News | Public Works and Environmental Services

Spotted Lanternfly Egg Mass “Search Scrape and Destroy” Underway in Fairfax County

September 16, 2022

With the help of Fairfax County residents, it may be possible to slow the spread of the spotted lanternfly. Fairfax County Forest Pest Management is asking residents to ‘search-scrape-and destroy’ spotted lanternfly egg masses.

Spotted Lanternfly Egg Mass “Search Scrape and Destroy” Underway in Fairfax County

Drivers of DPWES Solid Waste

September 15, 2022

In recognition of Truck Driver Appreciation Week, DPWES is highlighting a few heavy equipment and motor equipment operators in the Solid Waste Management Program (SWMP). Read the stories of SWMP drivers and their experience on Fairfax County roadways.

Drivers of DPWES Solid Waste

Flushed the Journey of Wastewater: Plant Mechanics

September 8, 2022

Wastewater Management (WWM) does more than just clean dirty water. Employees from all WWM divisions work toward pollution prevention and continuous improvement focused on maintaining our wastewater infrastructure, a critical asset to Fairfax County, and protecting human health and the environment.

Flushed the Journey of Wastewater: Plant Mechanics

Eric Forbes to Permanently Lead DPWES Solid Waste Management Program

August 30, 2022

The Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) is pleased to announce that Eric Forbes is the new Deputy Director leading the County’s Solid Waste Management Program. Forbes has been serving as the Acting Deputy Director and his new position becomes effective on September 10. He replaces John Kellas who resigned in July to return to his home state of Minnesota…

Eric Forbes to Permanently Lead DPWES Solid Waste Management Program

Five Back-to-School Tips to Reduce Waste This Year

August 22, 2022

As students begin to head back to school, parents, faculty and students should discuss and implement waste prevention practices on campus while encouraging reuse, recycling and composting programs. Here are tips parents, faculty and students can use to help reduce waste this school year.

Five Back-to-School Tips to Reduce Waste This Year

Groundbreaking Hemlock Program Leads UFMD to Champion Award

August 19, 2022

The Urban Forest Management Division (UFMD) Hemlock Management and Fall Arrest Initiative team were recognized with a Fairfax County Champion Award for their groundbreaking development and execution of hemlock inventory, evaluation and treatment pr

Groundbreaking Hemlock Program Leads UFMD to Champion Award

Composting Food Scraps During National Farmers Market Week

August 5, 2022

Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program will recognize National Farmers Market Week (NFMW), August 7 – 13, by hosting food scrap drop-offs. Staff will attend various county farmers markets to promote food waste prevention and composting. Stop by one of the markets below to learn more about our programs.

Composting Food Scraps During National Farmers Market Week

Spotted Lanternfly Watch Underway in Fairfax County

August 1, 2022

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va – While there are still no sightings of the spotted lanternfly in Fairfax County, it is getting closer, and experts are on the lookout for it. This summer the invasive pest was found in nearby Loudoun County. To reduce the spread of this destructive insect the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service has expanded the spotted lanternfly quarantine to include an…

Spotted Lanternfly Watch Underway in Fairfax County

Friends of Trees Awards Nominations Closing at the End of July

July 13, 2022

The deadline is July 31 to get in nominations for this year’s Friends of Trees awards from the Tree Commission. The nomination period opened June 10.

Friends of Trees Awards Nominations Closing at the End of July

How To Properly Dispose of your American Flag

July 1, 2022

Did you know the average outdoor flag lasts only about 90 days? Flying the stars and stripes outside your home is a great way to showcase pride in our county. But the ever-changing weather and the blasting rays of the sun will inevitably result in a worn-out flag.

How To Properly Dispose of your American Flag

Groundbreaking: Workhouse Buildings W13 and W15

June 17, 2022

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, and Workhouse Arts Foundation, are excited to host the official groundbreaking ceremony for Workhouse Campus Buildings W13 and W15 project, Friday, June 24 at 11:30 a.m.

Groundbreaking: Workhouse Buildings W13 and W15

National Waste and Recycling Workers Week

June 13, 2022

Please join Fairfax County’s Solid Waste Management Program in thanking all the hard-working waste and recycling workers in the county.

National Waste and Recycling Workers Week

Friends of Trees Awards – Nominations Open June 10, 2022

June 10, 2022

If you have demonstrated outstanding conservation-based actions in preserving, protecting or planting trees, you may be eligible for an award from the Tree Commission.

Friends of Trees Awards – Nominations Open June 10, 2022

So-Called Flushable Wipes Aren’t Flushable

June 1, 2022

Protect your pipes – Don’t flush wipes. The wipes being used for cleaning, including the so-called “flushable’ wipes are not flushable. Unlike toilet paper, they do not break down. Put used wipes in the trash.

So-Called Flushable Wipes Aren’t Flushable

Early Season Guidance for Draining Swimming Pools

June 1, 2022

Draining swimming pool water incorrectly may harm aquatic life, flood neighboring properties and violate the Stormwater Management Ordinance of the Fairfax County Code. This includes drainage from above ground pools.

Early Season Guidance for Draining Swimming Pools

The work never stops for county recycle collectors!

May 13, 2022

At the crack of dawn each day roughly eight collection crews are dispatched out around Fairfax County to pick-up thousands of tons of recycle. On a typical day a crew may collect recyclable items from up to 1,500 homes.

The work never stops for county recycle collectors!

Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Recognizes National Public Works Week with Thousands of Colleagues

May 13, 2022

More than 900 employees in the Fairfax County DPWES will join over 30,000 colleagues throughout the U.S. and Canada to recognize National Public Works Week from May 15 through May 21.

Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Recognizes National Public Works Week with Thousands of Colleagues

Mentorship, Community, and Learning: Environmental Field Day 2022

May 9, 2022

Centreville Environmental Field Day is a first-year mentorship program started in 2022. It is aimed at creating relationships between environmental professional mentors, high school students, and elementary school students. The mentors assisted Advanced Placement Environmental Science students in creating hands-on activities for elementary school students so they can learn more about the…

Mentorship, Community, and Learning: Environmental Field Day 2022

Arbor Day Hooray!

May 2, 2022

Nestled in the woods off Union Hill Road in Clifton on 80 tree-filled acres of land sits Liberty Middle School. Despite all the trees and foliage surrounding it, the school’s commitment to the environment means they’re getting even more.

Arbor Day Hooray!

Hours of Operation Changing at I-95 Landfill Complex and I-66 Transfer Station

December 20, 2021

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – The new year will usher in extended operating hours for residents to drop off their trash, recyclables, and various specialty wastes (e.g., used oil, old batteries, scrap metal) at the I-66 Transfer Station and the I-95 Landfill Complex. The new hours taking effect on January 1, 2022, are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weekend hours, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., will remain…

Hours of Operation Changing at I-95 Landfill Complex and I-66 Transfer Station

Fairfax County Disinfecting Wastewater with New Award-Winning Ultraviolet Process at Noman M. Cole, Jr. Pollution Control Plant

November 9, 2021

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – A new process designed to disinfect treated wastewater using ultraviolet lights (UV) is now operating at the Noman M. Cole, Jr. Pollution Control Plant in Lorton. The UV process will replace the existing chemical (sodium hypochlorite) disinfection system. The project resulted in the first Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure Envision Gold Award achieved by Fairfax County.…

Fairfax County Disinfecting Wastewater with New Award-Winning Ultraviolet Process at Noman M. Cole, Jr. Pollution Control Plant

County Kicking Off America Recycles Day with a Poster Contest

October 27, 2021

America Recycles Day celebrations have taken place in communities across the country every November 15 since 1994. The goal is to stress the importance of recycling by using activities and events to encourage recycling efforts, promote the proper ways to recycle and to build consumer demand for recycled products.

County Kicking Off America Recycles Day with a Poster Contest

Orange Striped Oakworm

August 27, 2020

This caterpillar is black and hairless with eight narrow orange or yellow stripes on its back. It is among the caterpillar look-a-likes that are common to Fairfax County, often mistaken for the spongy moth, and is a native pest that usually does not pose a threat to trees in Fairfax County.

Orange Striped Oakworm

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