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City of Alexandria, VA

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  • Live

    Make the most of Alexandria's outstanding quality of life with information and services of interest to residents.

    • Be Prepared

      Are you ready? Find resources and information to help residents, businesses and visitors to prepare for all types of emergencies, and to stay safe.

      • Flooding Preparedness
      • Snow and Ice Control
      • Hurricane Preparedness
      • Emergency Preparedness
      • Public Health Emergency
    • Community Life

      Learn more about pets and animals, schools and libraries, parks and farmers' markets, community gardens, and more.

      • Community Gardens
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Parks
      • Pets
      • Recreation
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards and Commissions
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • City Academies
      • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus and Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Historic Preservation

      Historic Alexandria is a treasure trove of early structures, artifacts, and records that creates a unique way of life for its citizens and provides enjoyment for thousands of people who visit this special community every year. The City continues to add resources to its collection of local and nationally designated historic districts.

      • Alexandria History
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Historic Alexandria
      • Historic Districts
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • Building & Construction
      • Business Licenses
      • Health Permits
      • Marriage Licenses
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
    • Parking

      Information about parking in the City of Alexandria, including parking options, enforcement, districts and permits.

      • Contest a Parking Ticket
      • Guest Parking Permits
      • Parking Permits
      • Parking Studies
      • Parking in Old Town
      • Pay a Parking Ticket
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Domestic Violence
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Reproductive Health Freedom
      • Sexual Assault
      • Substance Abuse Prevention
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
      • Women's Initiatives
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving and Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Schools & Libraries

      Did you know that ACPS is one of the most diverse school systems in the country? Our students come from more than 80 different countries, speak more than 60 languages, and represent a myriad of ethnic and cultural groups. The Alexandria Library is an educational, user-oriented service institution providing free public access to recorded knowledge and ideas.

      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Library
      • Child Care
      • Higher Learning
      • Out of School Time Programs
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care Assistance
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Resources
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Utilities

      The City of Alexandria does not operate any public utilities. The following companies are the primary providers of their respective service:

      • Cable TV (Comcast / Xfinity)
      • Drinking Water (Virginia American Water)
      • Electricity (Dominion Energy)
      • Natural Gas (Washington Gas)
      • Sewage/Water Treatment (Alex Renew)
      • Wired Telephone (Verizon)
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  • Play

    Whether you live here or are just visiting, Alexandria is a great place to shop, dine, take in the arts, get outdoors, and just have fun.

    • About Alexandria

      If you are looking for small-town charm and big-city amenities, Alexandria is the place to find them. Alexandria has a fascinating history, and many of its historic buildings are still preserved today. The City's many historic homes, churches, businesses, and museums allow residents and visitors alike to experience the past that makes it the charming town it is today.

      • Alexandria's History
      • Demographics & Statistics
      • Maps & GIS
      • Visit Alexandria
    • Arts & Culture

      Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to arts and culture, the City builds a vibrant community for its residents, workers, and visitors.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Historic Property Rentals
      • Museums & Historic Sites
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
      • Office of the Arts
    • Entertainment

      Find events and activities, shops and restaurants, concerts and performances, arts and culture, historic attractions, parks and libraries, farmers' markets, and more.

      • City Concerts
      • City Events
      • Office of the Arts
      • Visit Alexandria: Things to Do
    • Getting Around

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Water Taxis
    • Museums & Historic Sites

      Alexandria is a desirable location to live, work and play. The City owns many of the premier historic sites in Alexandria and it is charged with the conservation, interpretation and promotion of these links to the past.

      • City Museums
      • Historic Sites & Attractions
      • Office of Historic Alexandria
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront Parks
      • ParkLink Interactive Map
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Visit Alexandria

      Information about visiting Alexandria, including shopping, dining, attractions, accommodations, events listings and more. Plan your visit with an itinerary builder, interactive maps, hotel booking, online restaurant reservations and much more.

      • Group Tours
      • Meet in Alexandria
      • Plan Your Visit
      • Trip Planning Assistance
      • Visitor Center
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  • Services

    We are here to serve you. Browse the topics to the right to learn more about the programs and services we offer.

    • Alex311

      Connect with professional and knowledgeable staff for City service and information requests from every City department.

      • Missed Collection
      • Parking
      • Potholes
      • Street Cleaning
      • Trash & Recycling Containers
      • Trees
      • Yard Waste / Bulky Items Pickup
    • Animals

      What you need to know about animals, pets and wildlife in Alexandria.

      • Animal Adoption
      • Animal Control
      • Dog Parks
    • Buildings & Construction

      The City provides services to residents, businesses, contractors, and visitors needing permits for constructions and other developments.

      • Building Codes
      • City Code
      • Code Administration
      • Green Building
      • Land Use & Zoning
      • Permit Center
      • Permits & Land Use Applications
    • Environment

      "Green" initiatives, air quality, noise, water conservation, mosquito and rodent control.

      • Air Quality
      • Clean Waterways
      • Climate Change
      • Eco-City Alexandria
      • Green Building
      • Mosquito Control
      • Noise Control
      • Rodent Control
      • Stormwater Management
    • Jobs
      • City Government Jobs
      • Alexandria City Public Schools
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Maps & GIS

      Geographic Information Systems (GIS) centrally manages, shares and analyzes information about locations through specialized mapping technology. This information increases transparency, improves many City technology applications and provides critical data to decision makers and the public.

      • Interactive Maps
      • Open Data
      • Standard Maps
    • Parks & Recreation

      Alexandria is an active community that offers more than 900 acres of parks and dedicated public space, and a wide variety of neighborhood and recreation centers, pools, dog parks, farmers' markets, waterfront activities and more.

      • Classes & Camps
      • Dog Parks
      • Facility & Park Rentals
      • Farmers' Markets
      • Marina & Waterfront
      • Parks & Trails
      • Pools & Aquatics
      • Recreation Centers
      • Sports Leagues & Programs
    • Property & Housing

      The City administers various housing-related programs and services.

      • Housing Master Plan
      • Landlord & Property Manager Resources
      • Maps & GIS
      • Office of Housing
      • Parcel Viewer
      • Real Estate Assessments
    • Public Health & Wellness

      Alexandria is committed to ensuring our residents thrive through physical, mental, and social health.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Emergency Mental Health Services
      • Environmental Health
      • Environmental Quality
      • Health Department
      • Health Clinics
      • Reproductive Health Freedom
      • Sexual and Domestic Violence Services
      • Substance Abuse Services
      • Teen Pregnancy Prevention
      • Teen Wellness Center
      • Women's Initiatives
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Agencies and programs that help maintain our safety and overall quality of life. These links contain information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Fire Department
      • Police Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Circuit Court
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • General District Court
      • J&DR Court
      • Court Service Unit
    • Public Works

      Learn more about how the City maintains streets, sidewalks, bridges, and other infrastructure in the City.

      • Bridge Maintenance
      • Paving & Potholes
      • Sewer Maintenance
      • Street Sweeping
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Payments
      • Personal Property/Car Tax
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Real Estate Tax
      • Tax Guide
      • Tax Relief
    • Social Services

      The City provides public assistance as a safety net for individuals and families, including help with homelessness prevention, food, rent, utilities, medical coverage and prescriptions, job training and placement assistance, and much more.

      • Aging & Adult Services
      • Child Care
      • Children & Families
      • Discrimination & Disabilities
      • Gang & Youth Violence Prevention
      • Homeless Services
      • Housing Assistance
      • Human Rights
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Mentoring Programs
      • Military & Veteran Services
    • Trash & Recycling

      Find information on the City's refuse, recycling and yard waste collection programs.

      • Recycling
      • Refuse Collection
      • Yard Waste
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Bicycling in Alexandria
      • Bus & Rail
      • King Street Trolley
      • Parking in Alexandria
      • Street Maps
      • Taxis
      • Transportation Planning
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  • Business

    Ideally located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., Alexandria is nationally recognized as one of the best places to live and do business on the east coast. Learn how we can help you start or relocate your business in Alexandria, and access resources for existing businesses and commuters.

    • Business Resources

      The City provides services and resources to help existing businesses expand within the City and promotes recruiting new businesses in Alexandria.

      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • BIPOC Small Business Program
      • Doing Business with the City
      • New Business Guide
      • Public-Private Partnerships
    • Jobs

      Alexandria offers wide range of job opportunities and services. Work for City government or City Public Schools, find out about an internship opportunity or learn about workforce development and career training options.

      • City Government Jobs
      • Job Search Assistance (Workforce Development Center)
      • Collective Bargaining
    • Licenses & Permits

      Find out whether a permit is required, the type of permit needed, fees involved, and what requirements are necessary for the activity you want to engage in Alexandria.

      • APEX Permitting & Land Use System
      • Business Licenses
      • Business Outdoor Program & Permits
      • Health Permits
      • Permit Center
      • Zoning Information
    • Real Estate & Taxes

      The City collects car and real estate taxes, maintains tax relief programs and assesses property values. Taxes can be paid in a variety of ways including online, by phone and by mail.

      • Business License Tax
      • Business Personal Property Tax
      • Lodging Tax
      • Meal Tax
      • Payments
      • Real Estate Assessment Search
      • Real Estate Assessments
      • Sales Tax
    • Transportation

      Information on how to get to and through the City of Alexandria, including walking, biking, bus, rail, air, ridesharing, and more.

      • Getting Around
      • Vehicle Registration
      • GO Alex Commuter Resources
      • Parking in Alexandria
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  • Government

    Learn more about Alexandria's accountable, effective, and well-managed government.

    • City Council

      The Alexandria City Council is composed of a Mayor and six Council members who are elected at-large for three-year terms. The Mayor, who is chosen on a separate ballot, presides over meetings of the Council and serves as the ceremonial head of government.

      • City Council Calendar
      • Communicate with City Council
      • Council Assignments
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Speak at a Meeting
    • Boards & Commissions

      The City of Alexandria has a strong commitment to citizen participation as evidenced by the number of citizen boards and commissions established by City Council. These bodies compose a formal system through which citizens can advise City Council on all major issues affecting the City.

      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Apply for a Board or Commission
      • Boards & Commission Calendar
      • Boards & Commission Vacancies
      • Board of Architectural Review
      • Board of Zoning Appeals
      • Planning Commission
      • Park & Recreation Commission
      • Transportation Commission
    • Departments & Agencies

      View a list of City departments, offices and other agencies, and learn about their role in the organization.

      • City Government Departments & Offices
      • Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
      • Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)
      • Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS)
      • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP)
      • Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA)
      • Alexandria Transit Company (DASH)
      • Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA)
      • Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
      • Visit Alexandria (Official Tourism Site)
    • Public Safety & Courts

      Information about the City of Alexandria's law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations, courts and judicial system.

      • Police Department
      • Fire Department
      • Sheriff's Office
      • Courts
      • Office of Emergency Management
      • Emergency & Customer Communications
      • Community Policing Review Board
    • Elected Officials

      Alexandria voters elect a Mayor and City Council and three local officers, as well as state and federal representatives.

      • City Council
      • Clerk of Circuit Court
      • Commonwealth's Attorney
      • Sheriff
      • Voting in Alexandria
    • Get Involved

      There are many opportunities to get involved to help better the City of Alexandria. Opportunities include serving on a Board, Commission or Committee, providing input on a new City project or speaking at a City Council meeting.

      • Boards & Commissions
      • City of Alexandria Academy Programs
      • Civic Engagement Policy
      • Speak at a Meeting
      • Volunteering
    • Transparency

      The City government acts with integrity in an open process, and provides timely access to clear, trustworthy information, presented and employed by all parties from the beginning to the end of the process, including the reasoning that leads to and supports the policy conclusion.

      • Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program
      • Meeting Dockets & Video
      • Performance Analytics
      • Alexandria's Strategic Plan
      • Race & Social Equity
      • Community Policing Review Board
      • Collective Bargaining
      • City Code
      • Open Data
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  • Projects & Plans

    Much of our work involves creating and improving infrastructure and planning for the future. Learn more about major projects and plans here, and how you can get involved!

    • Arts & Culture

      Information about arts, culture and historic projects in the City.

      • Arts & Culture Master Plan
      • Public Art Implementation Plan
    • Development

      Information about commercial and residential development projects in the City.

      • Landmark/Van Dorn Area Planning
      • North Potomac Yard Implementation / Virginia Tech Innovation Campus
      • Potomac River Generating Station Redevelopment
    • Environmental

      Information about environmental and "green" projects in the City.

      • 500 Block N. Pitt St. Sewer Separation Project
      • Flood Action Alexandria
      • Franklin St. Sewer Relocation Project
      • Holmes Run Trail Repairs
      • Lucky Run Stream Restoration
      • Oronoco Outfall Remediation Project
      • Wheeler Ave. Sanitary Sewer Pipe Relining
      • Windmill Hill Park Project - Phase II
    • Neighborhoods

      Information about neighborhood projects in the City.

      • Alexandria West Planning
      • Duke Street and West Taylor Run Project
      • Eisenhower Avenue Metrorail Station Pedestrian Crossing Improvements
      • King-Callahan-Russell Intersection Improvement Project
      • Mount Vernon Avenue North Complete Streets
    • Parks & Recreation

      Information about parks and recreation projects in the City.

      • Beauregard Street Multi-Use Trail Project
      • Bicycle Parking
      • Eugene Simpson Park Renovation Projects
      • Joseph Hensley Park Renovation
      • Old Cameron Run Trail Project
      • Robinson Terminal South Update: Historic Ship Stabilization
    • Public Facilities

      Information about public facilities projects in the City.

      • Alexandria Waterfront
      • King Street-Old Town Metro Access Improvement Project
      • Municipal Broadband
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
    • Social Services

      Information about social services projects and plans in the City.

      • Aging and Adult Services
      • Early Care & Education Common Agenda
      • The Partnership to Prevent & End Homelessness
    • Transportation

      Information about transportation projects and plans in and around the City.

      • Adaptive Traffic Signal Control
      • Alexandria Mobility Plan
      • Complete Streets
      • Duke Street in Motion
      • Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Project
      • Smart Mobility
      • Traffic Mitigation
      • Vision Zero
      • West End Transitway
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    There's always something to do in Alexandria! Browse community events, government meetings and activities, and important deadlines.

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Curbside Food Waste Composting Pilot

Composting is the natural aerobic (with oxygen) decomposition of organic matter (such as food waste or yard waste) into nutrient rich soil. The City of Alexandria has launched a curbside food waste collection pilot for Alexandria residents receiving City trash and recycling service.
Page updated on Apr 19, 2023 at 12:27 PM

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Curbside Food Waste Composting Pilot

Food For Good Campaign Logo

The City of Alexandria is excited to announce a new curbside food waste composting collection pilot for residents receiving City trash and recycling services. Registration for the pilot program is now OPEN, with collections expected to start this spring. Residents will be able to place items such as fruit and vegetable scraps, meat, and bones in a dedicated bin for food waste collection instead of putting food waste in the trash.

The City will subsidize the cost of supplies and collection for the first six months. Pilot participants will be encouraged to provide feedback to the City through a monthly feedback form sent to residents via email. After six months, residents may continue service with the vendor for a monthly or annual subscription fee.

*The City will provide a twelve-month subsidy for 100 households currently exempt from payment of the Residential Refuse Fee and receiving tax relief and assistance. 

Get Started Here

How It Works

1. REGISTER FOR THE PILOT

Register for Curbside Online

Residents who currently receive City trash and recycling services (residential refuse fee paying customers) will be able to opt-in to the pilot. Up to 2,000 households will be selected in the pilot program each year for two years. Pilot participants will receive the first six months of service for free along with the start-up kit paid for by the City. Registration will be on a rolling-basis until the maximum capacity of participants have reached. 

 Register Here

Already put your name on the wait-list through the City's feedback form? Skip this step! The City will email you whether you've been accepted into the pilot. 

* Of the 2,000 households, the City will provide a twelve-month subsidy for 100 households currently exempt from payment of the Residential Refuse Fee and receiving tax relief and assistance. 

2. ACCOUNT SET-UP

Compost Crew Logo

Once a resident is accepted into the pilot program, the City will email the resident with a link to set up an account on Compost Crew's customer portal. The registration page will require a credit card, but residents will not be billed during the first six months of free service. At any time, the residents will have the option to cancel service. After six months of free service, residents will have the option to continue service with Compost Crew at a monthly fee of $21 or an annual fee of $231, which includes one month free. This is a significant discount in comparison to the average price of $32/month in the region. Reminder: all City residents can use the free composting services at the farmers' market every weekend.

3. RECEIVE START-UP KIT

7-gallon Bin and Compostable bags

The City will provide the first six months of services along with the start-up kit of an air tight 7-gallon cart and 40 BPI compostable bags for free. Residents will also receive a magnet with Yes / No list for use. 

 Download the Yes / No Flyer:

  • English
  • Español (Spanish)
  • አማርኛ (Amharic)

4. COMPOST!

Curbside composting program picture

Selected participants will separate food waste from trash, just as we already do with our recyclables, and leave the composting bin by the curb on the designated day of the week. The City contracts with Compost Crew to manage the program, who will provide weekly collection services along with addressing issues such as delivery of the containers and missed collections. Each household can request on Compost Crew's customer portal for a complimentary bag of finished compost if desired, once a year.

What can I compost? Yes/No List

Curbside Compost Yes No List

  

Acceptable items include:  

  • All food scraps such as produce, cooked meats, bones, shells, dairy (no liquids), eggshells, baked goods, tea, coffee grounds and filters, and other food scraps.  

    BPI Certification mark for composting program
  • Other organic materials including BPI certified compostable bags, paper towels, paper napkins, BPI certified compostable ware, paper food containers, corks, and chopsticks. 

    BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) is a third-party certification company. You can verify that products are certified compostable by visiting BPI's website and searching the Certified Compostable Products Catalog

Unacceptable items include:  

  • ANY plastic (including bags).  

  • Pet or human waste (including used facial tissues, used tissues, baby wipes, kitty litter, soiled bandages, or diapers).  

  • Any toxic or pathogenic material: Medicine/Medical Waste, Paint, Pesticides, Treated Wood, Coal, Cigarette Butts, Chemicals, Diseased Plants, or Charcoal/Wood Ash.

  • Unnatural materials: Candles and crayons, Cosmetics, Gum, Inorganic Materials (Acrylic, Polyester, Rubber, etc.), Rubber bands, Twist Ties, or Produce Stickers

  • Wax and plastic-lined paper products (e.g. ice cream tubs and cartons)

For Yard Waste, Holiday Trees, Leaf Collection: 

  • Please use the City's curbside yard waste, the City's Leaf Collection and Holiday Tree Collection programs. 
  • For questions on other materials, please visit the City's Resource Recovery page to use our What Goes Where tool.

Download the Yes / No Flyer:

  • English
  • Español (Spanish)
  • አማርኛ (Amharic)

Frequently Asked Questions

How, When, Where do I compost my food scraps?

Collect food scraps in a compostable bag and place in the 7-gallon container. Set out for collection weekly by no earlier than 5 p.m. the day prior and no later than 6 a.m. the morning of collection. Collection day is designated day by contractor and can be found on the customer portal.

What can I compost? Yes/No List

Curbside Compost Yes No List

  

Acceptable items include:  

  • All food scraps such as produce, cooked meats, bones, shells, dairy (no liquids), eggshells, baked goods, tea, coffee grounds and filters, and other food scraps.  

    BPI Certification mark for composting program
  • Other organic materials including BPI certified compostable bags, paper towels, paper napkins, BPI certified compostable ware, paper food containers, corks, and chopsticks. 

    BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute) is a third-party certification company. You can verify that products are certified compostable by visiting BPI's website and searching the Certified Compostable Products Catalog

Unacceptable items include:  

  • ANY plastic (including bags).  

  • Pet or human waste (including used facial tissues, used tissues, baby wipes, kitty litter, soiled bandages, or diapers).  

  • Any toxic or pathogenic material: Medicine/Medical Waste, Paint, Pesticides, Treated Wood, Coal, Cigarette Butts, Chemicals, Diseased Plants, or Charcoal/Wood Ash.

  • Unnatural materials: Candles and crayons, Cosmetics, Gum, Inorganic Materials (Acrylic, Polyester, Rubber, etc.), Rubber bands, Twist Ties, or Produce Stickers

  • Wax and plastic-lined paper products (e.g. ice cream tubs and cartons)

For Yard Waste, Holiday Trees, Leaf Collection: 

  • Please use the City's curbside yard waste, the City's Leaf Collection and Holiday Tree Collection programs. 
  • For questions on other materials, please visit the City's Resource Recovery page to use our What Goes Where tool.

Download the Yes / No Flyer:

  • English
  • Español (Spanish)
  • አማርኛ (Amharic)

How much will it cost?

Service is free for six-months, paid for by the City. The City will also cover the cost of the start-up kit including the 7-gallon air-tight cart and 40 BPI compostable liners. If residents would like to participate further, the cost is $21/month or an annual fee of $231, which includes one month free, billed by Compost Crew. This is a significant discount in comparison to the average price of $32/month in the region.

Up to 100 households currently exempt from payment of the Residential Refuse Fee and receiving tax relief and assistance will be eligible for receiving a twelve-month service subsidy along with the start-up costs, paid for by the City. Households must be receiving City trash and recycling services. After the twelve-months of the pilot, residents will have the option to discontinue service or participate through the discounted group rate at $21/month or an annual fee of $231, which includes one month free, billed by Compost Crew. 

Why doesn't the City provide free service to all residents?

As part of our feedback collected regarding the curbside collections program, the City heard from many residents who shared that they already participate in food waste composting such as composting at the farmers' markets or backyard composting. Curbside composting is one of the many avenues residents may use to compost their food waste. In order to be equitable with the costs, the City is providing a voluntary curbside pilot that is pay-as-you-throw model after the six month subsidy. 

Why isn't the pilot extended to HOA communities or Multifamily properties?

HOA communities and Multifamily residents are provided solid waste and recycling services by the HOA or Multifamily owner, property manager, or agent.

As a reminder, all City residents may participate in the free weekend composting program at the farmers' market.

What should I do if my bin isn't emptied?

Still have a bin full of food scraps? Please make sure that your bin is free of contaminants like plastic or pet waste. If these contaminants are spotting in a bin, Compost Crew will not empty it into trucks for the safety of our drivers and our composting team. 

To report a missed pick-up, log in to your account and select “Report Missed Pickup”. Compost Crew's customer service team will work to make sure the scraps are picked up as soon as possible. Weather conditions and holidays may also affect pick-up schedules. 

If I go on vacation or haven't filled my bin, can I temporarily suspend my service?

Residents can login to the Customer Portal to schedule service skips up to 10 weeks in advance.

If residents decide to opt-in after the free six-month period paid for by the City and subscribe to the contractor's service, residents will be credited on their account the cost of that week's service.

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Can I compost yard waste?

The City already provides curbside yard waste collections and the food waste curbside composting pilot would be separate from these services. Yard waste that is set out in paper bags or rigid reusable containers are collected for composting, while yard waste set out in plastic bags are collected as trash. Please visit alexandriava.gov/YardWaste for more information. 

For Holiday Trees or Leaf Collection: 

  • Please use the City's Leaf Collection and Holiday Tree Collection programs. 

Can I compost leftover cooking grease and oil?

Small amounts can be absorbed with paper towels and composted. Modest amounts can be poured into a plastic container with a screw-on lid and disposed of as regular trash. For larger amounts, consider asking a restaurant manager for permission to empty the oil into their used oil container or bring it to the City's Household Hazardous Waste Center.

What happens to my compostable materials (food scraps) once they are collected?

All compostable materials are transported to either the Prince George's County Organics Composting Facility or the Balls Ford Road Composting Facility (Freestate Farms) for processing. Materials are placed in a composting system where they decompose and are transformed into a nutrient-rich soil amendment marketed and sold in bags or bulk such as Leafgro GOLD®. 

How is the curbside composting program different from other City composting programs?

The City’s curbside composting program accepts additional types of food waste such as meat, seafood, dairy, bones, and BPI certified compostable wares that is not suitable for backyard composting. Residents who currently compost at home are encouraged to continue backyard composting. All City residents can also participate in the free weekend farmers' market composting program.

How do I control odors? What about rodents?

Here are some tips on controlling odors and pests whether it is for your green compost cart or trash cart (remember, we already collect food waste at the curb):

  • Ensure lids are closed and bag materials.
  • Put compostable materials in the refrigerator or freezer before placing them in the compost bucket. 
  • Line your container to absorb excess moisture by layering newspaper, yard trim, or uncoated paper loosely.  
  • Empty container weekly and rinse the green cart occasionally to reduce odors and avoid pests.  

What are the benefits to composting?

Composting is the natural aerobic (with oxygen) decomposition of organic matter into nutrient rich soil.

Composting benefits:  

  • Keep materials out of our landfills and waste-to-energy facilities.
  • Produces finished compost which can be used for local gardens and farms.

  • Help the City of Alexandria reach its WasteSmart and Environmental Action Plan goals. 

  • Participants in the pilot will be delivered a complimentary bag of compost once a year!

What is the purpose of the Pilot?

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) selected the City of Alexandria as one of the 2023 Composting and Food Waste Reduction Cooperative Agreement recipients. With USDA's support, the pilot program will run for two years until February 2025 with the following objectives:  

  • Divert food waste from trash  
  • Provide accessible composting services to residents  
  • Determine if curbside food composting is environmentally net-positive 
  • Launch a Citywide food waste reduction campaign 
  • Distribute finished compost to local community gardens and beds 
  • Determine the interest of cost-sharing composting services
  • Evaluate the food waste processing capacity in the region 
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