps on plastic bottles.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard and mixed paper
- ✓Metal food and beverage containers
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Cartons
Do NOT Include
- ✕Glass bottles and jars
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Shredded paper
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, hangers, cables)
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Foam takeout containers
Yard Waste Bin
Yard waste must be separated from regular trash and placed in paper yard bags or rigid reusable containers. Plastic bags are strictly prohibited.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Flowers
- ✓Small prunings
- ✓Brush and twigs under 4 feet in length
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Varies (County customers get 5 free pickups per fiscal year)
Placement
Bulk items must be placed safely at the curb or street line by 6:00 a.m. on your confirmed special collection day, avoiding blockage of sidewalks or streets.
Accepted
- ✓ Bulk furniture
- ✓ Appliances
- ✓ Scrap metal
- ✓ Refrigerant-containing appliances
- ✓ E-waste (computers and TVs)
- ✓ Large brush
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Tree stumps
- ✕ Dirt, rock, and brick
- ✕ Dead animals
- ✕ Asbestos
- ✕ Hazardous waste
If a county customer exceeds the 5 free collections, or sets out more than 2 cubic yards, additional fees apply. Private haulers set their own distinct pricing for any bulk pickup services.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Collection is generally delayed by one day following major holidays and during severe weather events. However, because 90% of residents use private haulers, holiday schedules vary significantly.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste collection is completely suspended across the county from December 25 through the end of February.
Always check directly with your specific permitted collection company or HOA for exact holiday schedule shifts, as private hauler rules supersede county guidelines for most West Falls Church addresses.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring/Summer
March to DecemberCurbside yard waste is collected separately from trash starting March 1 through December 24. Ensure all yard debris is in paper bags or rigid containers to ensure pickup.
Winter
JanuaryReal Christmas trees under 8 feet are collected during the first two weeks of January. You must remove all ornaments, decorations, lights, and stands before placing the tree at the curb.
Fall
October to DecemberDepending on your specific neighborhood and hauler in West Falls Church, you may be eligible for vacuum leaf collection. Otherwise, leaves must be securely bagged in paper yard sacks.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Your Bottles and Cans into Cash Near West Falls Church!
Hey neighbors! While West Falls Church doesn't have a specific bottle buyback program right in town, Virginia does have a state-wide initiative for certain beverage containers. Keep an eye out for the Virginia Recycling Re-cents program, which applies to most non-alcoholic drinks and beer. You can often find redemption centers a short drive away in surrounding areas where you can get a few cents back for each can or bottle. It's a small way to make a difference and get a little reward for your recycling efforts!
Giving Your Unwanted Stuff a Second Life in the West Falls Church Area
Thinking about tossing something that's still perfectly good? Before it hits the curb, consider donating! Near West Falls Church, your best bet for gently used clothing, furniture, and household items is often the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. They have locations in Alexandria and Fairfax, and they're always looking for donations to help fund their projects. Plus, you're giving those items a chance to be useful for someone else in our community.
Keeping West Falls Church Beautiful: Reporting Dumped Trash & Special Clean-Ups
Let's keep our West Falls Church looking its best! If you ever spot illegally dumped trash, it's important to report it. In Fairfax County, you can usually call the county's Solid Waste Management office or use their online reporting system to flag these issues. They're really good at addressing these problems quickly. Also, keep an ear out for announcements about county-wide hazardous waste collection days or community clean-up events – they're fantastic opportunities to get involved and make a big impact right here at home.
Drop-off Facilities
I-66 Transfer Station
4618 West Ox Rd, 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 trash in West Falls Church?
Trash collection in West Falls Church operates on a dual system. About 10% of residents are serviced directly by Fairfax County Solid Waste Management, while the remaining 90% must hire a permitted private hauler or use a service contracted by their Homeowner Association.
Why didn't my hauler pick up my yard waste bags?
If you used plastic bags, they will be left at the curb. Fairfax County instituted a ban on plastic yard waste bags to protect local compost from plastic pollution. You must use paper yard waste bags or reusable rigid containers.
Where should I dispose of glass bottles and jars?
Glass is strictly prohibited in curbside recycling carts. West Falls Church residents should gather their clean glass containers and drop them off at a designated Purple Can Club dumpster location for specialized glass recycling.
How can I throw away an old mattress or television?
If you have county collection, you can call 703-802-3322 to use one of your five free annual special pickups. If you have a private hauler, you must call them to schedule a bulk pickup (fees may apply), or you can transport the items yourself to the I-66 Transfer Station.