Carts are Coming!
⚠️UPDATE: New trash/recycling carts delayed until later this winter.
Delivery to all single-family homes and townhomes that receive curbside collection services will still take place, but the city is making program updates to provide more flexibility to our curbside collection services.
NEW: Choose Your Cart Size
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. See below.
How to Request a Different Size
- Fill out the Cart Size Survey at Fairfax City Resolve.
Fill Out Survey Here
- Fill out your address information.
- Select “Trash and Recycling Cart Alternative Size Request Form” under the Request Title section.
- Add your contact information.
- Indicate if you would like the smaller 32-gallon cart option for trash, and or recycling.
- Submit your response by Nov. 3.
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
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
When are Carts Coming?
Carts will be delivered later this winter. 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.
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. If you would like a smaller cart for trash or recycling, please fill out the survey on Fairfax City Resolve.
Why is the City offering multiple sizes?
The City understands that households have different needs. 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 64-gallon and 32-gallon carts, the City is providing flexibility while still maintaining a standardized collection system that ensures safety, efficiency, and consistency for our crews.
When will the carts be distributed?
The carts delivery has been delayed. 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!
Will curbside collection change?
Curbside trash, recycling, and yard waste collection will continue without interruption during and after the rollout.
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.
What if I need more space for my trash or recycling? What if I need less space?
If you regularly need more space, you can continue to use existing containers or purchase your own additional container(s) for a one-time fee. If you regularly need less space, residents are encouraged to opt-into the smaller 32-gallon trash and or recycling cart while the survey is open until November 3. To request a smaller cart(s) please fill out the survey on Fairfax City Resolve.
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?
No, the carts are numerically registered to the address to which they were originally delivered and must remain with the property. These carts are part of a larger effort to provide safe, equitable, standardized, and efficient curbside collection services for all residents, we cannot accommodate individual requests from households to opt out.
I don't have space for these carts, and I do not want them.
The unified cart rollout is part of an effort to provide safe, equitable, standardized, and efficient curbside collection services for all residents. Only in extreme cases where residents are unable to store or use the carts under any circumstances, staff may consider waiving the requirement for that household. This measure will be a last resort reserved for situations of demonstrated hardship.
What happens if I move, or rent my home?
These carts 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 and require standardized trash and recycling containers. The carts remain City property but are assigned to each address as part of curbside service. Requiring their use is similar to other collection rules, like setting materials out on time or separating recyclables.
What should I do with my old trash and recycling bins?
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!
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.
If you have any immediate questions, please contact Melissa McDonald at melissa.mcdonald@fairfaxva.gov or 703-385-7837.