Residential Recycling

Curbside recycling collection services are provided only by town governments, homeowners associations / community associations, or directly by one of the solid waste disposal and recycling companies.

Residents may also drop-off their recyclables at any of several drop-off sites located throughout the county.

Curbside Trash and Recycling Set-Out Requirements

Loudoun County Trash and Recycling Set-Out Requirements are detailed in Chapter 1086 of the Codified Ordinances. (Town residents should check with their respective town administrative office as requirements may vary.) 

• Trash that is set out for curbside collection shall be in a durable container having a closely-fitting lid and handles to facilitate collection.
• Materials intended for recycling such as bottles, cans, paper, and cardboard shall be set out separately from trash.  
• Recyclables must be set out in a durable container that is adequately covered or secured and maintained so as to prevent blowing, spilling, or littering of the materials from the collection container. In no event shall recyclable material be set out in plastic bags nor shall any plastic bags be deposited in any recycling container that is not specifically marked as accepting plastic bags.
• Recyclable bottles and cans shall be empty, rinsed and drained of food particles, and shall be deposited loosely in the recycling container, not in bags. Cardboard boxes shall be empty, flattened and secured to prevent blowing or littering. Do not use string, twine, rope, wire, or tape to bundle paper or cardboard. 

Recycling Bins

Curbside recycling containers are provided by the service provider (i.e. town government, homeowners association / community association, or waste hauler) that is responsible for ensuring service. Recycling containers are also available for purchase at home improvement stores.

Recyclables should be placed loosely in the recycling container, without a bag, and the recycling container should have a lid or cover to prevent recyclables from falling or blowing out. 

Yard Waste

Grass clippings, leaves, and twigs should not be set out in plastic bags, only use paper bags designed for yard waste or a reusable container.

Accepted & Unaccepted Items for Curbside Recycling

Items set out for curbside recycling should be limited to what is listed in the "Accepted Items" section of the following table unless specifically directed otherwise by your curbside recycling service provider.  

Bottles, cans, jugs, and jars should be empty and rinsed out.  Conserve water by using left over dishwater or add a small amount of water to the container, put the lid on and shake to rinse.   

Plastic bags of any type are not accepted for curbside recycling because they cause equipment jamming issues at recycling sorting facilities, which also includes any plastic bags used for carrying out the recyclables. Place all recyclables loosely in recycling container.  Plastic grocery bags should be returned to grocery stores for recycling. See the Plastic Bag Recycling Tab for programs related to plastic bag recycling.