Arlington residents manage their household waste through a structured weekly schedule designed for efficiency and environmental responsibility. Understanding the specific rules for your neighborhood prevents fines and keeps the community clean.
Weekly Collection Calendar Overview
The city divides waste into three primary streams, each collected on specific days. Garbage, recycling, and yard waste all follow a rotating schedule based on your street address. This system maximizes landfill space and promotes high recycling rates across the region.
Garbage and Trash Details
Collection Day and Rules
Household garbage is typically collected once per week. Carts must be placed at the curb by 6:00 AM on your designated day. Only bagged trash and specific items are accepted, so checking the official list is essential to avoid contamination.
Accepted and Prohibited Items
Residents should place general waste, food scraps, and non-recyclable plastics inside heavy-duty bags. Items like electronics, hazardous materials, and textiles require special drop-off locations and cannot be thrown in the regular bin.
Recycling Program Information
Sorting Guidelines
Recycling collection occurs bi-weekly and uses a single-stream system where items commingle in the truck. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, glass bottles, and rigid plastics numbered one through seven.
Preparing Materials
Containers must be empty and rinsed to prevent residue. Lids should remain on plastic bottles, and all items should be loose—never bagged—as sorting facilities cannot process bagged recyclables.
Yard Waste and Organic Collection
Seasonal Services
From spring to fall, yard waste is collected weekly alongside regular trash. During winter months, this service transitions to a bi-weekly schedule. Leaves, grass clippings, and small branches are accepted in specific compostable bags.
Alternative Disposal Options
Large organic materials, such as tree stumps or excessive landscaping waste, require a separate bulky item appointment. Residents can also utilize community composting sites to manage natural waste sustainably.
Special Waste and Hazardous Materials
Items like paint, batteries, and motor oil pose environmental risks and require careful handling. The city hosts periodic collection events where residents can dispose of these materials for free, ensuring they do not enter the regular waste stream.
