Fairfax County cuts back on solid waste services

Fairfax County sanitation workers face health risks during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is cutting back on solid waste services to protect sanitation workers during the coronavirus crisis. The changes apply to customers of county solid waste collectors and private haulers.

Beginning March 30, yard waste collection, stream cleanups, and community cleanups are suspended.

The glass recycling program is suspended and the purple containers at county sites will be removed. Residents can throw out glass containers in trash cans or bring them to the I-66 transfer station or I-95 landfill complex.

Household hazardous waste and e-waste stations are closed at the I-95 landfill complex but will remain open at the I-66 transfer station.

Secure document shredding events are postponed until further notice.

Residents are encouraged to help protect solid waste workers by:

• Minimizing waste.
• Stop setting out yard waste at the curb and practice backyard composting or “grass-cycling” instead. 
• Cleaning out recycled materials and remove food residue and liquid. 
• Cleaning off handles and lids on trash and recycling bins. 
• Sealing sharps and needles in rigid plastic containers and mark them as “sharps” before placing them in the trash.