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1. Why can't I put boxes or other bulk in my County-issued trash container?

Many residents believe that if an item (like boxes, appliances, electronics) fits in the container that it is permissible to use the can for that purpose. However, there are several problems with this assumption.

During bulk collection, the crews manually place the bulk material in the rearloader in a way that will not damage the packing mechanisms in the truck. In the automated trucks, this is not possible and metals get hung in the packing mechanism and damage the truck. The repairs to the vehicles due to this kind of damage are very expensive.

Cardboard boxes, while not metal or made from a hard material, present their own unique problem. Boxes placed in the container act as a wedge that will not allow the bags to pass through. When the arm squeezes the container, it has to squeeze hard enough to maintain the grip up and over to the hopper. During this procedure, the arms squeeze around the cardboard and hence the wedge. This can even happen with large pizza boxes. In the summer, the wedging is more frequent due to the plastic makeup of the container and the heat from the sun. The containers are more pliable due to heat.

2. Why do I need to bag my trash?

The Roanoke County Solid Waste Ordinance was amended in 2008 to require that all household trash be bagged before being placed in the container.

There are many benefits to bagging. The number one benefit is that the neighborhoods and/or streets are cleaner without loose trash blowing around. Drivers will get out and collect bagged trash that may fall out of the container during collection. If the container has loose trash that falls out of the container, the driver is not required to collect it.

During inclement weather, some areas of Roanoke County can only be serviced manually by smaller pickup trucks. Having the trash in bags allows your trash to be picked up in a timely manner.

Bagging trash helps to keep Roanoke County cleaner for all of us to enjoy.

3. How can I dispose of "sharps," i.e. needles, syringes, etc.?

Please place these materials in a hard plastic container with a top/lid, such as a laundry detergent bottle which uses thicker plastic than other containers. Please remember to put the lid on the container securely. Double-bag the container and place the bag in your garbage container for disposal. For questions, please contact the Solid Waste Division at 387-6225.

4. What time does the garbage truck run?

All trash (container and bulk/brush) should be placed to the curb by 7 a.m. on the regularly scheduled collection day. If trash is not placed to the curb by 7 a.m. and the resident is missed, we cannot send a truck back for missed collection.

5. What does it mean when collection is delayed by one day?

The Solid Waste Division operates on a four day, 10 hour schedule which is helpful during holiday weeks. If there is an observed holiday on a Monday and garbage collection will not be running, the schedule is simply moved to the next regularly scheduled day. For example, if your regular day is Monday and there is a Monday holiday, your trash will be collected on Tuesday. Tuesday collection will be on Wednesday, etc. Link to Holiday Garbage Collection Schedule