Regardless of size or type of animal, report the problem to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) at myVDOT or call 1-800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623).
Who Picks Up Your Trash?
Fairfax County Collection Customers: Fairfax County DOES NOT pick up animal carcasses.
Private Collection Customers: Check with your private hauler to determine if they pick up animal carcasses.
Animal Carcass on Private Property - Disposal
Disposal should be handled quickly to avoid potential health hazards.
Small Animals (25 lbs. or less): Double bag, place in regular trash. If the hauler will not collect, take to one of the disposal complexes or bury on private property.
Large Animals (over 25 lbs.): Bury on private property or call your veterinarian or rendering company.
The above does not apply to veterinary operations, butchering remains or any other commercial enterprise.
Homeowner or hunter butchering remains: Double bag, place in regular trash. If the hauler will not collect, take to one of the disposal complexes.
Veterinary and any other commercial enterprise must comply with all business waste disposal regulations.
Animal Carcass on Private Property - Burial
Only on the private property of the animal’s owner. A tenant must first obtain permission from the property owner.
Deep enough to prevent a nuisance to the neighbors.
Deep enough to cover the top of the animal with at least two (2) feet of compacted soil to prevent scavengers from unearthing the animal.
At least 100 feet from domestic water supply wells.
At least 25 feet from ponds and streams.
Applying ground limestone helps neutralize odors.
Domestic Livestock
Animal carcasses from sites engaged in raising or husbandry of domestic livestock must comply with all federal and Virginia regulations, to include the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) regulations.
