Trash, Recycling, Yard Waste During COVID-19

Update Sept. 22, 2021

Help Keep Trash/Recycling Service on Track

Like most businesses, Arlington’s curbside trash/recycling/yard waste contractor has experienced staffing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. At times, some routes may not have been completed on their scheduled day, requiring a follow-up run the next day. If trash and/or recycling is not collected on your service day, leave the carts at the curb.

If carts have not been serviced by noon the second day, submit a missed collection ticket online or by calling 703-228-5000.

Residential trash tonnage increased more than 30% at times in 2020 as the pandemic took hold.

Person emptying a garbage cart into a garbage truck

To help ensure their health and safety and maintain our collection schedule, please follow these simple steps:

Minimize setting extra bags outside the cart.
Keep your spring cleaning pile in your basement or garage for now.
Flatten cardboard boxes and, if possible, try to fit them in the recycling cart.
Dispose of used wipes, masks, rubber gloves, tissues and paper towels in firmly tied trash bags.
If you have a large quantity of cardboard boxes, drop them off at one of our recycling drop-off sites.
Drop off glass bottles and jars at a recycling drop-off center instead of throwing them in the trash.
Make an appointment to drop off household hazardous materials Monday through Thursday. Call 703-228-5000 to schedule.
Grasscycle and let the cut blades feed the lawn.
Compost or drop off food scraps and other organic waste.

Drop Off Household Hazards by Appointment

Household hazardous items and electronics can be dropped off safely at a County collection site during weekdays with an appointment by calling 703-228-5000 Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

About Yard Waste Collection

Arlington residential curbside yard waste collection resumed the week of Aug. 31, 2020 after a temporary suspension in May due to contractor staffing issues related to COVID-19.

Use the green cart and paper bags only. Plastic bags containing yard waste can’t be mulched and won’t be collected.

If yard waste has not been collected on your trash day, leave it at the curb. If filled carts and/or bags remain after 12 p.m. the next day, submit a missed collection ticket online or call 703-228-5000 weekdays 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Curbside collection of larger yard waste material like brush and limbs is available but only by scheduling a pickup appointment.

Household Solid Waste Credit

The County issued a $10.77 credit to the Household Solid Waste Rate, assessed on customer’s quarterly water/sewer/refuse utility bills. The County’s temporary yard waste drop-off sites are no longer available.

Questions: Call the Customer Contact Center at 703-228-5000 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.