Arlington County Trash Pick Up: Residential Curbside Waste Collection Services

Arlington County residents rely on efficient and consistent waste management to keep their community clean and sustainable. The Department of Environmental Services (DES) provides comprehensive trash, recycling, and waste collection services to support over 6,600 curbside customers daily.

References:

• Official Arlington County Recycling and Trash Services: https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Recycling-and-Trash
• Arlington DES Facebook Page: https://m.facebook.com/ArlingtonDES/

Trash Pick Up Schedule in Arlington County

Arlington County offers a robust waste collection system designed to meet the diverse needs of its residents. The current service handles more than 15,000 cart pick-ups daily, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the county.

Residential Trash Collection

As of August 2025, Arlington County has transitioned to a new curbside collection contractor. While the transition has presented some challenges, the county remains committed to maintaining high-quality service standards. Key points include:

• Daily service covering approximately 6,600 curbside customers
• Typical historical performance of around 10 missed collections per day
• Recent transition period experiencing increased missed collections

Reporting Missed Collections

Residents can report missed pickups through two primary methods:

1. Online Report-a-Problem tool: arlingtonva.us/reportaproblem
2. DES Customer Contact Center: 703-228-5000 (Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.)

Recycling Services

Arlington County offers comprehensive recycling options, including:

• Curbside recycling collection
• Food scraps pick-up and drop-off programs
• Glass recycling
• Recycling drop-off centers

Bulk & Large Item Pick Up

Residents can schedule specialized pickups for:

• Metal and appliance items
• Electronics
• Brush collection
• Yard waste

Holiday Trash Pick Up Changes

The county provides a holiday service schedule to ensure continued waste management during special periods. Residents are advised to check the official website for specific holiday collection details.

How to Find or Request Services

Residents can easily access waste management services through:

• Online portal
• Customer Contact Center
• County website’s A-Z service directory

Important Considerations

When using curbside collection services:

• Keep carts at the curb until serviced
• Remove carts after collection to reduce unnecessary stops
• Wait until after 7 p.m. on collection day to report missed pickups

Arlington County is dedicated to providing reliable, efficient waste collection services. Despite recent transition challenges, the Department of Environmental Services continues to work diligently to maintain high-quality waste management for its residents.

For the most up-to-date information, residents should always consult the official Arlington County website or contact the DES Customer Contact Center directly.