Refuse Collection and Recycling

Trash collection where we live is handled by private contractors licensed by Fairfax County to collect and haul to the public incinerator and recycling point. All contractors are required to follow the refuse collection and recycling procedures outlined here.

These materials for recycling are to be separated from other trash before pickup:
- Newspapers (tie up or put into paper sacks)
- Metal cans (wash out well, but it is not necessary to remove labels)
- Glass bottles and jars (wash out well, remove caps and metal collars, but not labels)
- Yard waste: leaves (bag up) and clippings/branches (tie up)

Not required by the County, but some trash collectors also separate:
- Plastic bottles and jars-only those which
- Have mouths smaller than their base and
- Are marked on their base with a numeral 1 or 2 in a triangle

Hazardous materials not to be placed in trash: (see HAZARDOUS WASTES for how to dispose of these items)
- Used motor oil
- Auto anti-freeze
- Batteries (except alkaline)
- Herbicides - weed control products
- Insecticides - insect/pest control products
- Other poisons
- Oil-based paint and paint solvents.
- Car waxes with solvents
- Photographic chemicals
- Household cleaners

Latex paints should not be turned in with hazardous wastes, but should be opened, allowed to dry out and then put into your regular refuse collection.

Recycling drop off centers (no trash or hazardous wastes) ((701**) include:
- Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2107 Belle View Boulevard
- Fort Belvoir, Building 1089, Pohick Road & Gunston Road
- Jones Point Park, 2 Royal Street & Jones Point Road, Alexandria City
- Aluminum cans only: Sherwood Hall Lane Fire & Rescue Station, at rear of station

Further information call 324-5052, or call 324-5230 during regular County government office hours.