Trash & Recycling Guide

Keeping Tota clean takes all of us! Here's everything you need to know about trash, recycling, and yard waste pickup in our community.

Questions or issues? Email the Board at TotaBoard@Totanews.net or call our property manager, MJF & Associates, at (703) 369-6535.

A quick reminder: improper trash disposal is a Prince William County health violation, so following these guidelines helps both our neighborhood and keeps us in compliance with county ordinances (Chapter 22, Section III), which require household garbage to be contained in trash cans with secure lids.

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Pickup Schedule

Trash: Monday and Thursday, early morning
Recycling: Thursday
Yard waste: Wednesday (seasonal — March through December - more information here)

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Containers can be placed at the curb after 6 PM the night before pickup. Violations of this timing carry a $50 penalty per offense.

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Holiday exceptions: There's no pickup on Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's Day. Service resumes on your next regularly scheduled day. All other holidays follow the normal schedule.

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Regular Trash

Please place trash in a covered container at the curb, on the sidewalk, or in your parking space — never on common grounds.

A few important notes:

• If animals get into your trash, cleanup is your responsibility.

• 35-pound weight limit per can (the collection company uses their discretion on weight).

• Sidewalk placement: keep walkways clear so neighbors can pass.

• Parking space placement: make sure containers are visible and not hidden behind your vehicle.

• Storage: when not out for pickup, cans and recycling bins must be stored in your fenced backyard. Improperly stored cans may be removed and replaced at the owner's expense.

• Fireplace and grill ashes are your responsibility — please make sure they're fully cool and safe before disposal.

 

Large Items & Special Pickups

Got a couch, dresser, or old appliance to get rid of? Call the collection company in advance to schedule a pickup. Note that their offices are closed on weekends and most holidays.

What's NOT Collected

The following items are considered remodeling or construction debris and must be taken to the County Landfill:

• Wallboard, plaster board, lumber, and decking

• Doors, windows, and storm doors

• Roofing shingles

• Carpet, padding, and tile

• Sinks, tubs, and cabinets

• Rocks, sod, dirt, bricks, and cinder blocks

• Iron and paint

 

Yard Waste

Per Prince William County ordinance, yard waste must be separated from regular trash and is collected curbside on Wednesdays, March through December.

Acceptable containers:

• Compostable paper yard waste bags (available at most hardware stores)

• A personal container labeled "Yard Waste" — labels are available free at the PWC Landfill and Compost Facility, or you can make your own

Plastic bags are no longer accepted for yard waste.

Yard waste includes leaves, grass clippings, plants, flowers, wood chips, and shrub or tree trimmings. Christmas trees are accepted as yard waste during the first two weeks of January. Stumps, root balls, and branches over 24" in diameter or 4' in length are not eligible for curbside pickup.

For full details, see the PWC Yard Waste page.

 

Recycling

Recycling is picked up every Thursday. Contact the collection company for a full list of accepted items, and remember — dirty items aren't recyclable, so give things a quick rinse first.

Each home is provided with a recycling bin. If yours is lost, damaged, or stolen, replacement is the homeowner's responsibility.

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A Better Option for Remodeling Materials

Before heading to the landfill, consider donating usable items to Habitat for Humanity ReStore. They welcome donations like:

• Doors and windows

• Kitchen and other cabinets

• Working appliances (5 years old or less)

• Un-upholstered furniture

• Building and remodeling materials in good condition

Donating saves you dumping costs, earns you a tax deduction, and supports neighbors working to improve their own homes. ReStore also offers scheduled donation pickup.

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Habitat for Humanity Prince William County ReStore 10159 Hastings Drive, Manassas, VA 20110 (703) 369-6145 restore@habitatpwc.org habitatpwc.org/programs/restore

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