Countywide

Fairfax County officials are moving forward with plans to overhaul how trash and recycling are handled, aiming to have a centralized collection system by 2030.

The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) has proposed a “Unified Sanitation District” model to replace the current system, where most residents hire private haulers. Instead, the county would grant exclusive contracts to private companies to manage waste collection in specific geographic areas.


News

A new sanitary district may soon form in Reston, allowing several properties to get trash and recycling services from Fairfax County instead of private haulers.

Last week, the county’s Board of Supervisors authorized a Nov. 9 public hearing for a petition to add 51 Hunter Mill District homes to its solid waste collection program.


Countywide

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.


Countywide

Prepare for more hot, humid weather tomorrow (Friday) as the D.C. area endures its fifth heat wave of 2024.

The National Weather Service has already issued a new Heat Advisory for tomorrow that’s scheduled to take effect from noon to 8 p.m. across the region, including Fairfax County. A similar advisory is now in effect for today (Thursday), prompting the county to activate its heat plan.


Countywide

Fairfax County’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) is working to develop a new 20-year plan for managing solid waste.

The county produces roughly 1.2 million tons of trash every year, processing about 630,000 tons as municipal solid waste (MSW). Currently, about 43.9% of waste is diverted from incineration. However, the county adopted a Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan (CECAP) that set a goal of 90% diversion by 2040.


News

Christmas Day has come and gone, but the trees festooned with lights and tinsel for the occasion need to stay up for another week if you’re counting on a curbside pickup.

For the roughly 10% of residents served by Fairfax County, the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services will collect live trees for recycling from Jan. 1-13 as part of its regular waste services.


Countywide

Fairfax County wants to know what trash collectors are telling residents about recycling.

In anticipation of Fairfax Recycles Day, which will fall on Nov. 15, the county’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is surveying residents throughout October about whether their hauler is sharing educational materials on recycling.


Countywide

Troubled trash company Haulin’ Trash has closed its bankruptcy case, leaving thousands of Fairfax County residents unable to get refunds for missed or delayed services.

Back in December, the trash collecting company Haulin’ Trash permanently shuttered after missing a series of collections due to staff shortages and “financial difficulties.” The company had operated in the county for about a year and served approximately 3,000 customers.


Countywide

Fairfax County is reducing the hours for some waste collection services at the I-66 Transfer Station (4618 West Ox Road) and I-95 Landfill Complex (9850 Furnace Road).

Beginning May 1, the facilities will reduce hours for dropping off household hazardous waste (HHW) and electronics waste. The changes are ushered in by staffing shortages and are intended to maintain a “consistent quality service,” according to the county.


Around Town

(Updated at 3 p.m. on 4/12/2023) Pollo Campero is opening a new restaurant in the Town of Herndon.

The business plans to build a new nearly 3,000-square-foot restaurant at 1131 Elden Street, according to town documents. The restaurant announced its intention in 2021 to relocate from 496 Elden Street to the new location.


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