The contractor that collects trash at Arlington’s single-family homes is changing in the coming weeks.
However, county officials say there will be no substantive changes to existing collection services.
The county awarded Bates Trucking and Trash Removal to begin providing trash and recycling collection for about 33,000 households. This includes single-family residences and duplexes, as well as some townhouses.
Several non-profit organizations also receive trash collection through the county government.
Bates’ crews “will deliver the best value to residents while maintaining high-quality service,” county officials said in a message to the community.
“Your collection day, accepted materials (including special collections) and service levels will remain the same,” the message says. “We’re working closely with Bates to minimize disruptions as the new crews become familiar with your neighborhood and collection routes.”
The new contract was awarded in June. The same month, County Board members voted to maintain the existing annual collection rate of $415.75 per home for the fiscal year that began July 1.
The county’s trash and recycling program is self-supporting, with user fees covering the $13.85 million cost of service anticipated in the fiscal year 2026 budget.
John Bates Sr. began the trucking company bearing his name in 1961, initially serving Prince George’s County. It has since expanded to also serve a variety of localities in suburban Maryland, Northern Virginia and the D.C., with about 300 employees.
“Despite all of the changes, one thing has remained the same: We are still a family owned company, that’s committed to providing our customers with the best service and pricing in the industry,” the firm says on its website.
