Carts are Coming!

Repurpose Your Old Bins:

• Old trash bins can be used for brush and yard waste collection. Each household will receive two 'Yard Waste Only' stickers to label old bins for yard waste collection.

The existing 18-gallon recycling bins can be reused for various purposes, such as:

• Glass recycling bin: Use it to collect glass separately and transport it to a purple glass recycling container.
• Electronics & battery storage: Store used batteries, small electronics, or cords to bring to an e-waste recycling center (such as the I-66 Transfer Station).
• Backyard composter: Drill a few drainage holes, and it can serve as a small compost bin for food scraps and yard waste.
• Storage container: Perfect for organizing garden tools, cleaning supplies, or outdoor gear.
• Extra recycling bin: Keep it as a backup for overflow recycling.
• Kids' garden or toy bin: Use it to store outdoor toys or as a portable garden tub for collecting weeds or leaves.
• Car trunk organizer: Keep it in the trunk to store reusable bags, sports equipment, or emergency supplies.

While the unified cart rollout is part of an effort to provide safe, equitable, standardized, and efficient curbside collection services for all residents, we understand that some households may prefer to continue using their own containers. If you choose to opt-out, you can continue using your existing bins for trash and recycling collection. Large items can still be placed curbside as usual for collection under the city's bulk waste guidelines.

The City of Fairfax is using the Westmore school site, next to the Fairfax City Dog Park (1100 Berry Street) as a temporary staging area for the new carts. This allows crews to efficiently assemble and prepare the carts for delivery to homes across the city. Don’t worry—the dog park will stay open! A clearly marked section will be set aside for cart activities to keep everyone safe, and work will follow the City’s noise ordinance. You may notice more delivery trucks in the area during the first week of January, but this setup helps ensure a smooth, citywide rollout of the new carts.

After the initial rollout, residents will have the opportunity to request a cart size swap, to opt-out, or opt-in, beginning a few months after delivery, while supplies are available. Details on how to maintain your new carts, swap them for a different size, or request additional carts will be provided in the information packet delivered with your carts. A new website form will be available to request size swaps, or to opt-in or out after the cart rollout in January.

Carts should be placed at the curb away from trees, mailboxes, fire hydrants, and parked cars. Cart handles should face towards the street so the crew members can easily access them and bring them to the trucks.

What happens if I move, or rent my home?

Residents may add their house number to the carts if desired. Each cart has a unique number and RFID tag linked to your address to help track and manage carts.