Carts are Coming!

⚠️ UPDATE: New trash/recycling carts delayed until JANUARY.

We Listened – You Now Have Cart Options

Thank you for sharing your thoughts about the new trash and recycling carts. Your feedback matters to us.

Every household will automatically receive at no cost:

  • One 64-gallon trash cart
  • One 64-gallon recycling cart

Don't need the large carts? You can now:

  • Request smaller 32-gallon carts instead
  • Choose not to receive carts at all

Ready to choose? Fill out the form below.

How to Request a Different Cart Size or Opt Out

Fill Out Form Here

Already submitted? You can resubmit the form to change your answer. The most recent response will be used for the cart rollout in January.


Follow these steps:

  1. Click the button above to go to Fairfax City Resolve.
  2. Enter your address.
  3. Under "Request Title," select "Trash and Recycling Cart Alternative Size & Opt Out Request Form."
  4. Add your contact information.
  5. Choose your cart options:
    • Smaller 32-gallon trash cart
    • Smaller 32-gallon recycling cart
    • Or opt out of receiving carts
  6. Submit by Nov. 3. 

Come See the New Cart Sizes In-Person! 

Carts in lobby

Come see the carts in person! Visit the main atrium at City Hall (10455 Armstrong Street) during normal business hours to check out both cart sizes side by side. You can take them for a test roll, see how much they hold, and get a feel for which size best fits your household’s needs.

Why the Switch?

These carts make disposal easier, neater, and more efficient—for both you and our crews.

  • Easy to use - no more lifting, just roll your cart to the curb
  • Weatherproof - attached lids keep contents dry and contained
  • Spacious - more room for recyclables means higher recycling rate
  • Cleaner environment - lids prevent litter from being blown into our neighborhoods and polluting our local streams, parks, and natural areas
  • Increased safety - rolling carts and mechanical lifts protect our workforce from additional strain and injury    
  • Compatibility - size options or opting out of receiving carts altogether lets the project work for every household's needs. 
Bin size graphic (white).jpg
Size comparison showing 64-gallon (left) and 32-gallon (right) cart options next to a 5'7" person for scale. The 64-gallon cart holds approximately 5 standard trash bags while the 32-gallon holds 2.5 bags.

Frequently Asked Questions

I don't want the carts, do I have to have them?

You can opt-out! If you do not want to receive the carts, you can fill out the survey on Fairfax City Resolve and opt-out of receiving the carts altogether.

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.

Can I mix and match sizes? 

Yes! A household can request one 64-gallon size and a 32-gallon size for either the trash or recycling cart!  By default, every household will receive one 64-gallon trash cart, and one 64-gallon recycling cart unless otherwise specified on Fairfax City Resolve. 

Can I opt-out of just one cart? 

No. The carts come as a set and residents can either receive one trash and one recycling cart of either the 64-gallon and or 32-gallon size, or opt-out of receiving both carts. By default, every household will receive one 64-gallon trash cart, and one 64-gallon recycling cart unless otherwise specified on Fairfax City Resolve. 

When are Carts Coming?

Carts will be delivered in January. A mailer will notify you of your address's delivery date later this fall. Delivery may occur up to two days before or after the scheduled date.

Accompanying the carts will be an updated eight-page service guide, a new recycling magnet, two "Yard Waste Only" stickers to repurpose your old bins, and a cart information sheet.

What are the cart dimensions and sizes? What do they look like?

  • 64-gallon cart (standard): approximately 42" tall, 24" wide, and 32" deep.
  • 32-gallon cart (smaller option): approximately 38" tall, 20" wide, and 24" deep.

Bin size graphic

Both sizes are equipped with wheels for easy rolling and attached lids to keep contents secure and dry.

By default, every household will receive one 64-gallon trash cart and one 64-gallon recycling cart at no cost. However, residents now have the option to request smaller 32-gallon carts for trash, recycling, or both, or opt-out of receiving carts altogether. Please fill out the survey on Fairfax City Resolve to make your selection.

Why is the City offering multiple sizes and an opt-out option?

The city understands that households have different needs when it comes to your curbside collection services. Some residents generate less trash or recycling and may prefer a smaller container that takes up less storage space and is easier to maneuver. By offering both a 64-gallon, or 32-gallon size option, and allowing residents to opt-out of receiving carts altogether, the city is providing flexibility while still maintaining a high level of service for our curbside collection services. 

When will the carts be distributed?

The carts delivery has been delayed until January. An updated delivery day for your household/neighborhood will be included in the mailer sent to every household, but delivery may occur up to two days before or after.

Accompanying the carts will be an updated eight-page service guide, a new recycling magnet, and two "Yard Waste Only" stickers to repurpose your old bins.

What do I need to do for the delivery of the carts?

Nothing! Carts will be delivered to all single-family homes and townhomes that receive curbside collection services. You do not need to take any action or be home for the delivery! Carts will be left at the curb. More information and a detailed delivery schedule will be available soon!

However, if you prefer not to receive carts, fill out the survey on Fairfax City Resolve before your delivery date.

Will curbside collection change?

Curbside trash, recycling, and yard waste collection will continue without interruption during and after the rollout. The city is not changing its trucks; the existing city trash trucks are retrofitted with hydraulic rear lift gates to continue its semi-automatic collection practices once the new carts are in place. 

Are there any special instructions for placing carts out for collection?

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.

Illustration showing correct recycling bin handle placement: worker positioning blue recycling bin with handles facing away from street (green checkmark) versus incorrect placement with handles facing the street (red X)

What if I need more space for my trash or recycling? What if I need less space?

Residents can request a smaller 32-gallon cart or opt-out by filling out the survey on Fairfax City Resolve. For households that need additional capacity, you may continue placing extra bagged trash or recyclables alongside your cart on collection day.

What if I want to change my cart size later?

After the initial rollout, residents will have the opportunity to request a cart size swap 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.

I already have trash and recycling cans. Can I return or refuse the city's new carts and use my own?

Yes! You can opt-out by filling out the survey on Fairfax City Resolve and continue using your own containers.

I don't have space for these carts, and I do not want them.

You can opt-out! Fill out the survey on Fairfax City Resolve to opt-out and continue using your existing bins.

What happens if I move, or rent my home?

If you receive carts, they are the property of the City of Fairfax and are numerically registered to the address to which they were originally delivered. If you decide to move or rent your house, simply leave your carts with the property.

What Gives the City Authority to Provide Carts?

Virginia law (Code § 15.2-928(A)) gives all localities the authority to provide standardized trash and recycling containers. Residents may opt-out via the survey on Fairfax City Resolve. Carts remain City property and are assigned to each address as part of curbside service.

What should I do with my old trash and recycling bins?

Old Fairfax City Trash Bins with Yard Waste Only Stickers

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.
One-Time Take-Back Option: If you prefer to dispose of your old bins, the city is offering a one-time recycling take-back option. More information will be mailed to all residents!

Prefer to keep using your old bins? You can opt-out via the survey on Fairfax City Resolve.

Will the city continue providing backdoor service with the new carts?

Yes. We remain committed to providing accommodations to applicable residents. 

Can I personalize the carts?

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.

Cart Rollout Communications Toolkit

Welcome to the City of Fairfax Cart Rollout Communications Toolkit! This toolkit is designed for residents, HOAs and Civic Associations, and community groups to help share important information about the upcoming trash and recycling cart rollout. Inside, you'll find ready-to-use newsletter drafts, social media posts, graphics, and photos that you can use across your own communication channels.

These materials are meant to supplement the city's official messaging and help spread the word to neighbors, friends, and members of your community. Whether you're sharing updates via email, social media, or newsletters, this toolkit makes it easy to keep everyone informed and engaged about the new cart options, rollout timeline, and size request process.

Visit each section to download content, customize it for your audience, and help Fairfax City residents make the most of the new cart system!

Newsletter Content

Ready-to-use newsletter templates you can copy and paste:

Social Media Posts

Pre-written posts organized by length for various platforms:

Suggested Hashtags: #We'reOnARoll #FairfaxRecycles #SustainableFairfax #WasteLessFairfax #RecyclingWorks #GreenerFairfax #RecycleRight #CleanCartsCleanCity #FairfaxForward #RecyclingDoneRight #CleanerGreenerCurbside

If you have any immediate questions, please contact Melissa McDonald at melissa.mcdonald@fairfaxva.gov or 703-385-7837.

 

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