Alexandria Trash Collection Temporarily Halted Due To Staff Shortages, Snow

ALEXANDRIA, VA — COVID-19 staffing shortages and inclement weather preparations have created the perfect storm for Alexandria's public works staff. Trash and recycling collection is suspended for the rest of the week, the city announced Thursday.

With limited staff available to work, the city is prioritizing resources to respond to inclement weather forecasted Thursday night into early Friday. As a result, curbside recycling, trash, yard waste and Christmas tree collection will not happen this week for city collection customers.

Residents are asked to hold their trash and recycling until the regular collection schedule returns next week. For urgent disposals, residents can drop off small amounts of trash for free at COVANTA Waste-to-Energy Facility (5301 Eisenhower Ave.) weekdays from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Hours may be impacted by inclement weather.

Staff continue to respond to tree and brush damage from Monday's storm and are preparing to respond to the next snowstorm. Arborist contractor resources and soon bulk yard waste collection resources have been added to help collect tree and brush. City collection customers needing tree and brush collection can submit a request via Alex311. Yard waste must be properly prepared to be collected by city crews.