Leaves pile up fast in Mantua. If you are not sure which bags to use, when vacuum trucks come, or what to do with big brush, you are not alone. A few simple rules will save you time, money, and missed pickups. This guide breaks down Mantua’s yard waste and leaf basics, so you can set out debris the right way and avoid surprises. Let’s dive in.
Confirm your collector first
Many Mantua addresses are served by private haulers, while others are in Fairfax County’s collection area. Your rules depend on who collects at your address. Use the county’s yard waste page to check whether you are a county collection customer and follow those instructions if you are. If you are not, follow your private hauler’s guidance or call Fairfax County Solid Waste at 703-802-3322, TTY 711 for help.
What counts as yard waste
Yard waste includes leaves, grass clippings, shrub and hedge trimmings, small branches, brush, and similar plant debris from routine yard care. These items are collected for recycling during the county’s yard waste season.
Items that are not yard waste include tree stumps, whole trees, large limbs, sod, soil or dirt, mulch, treated lumber, construction debris, and large volumes from tree removal or land clearing. Those materials require special pickup, self-haul to a county site, or contractor removal.
Curbside yard waste season and set-out rules
The county’s curbside yard waste recycling season runs from March 1 through December 24. Outside that window, yard waste must be bagged and placed in the trash cart for disposal. Review the county’s curbside yard waste guidance for full details.
For set-out, use compostable paper yard bags or reusable rigid containers clearly marked for yard waste. Plastic bags are not accepted. You can tie small amounts in bundles. Branches and brush pieces should be no longer than 4 feet and generally no more than 6 inches in diameter. Bundles or containers should be about 50 pounds or less.
Vacuum leaf collection in Mantua
Vacuum leaf collection is a separate seasonal service that runs roughly November through January. Only neighborhoods that petitioned for the program and pay the charge receive this service, and they typically get three rounds each season. Check the county’s vacuum leaf page for your street’s schedule and set-out status.
Set loose leaf piles by the day before your scheduled round, no more than 4 feet from the street edge. Keep piles free of sticks, rocks, trash, and other debris. Do not block streets, sidewalks, mailboxes, or storm drains.
Big piles, brush, and special pickups
County collection customers get five free Special Pickups per fiscal year for categories like brush, metal, bulk, and more. The free size limit is 2 cubic yards, about 6 feet by 3 feet by 3 feet. Larger piles may incur fees. Schedule in advance and place items out by 6:00 a.m. on your assigned day. See the Special Pickup page for accepted items and limits.
Large tree work, stumps, or land clearing debris are not part of routine curbside yard waste. Make a plan to self-haul or have your contractor handle removal.
Drop-off sites, mulch, and self-haul fees
You can self-haul yard waste to the I-66 Transfer Station in Fairfax or the I-95 Landfill Complex in Lorton. Both sites accept yard waste, and leaf or brush mulch is often available to residents. Check facility hours before you go.
Self-haul fees apply and vary by material and vehicle. Review the Residential Disposal Fees and Regulations page for current rates and rules.
Holiday trees and open burning rules
Licensed collectors must collect and recycle real Christmas trees under 8 feet during the first two weeks of January when set out separately. Remove all ornaments and tinsel before set-out.
Open burning of leaves and yard debris is tightly restricted by state and county rules. Where collection services exist, on-site burning is generally not allowed without permits and conditions. Review the Fire Marshal’s guidance before considering any burning.
Do not dump in parks
Dumping yard waste in county parks or on public land is illegal and harms local habitats. Keep debris out of stream valleys and natural areas. Learn about park encroachment rules and penalties.
Working with landscapers and tree services
For large jobs, ask your contractor in writing how debris will be handled. Tree removal and large volumes typically are not eligible for curbside yard waste recycling. Fairfax County’s tree removal guidance explains options and disposal expectations.
Quick set-out checklist
- Confirm your collector and follow those rules.
- Use paper yard bags or labeled rigid containers. No plastic bags.
- Keep branches to 4 feet long and roughly 6 inches in diameter.
- Limit bundles or containers to about 50 pounds.
- For vacuum leaves, set loose piles within 4 feet of the street and keep them free of sticks, rocks, and trash.
- For big volumes, schedule a Special Pickup or arrange contractor removal.
- Consider self-hauling to I-66 or I-95 and review current fees.
If you want a safer, cleaner curb and a better showing for your home, these steps will keep you on schedule and compliant. Have a question about how yard rules might impact prep for a sale or a spring listing plan in Mantua? Reach out to Conor Sullivan for local, client-first guidance.
FAQs
In Mantua, how do I confirm whether the county or a private hauler collects my yard waste?
- Use Fairfax County’s yard waste page to check if you are a county collection customer. If not, follow your private hauler’s rules or call 703-802-3322, TTY 711 for assistance.
What are the bag and container rules for Fairfax County curbside yard waste?
- Use compostable paper yard bags or labeled rigid containers. Plastic bags are not accepted. Keep bundles and containers to about 50 pounds, with branches under 4 feet long and roughly 6 inches in diameter.
How does vacuum leaf collection work in Mantua neighborhoods that participate?
- Vacuum service typically runs November through January with three rounds. Set loose, clean leaf piles within 4 feet of the street and check the county’s leaf schedule for your street’s dates.
What should I do with large brush piles or tree work debris?
- County customers can schedule up to five free Special Pickups per fiscal year, limited to about 2 cubic yards. Larger volumes or stumps must be self-hauled or removed by your contractor.
Where can I drop off yard waste or pick up mulch near Mantua?
- Take materials to the I-66 Transfer Station in Fairfax or the I-95 Landfill Complex in Lorton. Fees apply, and mulch availability varies by site and season.
