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Public Works and Environmental Services

Fairfax County, Virginia

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our administrative offices are open 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Mon - Fri

703-324-5033
TTY 711

DPWESPublic-Info-Office@fairfaxcounty.gov

12000 Government Center Parkway
Suite 448 Fairfax, VA 22035

Sharon North,
Public Information Officer

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Beech Leaf Disease Confirmed in Fairfax County

Beech
January 13, 2023
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – If the leaves of beech tree saplings have dark green stripes in the veins, or if more mature trees have reduced foliage, they may be showing signs of beech leaf disease (BLD). Infected trees may also exhibit puckered, cupped or distorted leaves.
Beech Leaf Disease Confirmed in Fairfax County

Capital Projects Public Website Gets Refreshed

Capital
January 9, 2023
The DPWES Capital Projects website has a new look and improved functionality. With our visitors in mind, we have made some enhancement changes.
Capital Projects Public Website Gets Refreshed

Amendments Made to Fairfax County Sanitary Sewer Policy for Second Time Since 1980

Amendments
January 3, 2023
Significant changes have been made to the county's Sanitary Sewer Policy for only the second time since it was adopted 42 years ago. The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Wastewater Planning and Monitoring Division (WPMD) spearheaded the revisions. "The policy facilitates community and economic development as envisioned by the County's Comprehensive Plan and allows the cost of…
Amendments Made to Fairfax County Sanitary Sewer Policy for Second Time Since 1980

2021 – 2022 Friends of Trees Awards Announced by Fairfax County Tree Commission

2021
December 28, 2022
The Fairfax County Tree Commission announces the winners of its 2021-2022 Friends of Trees Awards. Twelve county individuals and groups are being recognized as champions of the county’s urban forest. A recognition ceremony will be held on January 5, 2023 at the Tree Commission’s virtual meeting.
2021 – 2022 Friends of Trees Awards Announced by Fairfax County Tree Commission

Noman Cole Pollution Control Plant Goes Off the Grid to Help Stop Blackout 'Cold'

Noman
December 28, 2022
Noman Cole Pollution Control Plant staff switched on its five large electricity generators and “islanded” off of the electric power grid, responding to the Christmas Eve Cold Snap emergency and protecting the community from more significant blackouts.
Noman Cole Pollution Control Plant Goes Off the Grid to Help Stop Blackout 'Cold'

Fairfax County Working to Remediate Leaf Collection Delays

Fairfax
December 15, 2022

~Staffing shortages and equipment problem causing slowdown~

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services is currently behind on vacuum leaf collection service. The county provides service to roughly 25,000 customers as part of the Sanitary District Program. Delays are the result of the early leaf fall this season, in combination with staffing…

Fairfax County Working to Remediate Leaf Collection Delays

Predator Beetles Released at Scott’s Run to Help Combat Hemlock-Devouring Insect

Predator
December 9, 2022
In early December, the Urban Forest Management Division (UFMD) released approximately 700 laricobius nigrinus beetles, also known as predator beetles, at Scott’s Run Nature Preserve to eliminate the hemlock woolly Adelgid (HWA) infestation and preserve healthy Eastern Hemlock trees.
Predator Beetles Released at Scott’s Run to Help Combat Hemlock-Devouring Insect

Fairfax County Temporarily Waives Landfill Disposal Fees for Former Haulin' Trash Residential Customers

Fairfax
December 6, 2022
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is offering a remedy to customers of the now defunct private trash collector Haulin’ Trash LLC by authorizing a temporary suspension of disposal fees at the I-95 Landfill Complex and the I-66 Transfer Station.
Fairfax County Temporarily Waives Landfill Disposal Fees for Former Haulin' Trash Residential Customers

Ribbon Cuttings Scheduled at Two New Purple Can Glass Recycling Receptacles on Fairfax Recycles Day

Ribbon
November 14, 2022
Fairfax County is added two more receptacles to its Purple Can Club. The latest glass recycling dumpsters are in the Braddock and Mount Vernon districts.
Ribbon Cuttings Scheduled at Two New Purple Can Glass Recycling Receptacles on Fairfax Recycles Day

Take the Tour: Noman M. Cole Pollution Control Plant to Host Thanksgiving Tour

Take
November 7, 2022
– The Noman M. Cole Pollution Control Plant in Lorton is an award-winning wastewater management facility. On Saturday, November 19 visitors are going to be able to see why it’s received so many accolades.
Take the Tour: Noman M. Cole Pollution Control Plant to Host Thanksgiving Tour

DPWES to Enforce New Recovery Plan Agreement with American Disposal Services to Restore and Maintain Timely and Reliable Trash Collection Service

DPWES
November 4, 2022
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va - In response to a significant drop-off in reliable trash collection service, the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) and American Disposal Services, Inc., (ADS) have established a plan to resolve the significant volume of service-related complaints DPWES has received from ADS customers.
DPWES to Enforce New Recovery Plan Agreement with American Disposal Services to Restore and Maintain Timely and Reliable Trash Collection Service

Fairfax County Unveils ‘Making Trash Bloom’ Signage at I-66 Transfer Station as New Pollinator Meadow Project is Implemented

Fairfax
October 28, 2022
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – The official ‘Making Trash Bloom’ signs were installed today at the new pollinator meadow high atop the county’s I-66 Transfer Station in the Springfield District.
Fairfax County Unveils ‘Making Trash Bloom’ Signage at I-66 Transfer Station as New Pollinator Meadow Project is Implemented

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act

Celebrating
October 19, 2022
In August 2022, Grammy-award winning singer Lorde shocked fans at the Anthem when she told them she swam in the Potomac so she could feel like she was part of the DMV community. Little did she know, the Potomac River has been banned from swimming activity since 1971 due to pollution. The good news? Hard work by our regional wastewater and stormwater professionals have gotten the 450-mile river…
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act

Pumpkin Palooza

Pumpkin
October 13, 2022
Dispose of your decaying jack o'lanterns at I-95 Landfill Complex or I-66 Transfer Station. Composting stations are open seven days a week!
Pumpkin Palooza

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

Spotted
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

Drivers
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

Flushed
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

Eric
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

Five
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

Groundbreaking
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

Composting
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

Spotted
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

Friends
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

How
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

Groundbreaking:
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

National
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

Friends
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

So-Called
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

Early
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!

The
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

Fairfax
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

Mentorship,
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!

Arbor
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!

Flood Awareness Week 2022 Recognized in Countywide Cross-Jurisdictional Campaign

Flood
March 10, 2022
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – In the United States flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster and is becoming more frequent with climate change. As we head into the typical rainy season, Fairfax County and Arlington County are teaming up during Flood Awareness Week to get out key messages about the importance of being informed and prepared.
Flood Awareness Week 2022 Recognized in Countywide Cross-Jurisdictional Campaign
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