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Fairfax County, Virginia
Fairfax County Virginia
Fairfax County Virginia

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  1. Home
  2. Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination
  3. Waste

Alert:

Waste

On this page you’ll find information and resources for reducing and responsibly managing the amount of waste we generate – to help mitigate climate change and improve natural resilience for Fairfax County. Refer to the Department of Public Works & Environmental Services for detailed information about solid waste management programs and policies, including trash and recycling services. 

Repair, Repurpose or Recycle: What to Do About Your Old Appliances

The average household has more than a dozen appliances, like refrigerators, ovens, dryers, microwaves, toasters, blenders and more. What should we do when these appliances reach the end of their useful life or are no longer needed, even if they still work? Do they have to be discarded and wasted? Find out more on our Climate Matters blog!

Read the Blog

Waste and Climate Action

Achieving zero waste goals is an important component of lowering our carbon emissions and building resiliency to climate change. Learn more about Fairfax County's climate action efforts around waste - including reducing the amount of waste overall and diverting more of it from incinerators and landfills to waste-to-energy facilities. 

Explore Climate Action Metrics for Waste

Zero Waste

The best way to minimize waste is to create less of it in the first place! Fairfax County's Zero Waste program works to minimize solid waste in county facilities to close to nothing and to do so through a holistic approach: by rethinking not only how we dispose of materials, but also what we use and how we use it. Learn more about the Zero Waste initiative for government and schools. 

Learn more about Zero Waste

Recycling and Trash

Recycling and environmentally-responsible trash disposal keeps Fairfax County clean, healthy, and sustainable. Learn more about Fairfax County's solid waste programs and policies. 

More about Recycling and Trash

Waste Checklist

Our Waste checklist provides 10 actions you can take to reduce your household waste and lower your carbon footprint.

Start Taking Climate Action

Avoid Plastic Bags

woman using canvas shopping bag Plastic pollution is a serious problem. Since plastics do not biodegrade like wood or other natural materials, they can pollute our local waterways, roadways, and open spaces and cause harm to the environment and our health. Learn more about Fairfax County's plastic bag tax.

  • Explore the Plastic Bag Tax

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

plastic bottles in recycling binThe best way to help the environment is to reduce your waste and reuse or recycle when and where you can. Learn how to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle in Fairfax County. 

  • Learn How to Recycle Right

Compost Your Food Scraps and Yard Waste

composting in the homeComposting your food scraps and yard waste can benefit the soil and cut down on waste that ends up in landfills. Whether you compost at home, contract for curbside collection, or drop your compost off at one of our facilities or Farmers Markets, know that you will be doing your pat to make the environment a safer, cleaner place for everyone. 

  • Start Composting Today

Participate in a Volunteer Clean-Up

person picking up litter outsideJoin other Fairfax County residents in litter clean-up efforts or organize your own event. Learn more about volunteer opportunities to remove trash from our public spaces. 

  • Start Volunteering Today

Related Resources

  • Climate Plans, Policies and Initiatives
  • Resources for Residents
  • Resources for Businesses
  • Purple Can Club
  • Four Touch Points Initiative
  • Household Hazardous Waste Program
  • Yard Waste
  • Tour a Recycling and Trash Disposal Center
  • Sustainable Procurement

Sign up for the Environmental, Climate, and Energy Newsletter

Subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter - dedicated to providing you with the latest news and updates on climate change initiatives and policies. Sign up below and view past newsletters here.

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