Trash and Recycling Carts
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We're here to help! Click "Cart Request Form" below to open the form and submit your request—we'll be in touch to take care of it.
What Makes These Carts Better?
Our new trash and recycling carts are designed to make curbside collection easier, safer, and cleaner—for residents and collection crews alike. Here's what makes them an upgrade:
- Easy to Use: No more heavy lifting—simply roll your cart to the curb.
- All-Weather Design: Attached lids and latches keep contents dry and securely contained.
- Increased Capacity: More room for recyclables means higher recycling rates for our community. ♻️
- Cleaner Environment: Secure lids prevent litter from blowing into neighborhoods and polluting our environment.
- Pest and Wildlife Deterrence: Latching lids help prevent animals from accessing carts and creating messes.
- Enhanced Safety: Rolling carts and mechanical lifts protect our workforce from strain and injury.
The City's new trash carts are available in 32-gallon and 64-gallon sizes. Both feature secure lids to prevent animal access, wheels for easy mobility, and detailed recycling information.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Disposal Option: If you prefer to dispose of your old bins, simply place your old trash and recycling bins upside down or labeled ‘please take’ at the curb on your regular curbside collection day.
Can I continue to use my existing trash and recycling containers? What about large items?
Yes! Residents may continue to use their existing trash bags or containers, as well as the 18-gallon recycling bin. However, we highly encourage households to use the new standardized carts for curbside collection whenever possible.
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.
What if I want to change my cart size later? Or if I want to opt-into the carts, or opt-out of the 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 February.
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. Carts also have an added latch to securely close the lid and prevent animals from accessing the carts. The carts come as a set and cannot be separated.
What happens if I move, or rent my home? Can the new occupants change their cart size(s)?
The 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. The new occupants may request to change their cart size, opt-in, or opt-out depending on their household's needs.
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.
I change my mind, and I do not want these carts anymore?
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 February.
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.