Countywide

Fairfax County seeks feedback on strategies for achieving zero waste by 2040

By James Jarvis
Dump truck pouring trash into landfill (courtesy Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services)

Fairfax County is seeking feedback on its current solid waste management practices and strategies for achieving “zero waste.”

Open from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, the survey asks residents to share their opinions on how the county handles solid waste and possible ways it could divert 90% of trash from landfills and incineration. Participants have the chance to win a $100 gift card.

According to a press release from the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, the county currently recycles or composts only about half of the 23,000 tons of waste produced by residents each week. The rest is taken to landfills or incinerated — a practice that the county wants to minimize.

Proposed strategies include a county-managed waste service model or unified sanitation district, which would involve the county managing waste collection contracts with private haulers instead of leaving the arrangements up to individual residents or homeowners associations.

Another option is a “pay-as-you-throw” system, where residents would be charged based on the amount of trash they generate, while recycling would have a fixed cost. The county is also exploring mandatory food scraps recycling, which would require residents to separate their food waste for composting.

Additionally, the county could set up “zero waste drop-off centers” that would give residents easy access to drop-off sites for items to be reused or recycled, including household hazardous waste, electronics, textiles and other materials not accepted in curbside bins.

Lastly, the county is considering implementing a “zero waste fee” to fund new waste processing facilities, the waste drop-off centers, educational campaigns, recycling enforcement and other programs aimed at achieving the 90% waste diversion goal.

The creation of a new solid waste management plan is part of the county’s broader goals to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and become more sustainable, as outlined in the Community-Wide Energy and Climate Action Plan (CECAP).

“If our current waste management practices are left unchecked, we will create even more trash,” the release states. “That could lead to higher waste disposal costs, impact environmental quality, and affect our county’s health and livability. It’s time to zero-in on waste.”

About the Author

  • James Jarvis covers county government, local politics, schools business openings, and development for both FFXnow and ARLnow. Originally from Fauquier County, he earned his bachelor’s degree in government from Franklin & Marshall College and his master’s degree in journalism from Georgetown University. Previously, he reported on Fairfax, Prince William, and Fauquier counties for Rappahannock Media/InsideNoVa. He joined the ARLnow news team as an assistant editor in August 2023.