Fairfax County, VA – A pilot program aimed at reducing the amount of latex paint entering the waste stream has been initiated by Fairfax County’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, in collaboration with Operation Stream Shield (OSS) and the Washington, D.C. based Pangea Markets, an organization dedicated to sustainability.

“We aim to recover up to 85% of the latex paint generated in Fairfax County, which amounts to approximately 2 million pounds annually,” said Daniel Brooks, Assistant Complex Manager at the I-66 Transfer Station and the program innovator. The paint will be repurposed, providing job training opportunities for OSS participants, then packaged and shipped to Honduras for reuse, supporting global sustainability efforts. The program aligns with Fairfax County’s Zero-Waste initiative and promotes green job creation.

Emily Burton, MS4 Program Specialist and OSS Program Manager, highlighted the program’s dual benefits of waste reduction and job training. “This initiative not only helps us reduce landfill waste but also equips participants with valuable job skills.” Operation Stream Shield plays a critical role in the lives of participants who are experiencing homelessness by providing a nominal stipend, developing workforce skills that enable them to better compete for potential jobs, and helping them pursue a positive trajectory towards improving their circumstances. Workers on this project are from The Lamb Center, one of three facilities in Fairfax County whose guests participate in Operation Stream Shield.

This 12-month pilot program is a significant step towards Fairfax County’s sustainability and community support goals. If successful, it may expand to other locations, further advancing the county’s zero-waste efforts.

To learn more about Operation Stream Shield, please visit Operation Stream Shield.

To learn more about Recycling and Trash, please visit Recycling and Trash for Fairfax County Residents.