This portion of the Web site is intended for companies that collect and/or dispose of solid waste. If you are a resident looking for information about private or county solid waste collection services, see the Residential Recycling and Trash section.
Members of the solid waste industry are responsible for collecting, transporting and/or disposing of municipal solid waste. These activities play a vital role in protecting public health and the environment.
July 2008 Newsletter (PDF)
Business Categories
The county oversees certain aspects of the collection and disposal activities for: collectors with a Certificate to Operate, recycling companies, commercial cash companies, tire disposal companies and other permitted disposal companies. Learn more about their specific activities, permitting requirements, billing methods, etc., by viewing our online chart.
Chapter 109.1 of the County Code
This section of the county code establishes standards and procedures concerning solid waste management activities in Fairfax County. Topics addressed in Chapter 109.1 include: general requirements, recycling, pre-collection and storage, permits, enforcement and the collection, transportation and disposal of solid waste.
Disposal Options for Businesses
A business can transport its own waste to either the I-66 Transfer Station Complex or I-95 Landfill Complex by becoming a permitted disposal company or by participating in the Commercial Cash program. Read the appropriate sections in our online chart to determine which option may best suit your needs.
Enforcement
Permitted solid waste collection and disposal companies must comply with many regulations. These include: Chapter 109.1 of the county code, rules and regulations for the I-66 Transfer Station Complex (PDF) and the I-95 Landfill Complex and Energy/Resource Recovery Facility (PDF), as well as specific program requirements. See our online chart for program rules according to business type. Failure to comply with any solid waste regulation may result in fines and suspension of permits or certificates to operate. To learn about specific violations and related fines, call 703-324-5230, TTY 711.
Facilities for Solid Waste Disposal
Fairfax County operates two solid waste disposal facilities: the I-66 and I-95 complexes. The Energy/Resource Recovery Facility, a key element of the I-95 Landfill Complex, is operated in partnership with Covanta Fairfax, Inc. Hours and fees as well as rules and regulations for the I-66 Transfer Station Complex (PDF) and the I-95 Landfill Complex and Energy/Resource Recovery Facility (PDF) are available online.
Recycling Collection Requirements
Collectors are required to offer a recycling system for their residential, multifamily and nonresidential customers. Details about material types, collection frequency, reporting requirements, etc. can be found in the recycling collection area of our website. Cardboard and mixed paper recycling is mandatory for all businesses and institutions. See Chapter 109.1 as well as the Recycling Requirements Guide for Nonresidential Properties (PDF: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5).
Solid Waste Advisories
The county uses solid waste advisories to communicate with the local waste industry and its customers. These advisories are formal notices of policies, clarifications of policies or rules, events, or other information that collection and disposal companies need to perform their work.
- SWA 08-002 Guidance on New Vehicle Identification Requirement for "Single Stream" Refuse Collection Vehicles (PDF)
- SWA 08-001 Clarification on Where Licensed Collectors Must Dispose of Waste Collected in Fairfax County (PDF)
- SWA 07-001 Clarification for Haulers on Yard Waste Collection Requirements (PDF)
- SWA 07-002 Approval of Alternative Recycling Systems for Yard Waste Recycling In Townhouse Communities (PDF)
- SWA 07-003 Collection of Christmas Trees (PDF)
- SWA 06-001 Clarification on Cardboard Recycling (PDF)
- SWA 06-002 Solid Waste Collection Companies End of Year Permit Process (PDF)
- SWA 06-003 Solid Waste Disposal Companies End of Year Permit Process (PDF)
- SWA 06-004 Expanded Recycling Requirements for Non-Residential and Multi-family Properties (PDF)
Waste Delivery and Disposal Agreements
Companies that hold a Certificate to Operate or disposal permit to dispose of waste at county facilities (see Collection and Disposal Business Categories) may wish to enter into a Waste Delivery/Disposal Agreement (PDF) with Fairfax County. Through these contracts, businesses agree to dispose of all combustible solid waste at either the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill Complex in exchange for a reduced disposal rate. Businesses further agree to abide by Chapter 109.1 of the Fairfax County Code and facility rules and regulations.
See Also:
- Collection Company Meetings
- Commercial Disposal Fees
- Fairfax County Recycling Program Requirements
- Permitted Solid Waste Collection Companies
- Publications for Trash Collection and Disposal Industry