Starting today, the county will provide free leaf bags for residents, in anticipation of the yearly leaf collection starting next month.
Leaf collection begins on Monday, November 4, and runs through Friday, January 10. Collections will take place on weekdays, including holidays except Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Leaf bags are collected on the next business day after your regular trash collection day. For example, if your trash is collected on Fridays, your leaf bags will be collected on Mondays. Residents are asked to report a missed or partial pickup by noon of the next business day. It can be reported online using the Missed Pickup form or by calling 703-228-6570.
Residents are encouraged to use any paper bags left over from the spring yard waste collection. Those needing new paper leaf bags can find them at most hardware stores. Free bags are also available beginning today (while supplies last) at the following locations:
- Aurora Hills Center, 735 18th Street South, 703-228-5715
- Courthouse Plaza Information Desk, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., 703-228-3000
- Lee Center, 5722 Lee Highway, 703-228-0552
- Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, 703-228-6535
- Lubber Run Center, 300 N. Park Drive, 703-228-4712
- Madison Center, 3829 N. Stafford Street, 703-228-5310
- Solid Waste Bureau, 4300 29th Street South, 703-228-6570
- Thomas Jefferson Center, 3501 2nd Street South, 703-228-5920
Be sure to follow the guidelines below when preparing leaves for pickup:
- Remove dirt, stones, litter and other debris from leaves
- Place only leaves in biodegradable paper leaf bags (bags will be made into mulch with leaves). Do not use plastic bags
- Close bags by folding top down
- Place bags at the curb by 6:30 a.m., one day after your trash day
Arlington County collects about 50,000 cubic yards of leaves every year. Staff members develop the leaf collection schedule after analyzing historic data, tree types and density, weather forecasts, state forestry forecasts, and resident feedback.
Vacuum leaf collection begins Monday, November 11, and runs through Friday, December 20. Crews will canvass designated neighborhoods every day except Sundays and Thanksgiving.
Yellow and orange signs will be posted in neighborhoods three to seven days prior to the scheduled vacuum leaf collections. The full schedule can be found online or by calling 703-228-6565.
Residents should follow the guidelines below while preparing for vacuum leaf collection:
- Rake leaves to curb
- Do not block roadways with leaves more than seven (7) days in advance of your scheduled vacuum leaf collection pass as it is un-neighborly, dangerous, blocks traffic, limits street parking, and potentially can cause a fire hazard
- Pile leaves away from storm drains and water meter covers, low wires, and parked cars
- Remove stones, litter, branches or other debris to prevent equipment damage and worker injuries
- Don’t place leaves in plastic bags or county trash carts
- Never park your car on leaf piles, it’s a fire hazard
