All About Recycling: What You Need to Know About Reusing Waste

When we reduce, reuse and recycle our trash, we lessen our environmental impact. Increasing recycling means fewer items end up in landfills, which helps conserve energy, decrease air and water pollution, maintain our natural resources and reduce greenhouse gases.

Here's what you should know about recycling in Fairfax County.

About 10% of residents and businesses in Fairfax County receive trash and recycling collection from Fairfax County. In most cases, 90% of residents and businesses in Fairfax County, a private collection company picks up your trash and recycling. Residents are usually billed by the collection company or pay via their homeowner association fees.

The curbside recycling bin program is designed to collect specific materials. The list below includes recyclable items you should always place in the bin. Keep them loose, clean, and dry – never in plastic bags. Placing unaccepted material or wet, dirty, sticky items in the bin reduces the recyclability of other material. You may leave lids and labels on containers.

Some things should never be placed in the curbside recycling bin. If you are unsure if something is recyclable in the bin, remember, "When in doubt, throw it out."

In addition to curbside pickup, residents may also take trash and recycling to two facilities in the county:

These sites are recommended to recycle household hazardous waste, electronics, and large or bulky items.

Free mulch is also available at these facilities.

To learn more, visit the recycling and trash webpage or contact our Solid Waste Management Program at 703-802-3322 or via [email protected].

Number of tons recycled at I-66 and I-95 drop off centers in 2021: