Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Winchester
Trash Day
Trash collection is scheduled Monday through Thursday based on voting ward (Ward 1 on Monday, Ward 2 on Tuesday, Ward 3 on Wednesday, and Ward 4 on Thursday; Old Town collection follows its designated schedule)
Recycling
Collected weekly on the same day as trash pickup based on voting ward
Yard Waste
Fridays citywide from mid-March through mid-January (canceled during holiday weeks)
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential utility bills are billed every other month and consolidate water, sewer, trash, recycling, and stormwater service charges into one statement.
Billing Cycle
Bi-Monthly
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Phone, Mail, In-Person, Drop Box
City-provided Cart (35, 65, or 95-gallon) Bin (Trash)
Trash MUST be bagged before being placed inside your city-provided cart. There is no limit to the number of bags you can place inside, but the cart's lid must fully close. Set out by 6:00 a.m. on collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food wrappers and non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Bagged pet waste
- ✓Styrofoam packaging
City-provided Recycling Cart Bin (Recycling)
All recyclables must be placed loose inside the recycling cart. Do not bag your recyclables in plastic bags. Set the cart out by 6:00 a.m. alongside your trash bin.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean cardboard and mixed paper
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs (check the neck)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Glass bottles and jars
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, wires, cords)
- ✕Food waste and greasy pizza boxes
Yard Waste Bin
Yard waste is collected on Fridays only. Use biodegradable paper lawn bags or small open trash cans. Brush must be tied in bundles no longer than 4 feet and 18 inches in diameter. Limit of 5 items per week (limit lifted during leaf season).
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings and weeds
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Brush and plant trimmings (max 3-inch branch diameter)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Annually (Free Cleanup Day) or By Request (Fee applies)
Placement
For approved Large Item Collections or Annual Cleanup Days, place items at the curb no earlier than the evening before and by 6:00 a.m. on the day of service.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (sofas, mattresses, dressers)
- ✓ Large bulky items that do not fit in carts
- ✓ Appliances (during cleanup events or special requests)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Lumber
- ✕ Household hazardous waste and wet paint
- ✕ Electronics (TVs, computers)
Annual Ward Cleanup Days are free of charge. Off-schedule 'Large Item Collection' requests incur a municipal fee (historically around $20 per pickup truck load).
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
The city observes a 'holiday slide schedule.' During weeks with a recognized holiday, trash and recycling collections scheduled on or after the holiday shift one day later than usual.
Yard Waste Exception
A unique Winchester rule: if there is a holiday during the week, Friday yard waste collection is completely canceled for that entire week.
Local events like the Apple Blossom Festival also trigger a cancellation of Friday yard waste services.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring
MayDuring the week of the famous Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, typical Friday yard waste collection is canceled to accommodate the massive influx of visitors and city-wide events.
Winter
January to MarchCurbside yard waste collection goes on a mandatory hiatus from mid-January to mid-March. The final Friday collection in January also serves as the designated day for undecorated Christmas tree pickups.
Autumn
October to DecemberDuring peak leaf collection season, the city lifts the usual five-item limit for yard waste. However, all leaves must still be placed in biodegradable paper bags for Friday collection.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Cans to Cash In Around Winchester?
While Winchester itself might not have a direct bottle buyback center right within city limits, Virginia has a state-sponsored program for certain beverage containers. Keep an eye out for the Virginia Redemption Value (VRV) logo on cans and bottles. You can often redeem these at larger grocery stores and some convenience stores throughout the Northern Shenandoah Valley region, including those near Winchester. For larger metal items like old appliances or scrap metal, check out local scrap yards. A quick search for 'scrap metal recycling Winchester VA' should point you to places like Valley Recycling, which often buys ferrous and non-ferrous metals. It's a great way to clear out clutter and make a little extra cash!
Give Your Goods a Second Life in the Apple Capital
Instead of tossing perfectly good items, why not donate them to a local Winchester charity? Organizations like the Salvation Army Family Store & Donation Center are always looking for furniture, clothing, and household goods. Another fantastic option is the Habitat for Humanity ReStore located in Winchester. They accept a wide range of building materials, furniture, and home decor. Dropping off usable items there not only helps out neighbors in need but also supports affordable housing initiatives right here in our community. It's a win-win for everyone!
Keeping Our Winchester Streets Clean: Tackling Dumped Trash
Nobody likes seeing trash piled up where it shouldn't be. If you spot illegal dumping in or around Winchester, it's important to report it. The City of Winchester Public Works department handles these situations. You can usually find a contact number on the city's official website for reporting such issues. While specific community clean-up events aren't always on a fixed schedule, keep an eye on local news outlets and community boards for announcements. Often, local groups organize clean-up days, especially around parks and public spaces. Participating is a fantastic way to show pride in our town and make a visible difference.
Drop-off Facilities
Frederick County Regional Landfill & Citizen Center
280 Landfill Rd, Winchester, VA 22602
Materials Accepted
Jim Barnett Park Glass Drop-off
1001 E Cork St, Winchester, VA 22601 (Parking lot beside BMX track)
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
When is my yard waste picked up in Winchester?
Yard waste is universally collected city-wide on Fridays from mid-March to mid-January. Note that during any week with a recognized city holiday, yard waste collection is completely canceled for that week.
What should I do with my old television and electronics?
Electronics like TVs, monitors, and computers cannot go in your curbside trash or bulk pickup. Winchester residents must take these e-waste items directly to the Frederick County Regional Landfill for proper disposal.
Can I use my regular trash can for yard debris?
Yes, you can use a small, open-top trash can for grass clippings and leaves, as long as it is clearly marked. Alternatively, you can use biodegradable paper lawn bags. Never use your city-issued rolling carts or plastic bags for yard waste.
How do I dispose of a broken couch?
You have three options: wait for your specific Ward's Annual Cleanup Day for free curbside removal, submit a paid 'Large Item Collection' form through the City of Winchester's website, or haul the couch yourself to the Frederick County Landfill Citizen Center.