Environmental Services
Brush, Leaf and Yard Waste Management
Brush Pickup
Unbundled brush (clippings and tree trimmings) is collected and recycled into wood mulch. Large quantities of brush resulting from the removal of more than two trees or land clearing will not be collected. For brush amounts of this size it is the homeowner's responsibility to arrange for disposal. Brush is collected the same day as your trash collection day.
Schedule a Pickup
Brush collection requests are limited to 150 requests per service day in order to ensure that we complete daily service requests in a safe and timely manner. During periods of peak activity, your request may need to be scheduled for a later date. There are no pickups scheduled during Christmas Tree Collection (first two weeks of January).
Request a brush pickup online 24/7 or call (703) 228-6570, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (after hours select option 2). When making the request, please stay connected until you receive the confirmation message that will contain the scheduled date for your brush pickup. Requests made the same day of your trash collection day must be received by 6:30 a.m. to be processed for that day.
How to Prepare for Pickup
- Brush collection can only be done curbside and must be less than 18 inches in diameter and less than 10 feet long.
- Place brush curbside or in the street, not in the yard. Large amounts should be stacked parallel to the curb.
- There must be an overhead clearance of approximately 25 feet.
- Do not mix lumber or other trash with the brush.
- Do not put brush under low hanging power lines or tree limbs.
- Do not place brush by parked cars—the truck needs at least a 10-foot clearance from cars to avoid possible damage.
- Do not stack brush against any fixed objects such as poles, posts, fences, walls or buildings.
- Tree stumps cannot be collected as brush.
Missed or Partial Pickup
Please report a missed or partial pickup by noon of the next business day so that we may collect it or it will be collected on your next regularly scheduled collection day. You pay report it online using our Missed Pickup Form, or call (703) 228-6570.
Leaf Collection
Arlington County collects leaves November - January each year.
Christmas Tree Collection
During the first two full weeks in January, Christmas trees are collected curbside for residential homes with trash and recycling service. Residents are reminded to place the tree on the curb no later than 6 a.m. on your regular trash collection day and to remove all decorations, nails, stands, and plastic bags. After the trees are collected, they will be ground into wood mulch for garden use.
Christmas Tree Collection will be from January 7-18, 2013 on your regular trash day. After January 18, holiday trees will not be recycled, but will be collected as trash on your regular trash collection day.
Residents that do not have curbside recycling service, such as those living in townhouses, apartments, or condominiums, may also bring their Christmas trees to the Solid Waste Bureau during the Christmas tree collection season. Please call (703) 228-6570 to schedule an appointment Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Solid Waste Bureau is located at the Arlington Trades Center, 4300 29th St. S. Residents will need to show proof of residence in Arlington, such as a driver's license. Trees may also be dropped off the first Saturday of each month 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Trades Center without an appointment.
Spring Yard Waste Collection
Arlington County collects spring yard waste during the month of March.
Spring Yard Waste Collection >>
Grasscycling
Grass is not collected as part of Arlington County's yard waste program. Grasscycling is an environmentally-friendly alternative to disposing of grass clippings.
Composting
Composting is a great way to recycle yard waste.
