News

Alexandria reopens facilities, cancels waste collection as cold weather continues

By Katie Taranto
Snowy day at the 1600 block of King Street in Old Town, Jan. 25, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

The City of Alexandria’s government offices and facilities are slated to reopen at 10 a.m. today (Wednesday), while waste collection has been canceled.

There will not be a make-up run for this week’s canceled trash, recycling, yard waste and composting collection, according to the City. The Alexandria Circuit Court will also remain closed for the day.

Alexandria and surrounding localities remain under a Cold Weather Advisory until 11 a.m. today, and then from 7 p.m. tonight through 11 a.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. Very cold wind chills, as low as 8 degrees below zero, could hit the area, leading to risks of frostbite and hypothermia.

Amid the conditions, Alexandria has extended 24/7 operations at the Winter Shelter (2355-A Mill Road) until noon on Tuesday, February 3. Warming locations at libraries and recreation centers are also expected to be available, as facilities are reopening.

DASH will continue to operate with reduced weekend service, with the exception of the King Street Trolley, which will run from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Also today, lunches will be available free of charge for kids under 18 at two Alexandria City Public Schools locations, as schools have a virtual workday.

ACPS plans to offer free meals for kids at these locations from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in accordance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s meal waiver program.

  • Alexandria City High School, 3330 King Street – Door #34
  • Charles Barrett Elementary School, 1115 Martha Custis Dr – Main Entrance

The City’s Alert page will continue to provide the latest updates on services. Residents can contact the following lines for support.

  • Call 703.746.4444 to report downed trees and limbs on City streets, sidewalks, and property or any other non-emergency concerns.
  • Call Dominion Energy at 866.DOM.HELP (866.366.4357) or go to dominionenergy.com to report trees on power lines and power outages
  • Call Virginia American Water at 800.452.6863 to report a water main break or for questions about water service.
  • Call 911 for emergencies.

About the Author

  • Katie Taranto is a reporter at ALXnow. She previously covered local businesses at ARLnow and K-12 education at The Columbia Missourian. She is originally from Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania.