Fairfax County Debris Removal Procedures

Last Friday's storm left a trail of debris on properties across the region.

According to Fairfax County's Debris and Tree Removal web page, "All refuse collection companies operating in Fairfax County must collect brush placed at their customers' curbsides as long as the brush is:

• In bundles of less than 4 feet in length and less than 50 pounds;
• No piece is larger than 6 inches in diameter."

Brush that is bagged or placed in a container at the curb will be collected on the next regularly-scheduled collection day. Residents can call 703-802-3322, TTY 711, to schedule a special collection for larger amounts of debris. Each county customer receives five no-additional-cost special collections of debris or brush annually.

Residents using a private trash collection service should contact that company directly for instructions.

"Due to the amount of storm-related damage, pickups may be delayed," advised Braddock District Supervisor John Cook.  It is therefore especially important residents keep piles and bags from blocking sidewalks and roadways.

Tree removal from private property is the resident's responsibility.  "In all cases, stay away from downed wires near downed trees," warns Fairfax County's Tree Removal Web page. "Electricity can travel through tree limbs. Never remove tree limbs or other items that are touching or near a downed wire.

A chain saw safety video is provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

For trees down in Fairfax County:

• Adjacent to public roads, contact the Virginia Department of Transportation at 1-800-FOR-ROAD, TTY 711.
• On county parkland, contact Fairfax County Park Authority at 703-324-8594, TTY 703-324-3988.
• Posing a hazard to public areas, contact Fairfax County Urban Forestry at 703-324-1770, TTY 703-324-1877.

Residents may haul their own debris to the county's two disposal facilities. 

• I-66 Transfer Station at 4618 West Ox Road in Fairfax
  Monday - Saturday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• I-95 Solid Waste Complex at 9850 Furnace Road in Lorton
  Monday - Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  Saturday - Sunday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Both facilities only accept tree branches that are 20 inches or less in diameter, according to Supervisor Cook. There is a minimum $5 fee for residents to dispose of yard waste and brush at either of the two disposal facilities. Payment may be made by cash, Visa or MasterCard.