Spring is a busy season for Arlington's Solid Waste Bureau. Below you'll find service updates and news about what's to come. 

Street Sweeping Season Begins April 8

Street sweeping removes accumulated debris and pollutants such as sand, salt, metals, petroleum products and bacteria before they wash into streams, the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. Arlington’s 59 civic associations have been grouped into 11 street sweeping zones. Tips for residents: 

• Please try to move your cars from the street when your neighborhood is scheduled to be swept. This ensures that the street sweepers can be more effective. 
• If you see a hanging tree limb by a curb and are able to safely remove it, please do so. This helps the sweepers clean the curb. 
• View the street sweeping schedule to see when your neighborhood will be swept. 

Save the Date: E-CARE is Saturday, May 4

Our popular recycling event is back! Join us on Saturday, May 4 from 8:30AM to 3:00PM at 1425 N Quincy St to dispose of household hazardous materials (HHM), bikes, small metal items and other recyclable items. A complete list of accepted items is available on our website. 

Weekly Tips from the Solid Waste Bureau

The spring yard management cart hanger was delivered to solid waste customers last week. In case you missed it, check out these tips on how to create a sustainable yard for spring and how to prepare yard trimmings for collection. The hanger is available in English and Spanish.    Check out these other great recycling tips to help you reduce, reuse and recycle.

Mulch and Shredding

• Need mulch? The Solid Waste Bureau provides free leaf and wood mulch for pickup. Delivery is also available for a fee. 
• We offer free paper shredding the first Saturday of each month, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Earth Products Recycling Yard. Please check the calendar of events for specific information or cancellation notices due to inclement weather or holiday closings.

Food Waste and Composting

Food waste should go in your black trash cart, not your green organics cart. If you are interested in composting food waste, consider dropping off your food scraps at the Earth Products Recycling Yard (4300 29th St. S).

New to composting? The Solid Waste Bureau also sells composting bins (see photo below) for $20 (cash or check). To purchase a compost bin or for help locating a compost bin that meets your needs, call 703-228-6570. Supplies are limited. All sales are final.