1. Home
  2. Public Works and Environmental Services
Public Works and Environmental Services

Fairfax County, Virginia

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our administrative offices are open to the public by appointment only at this time. Please call or email 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday

703-324-5033
TTY 711

wwwdpwes@fairfaxcounty.gov

12000 Government Center Parkway
Suite 448 Fairfax, VA 22035

Christopher S. Herrington,
Director

Invasive Species

Search Invasive Species Site

WHAT ARE INVASIVE SPECIES?

Invasive species (plants, animals, or diseases) are those intentionally or accidentally introduced by human activity causing ecological or economic damage within a region in which they did not evolve. These species are usually characterized by unrestricted growth with few natural pests or predators. These qualities allow them to spread quickly, and they can aggressively outcompete desired native species causing harm to natural resources, humans, and the local economy.

Here are some ways that invasive species are introduced to new areas: Pathways of Introduction and Spread.

United States Department of Agriculture, National Invasive Species Information Center for more information.

RUNNING BAMBOO

Starting January 1, 2023, running bamboo must be contained on an owner's property.

Avoid The Fine, Don't Let Running Bamboo Grow Beyond Your Property Line.

Running bamboo is a fast-growing, invasive grass with a complex, horizontal root system called rhizomes that aggressively spread underground, as much as 15 feet per year. Once planted, running bamboo can eventually take over yards and travel across property lines, creating issues for adjacent property owners and local jurisdictions.

The new ordinance requires property owners to contain running bamboo on their property and prevent it from spreading beyond their property line. Property owners may incur penalties if they allow bamboo to spread beyond their property.

Learn more about the damage it causes, as well as how to contain, remove and dispose of Running Bamboo.

Read the information sheet: English, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Urdu and Vietnamese  

Why It Matters

running bamboo

 

There are consequences to the spread of invasive species:

  • Environmental
  • Financial
  • Social and Recreational
  • Health
  • Safety
Learn More

What You Can Do

Invasive species management volunteers

 

You can take action in many ways:

  • Be informed and spread the word
  • Prevent the spread and plant native
  • Manage invasive species on your property
  • Volunteer, individually and as groups
  • Report invasive species
Learn More

Resources

trapa bisponosa

 

Find references and contacts for:

  • Informational websites
  • Contact information
  • Events and Activities; Videos and Podcasts
Learn More

 

HOW DO I ...

RECOGNIZE invasive species?

MANAGE invasive species?

FIND ALTERNATIVE Plants?

REPORT sightings?

VOLUNTEER or SUPPORT the effort?

Know my RESPONSIBILITIES?

Get MORE INFORMATION?

Plants

Mile-a-minute with berries

 

More About Invasive Plants

Animals & Insects

Adult Spotted Lanternfly

 

More About Invasive Animals

Diseases

Thousand Cankers Disease - Photo By: Troy Kimoto, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Bugwood.org

 

More About Invasive Diseases

Working Together on Invasive Species

While Fairfax County and its partners work hard to provide the best services for controlling invasive species, we rely on the engaged residents of Fairfax to support our efforts to identify, manage, and control invasive species. Learn more about the County's work and discover numerous opportunities for you to get involved!

Learn More

Events and Activities

Videos and Podcasts

Countywide Strategic Plan - Environment and Energy Outcomes

Our collective work on invasive species helps Fairfax County make progress on our Countywide Strategic Plan through our environmental policies and practices that support air, water and land quality. It is important for people to have the opportunity to enjoy the natural environment, and that residents, businesses, county employees and visitors share in the responsibility to improve environmental outcomes.

Visit Strategic Plan - Environment and Energy

More About Invasive Species

Species

Invasive Species Home

Plants

Animals & Insects

Diseases

How Do I ...

Recognize

Manage

Find Alternative Plants

Report Sightings

Volunteer or Support

Know my Responsibilities

Get More Information

More About

Why It Matters

What You Can Do

Working Together

Capital Projects

Doing Business

Building Construction Branch onsite

View design solicitations, bid opportunities, award results, and resources for doing business with us, from planning, design and land acquisition to construction management.

Solicitations, Bids, Awards

Projects

Workhouse campus rendering

View project summary reports, detailed information on selected Spotlight Capital Projects, the projects currently under construction and upcoming projects in the Fairfax County's Capital Improvement Plan.

View Projects

News and Podcasts

 
News and Podcasts

Streetlights

Countywide Streetlight program

Fairfax County provides street lighting services to the community for the purpose of enhancing public safety.

Report an Outage

Reporting Map

Streetlights

Guidelines, Plans & Policies

cover of Capital Improvement Plan

View the policies, plans and guides that drive Capital Projects.

Guidelines, Plans & Policies

Jobs

Capital Facilities Staff

Join the Capital Facilities team providing design, land acquisition and construction services in the most populous county in Virginia.

Learn More About Capital Facilities

View Open Positions

Related Organizations

Fairfax County Solicitations

Fairfax County Park Authority - Park Planning

Fairfax County Park Authority - Development Projects

Fairfax County Department of Transportation

Land Development Services - Building Permits & Plans

Public Schools Design and Construction Services

Virginia Department of Transportation

Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity - State program providing DBE & SWaM certification

More About Capital Projects

Doing Business

Capital Projects Home

Solicitations, Bid Advertisements, Award Results

Design & CMAR Solicitations

Selected Design Firms

Invitations for Pre-Qualification

Bid & CMAR Advertisements

Bid Advertisement Results

Subscribe Design Advertisements

Subscribe Constructions Bidders

Projects

DPWES Projects

Projects Under Construction

Capital Project Summary Reports

Capital Improvement Plan

Spotlight Projects

Stormwater Improvement Projects

FCDOT Projects

Capital Construction Completed Projects Book

Streetlights

More About Us

About Capital Facilities

Jobs

News and Podcasts

Guidelines, Plans and Policies

Green Buildings

Department of Public Works and Environmental Services

Home

Capital Projects

Recycling & Trash

Stormwater

Trees

Wastewater

Trees

Quick Links

Who To Call

Tree Care

Insects & Diseases

Outreach & Education

FAQs

Who To Call

Tree on a house

The responsibility for hazardous trees generally lies with the people or agency that owns or maintains the property. Get information on how to handle emergency situations and who to contact about hazardous trees.

Learn More

News and Videos

 
News, Videos, EnviroPod

Trees Are The Answer

Tree planting

Every dollar spent on planting and caring for a community tree yields benefits that include cleaner air, lower energy costs, improved water quality and storm water control and increased property values.

Learn More

Tree Removal

Tree Pruning in Progress

Before removing a tree, consider the benefits of conserving the tree and if some pruning and care would be a better approach.

Learn More

Planting and Care

proper tree planting

Trees are a great investment in your property and a source of pride and pleasure. Proper planting and maintenance are essential to protect your investment and make the most of the benefits of having trees.

Learn More

Insects and Diseases

Fall Cankerworm

Learn how to identify Fairfax County's most notorious pests, what to do when you spot them and how to create a healthy tree environment.

Learn More

Tree Identification

tree to be identified

Not sure what kind of tree that is? These tools will help you find the species of tree which will help you find information on how to properly care for it.

Learn More

Tree Selection

large tree by the roadside

A tree is a long term investment, so plant the right tree in the right location.

Learn More

Know the Rules

excerpt from the public facilities manual

For the benefit of everyone, trees are protected by a set of policies, standards, ordinances and regulations.

Learn More

Publications and Forms

I-Tree Ecosystem Analysis Report Cover

Find important reports and forms related to the management of trees

Learn More

Outreach and Education

Tree planting at elementary school

Request a tree program for your classroom.

Learn More

Volunteer

Tree Planting with Kids

Public Works strives to protect and enhance the natural environment, but we can’t do it alone. Find opportunities to get involved with tree planting groups.

Learn More

County Tree Organizations

Tree Commission

Fairfax County Park Authority

Land Development Services

Health Department - Environmental Health

Virginia Cooperative Extension - Neighborhood and Community Services

Tree Partners and Friends

Earth Sangha

Fairfax ReLeaf

McLean Trees Foundation

University of Washington - Green Cities: Good Health

Virginia Department of Forestry - Urban and Community Forestry

Virginia Urban Wood Group

Public Works and Environmental Services

Home

Capital Projects

Recycling & Trash

Stormwater

Trees

Wastewater

 

Resources

Trees Home

Who To Call- Hazardous Trees

FAQs

How to Hire an Arborist

Know the Rules

Publications and Forms

About Urban Forest Management

Invasive Species

Tree Planting and Care

Tree Removal

Tree Planting and Care

Insects and Diseases

Tree Identification

Tree Selection

Forest Health – Prevention and Treatment

Tree Preservation and Planting Fund

Outreach and Education

News, Videos and Podcasts

Education Programs

Trees Are The Answer - Benefits of Trees

Be Tree Friendly

Volunteer

Partners and Friends

Litter

Report Litter

If you see large amounts of trash, garbage or litter that have been illegally dumped or just collected in a place not designated or intended as a trash disposal site, please contact us. Reporting litter allows us to track down the property owner or organization responsible for picking it up. We will look into it and get back to you or forward to the responsible organization. Please be patient while we investigate and respond. Let us know what you saw and where you saw it by calling 703-324-5230 | TTY 711 or by email.

Email Us

Littering is illegal

Most people are unaware of littering fines. Section § 33.2-802. of the Code of Virginia makes littering or dumping trash a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine up to $2,500.

Volunteer - Clean Ups

Adopt a Highway - Virginia Department of Transportation

Community Clean Up Program - CleanFairfax

Potomac River Watershed Cleanup

Stream Monitoring - Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District

Volunteer in the Parks

Clean Virginia Waterways (Sep-Oct)

What You Can Do

  1. Secure your trash on collection days by using containers with a lid.
  2. Place heavier recyclables on top of lighter materials in open recycling bins. This will prevent bottles and paper from blowing away.
  3. Wait to place your trash and recycling out until the morning of collection day.
  4. Storm drains are not trash cans. Never throw garbage in them
  5. Organize or participate in neighborhood stream cleanups.
  6. Adopt a road and keep it free of litter.
  7. Choose a reusable bottle instead of plastic bottled water.
  8. Choose reusable bags instead of plastic shopping bags.
  9. Report overflowing trash cans and dumpsters.
  10. If you see litter, pick it up and dispose of it properly. Every bottle, wrapper, and box adds up.
  11. Secure trash and recycling before heavy rain events.
  12. Store trash and recycling away from flood prone areas.

Floating trash washes into Accotink Creek following a storm on June 17, 2019. Storm drains in Fairfax County lead directly to the nearest waterway. Any litter on the ground ends up in our streams. Please help prevent litter.

Operation Stream Shield

Operation Stream Shield (OSS) is a partnership between the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services and the Office to Prevent and End Homelessness to benefit the environment and provide assistance for individuals experiencing homelessness to help improve the water quality of local streams.

The program helps the county meet its mandate to keep streams clean through the removal of litter and non-native invasive plant species, maintenance of the county’s pedestrian trail system, providing assistance to the county’s Noman M. Cole, Jr., Pollution Control Plant, I66 Transfer Station, and the I95 Landfill Complex, and engaging in assigned special projects as they become available.

Learn More

Litter Resources

Code Compliance Illegal Dumping, Who to Contact

National Park Service Leave No Trace Seven Principles

Negative Impacts on Public Health and The Environment

Litter from storm drains flows directly to local creeks and streams, on to the Potomac River, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Litter from storm drains flows directly to local creeks and streams, on to the Potomac River, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Attracting rodents and insects which may breed disease
  • Polluting streams and lakes that flow to the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay
    • Litter left on sidewalks, streets, yards or other open areas may be carried by rainwater and melting snow to storm drains. Smaller items such as motor oil and pesticides may flow into storm drains and then to rivers, lakes and streams. Large items may block storm drains, and cause road and structure flooding during storms.
  • Killing fish and wildlife
    • Litter may harm aquatic life.
    • Animals may ingest toxic substances such as motor oil, pesticides, or cigarette butts or they may swallow or become entangled in trash that finds its way into streams.
    • Fertilizers from yard waste that is dumped into streams can create large algae blooms which create low oxygen zones that kill fish.
  • Degrading Water Quality
    • Litter affects the quality of stream water that provides recreation for many county residents and is a source of public drinking water.
  • Destroying scenic vistas. Litter is just plain ugly!

Common Litter Items

Cigarette Butts

Plastic bags and bottles

Aluminum and Glass Containers

Paper Products

Household Hazardous Waste

Motor Oil

Used Food Containers, Wrappers and Unwanted Food

Diapers

Public Works and Environmental Services

Home

Capital Projects

Recycling & Trash

Stormwater

Trees

Wastewater

Report a Problem

Emergencies

Storm Flooding

Sanitary Sewer Backup, Overflow, Line Break

Fallen/Hazardous Trees

Snow Removal

Ready Fairfax, Emergency Preparedness

Recycling and Trash

Missed Pick-Up

Repair or Replace Trash or Recycling Cart

Missed Vacuum Leaf Collection

Litter

Maintenance and Construction

Roads

Sanitary Sewer Manhole Issues, Cave-In/Sinkhole, Grinder Pumps

Storm Drain System or Pond Problem

Street Name Sign Problem

Streetlight Outage

Walkways, Sidewalks and Trails

Construction Site Complaints - Land Development Services

Environmental

Illegal Dumping - Department of Code Compliance

Litter

Polluted Runoff

Trees and Forest Pests

Invasive Species

More Options

Visit Fairfax County Report

Public Works and Environmental Services

Home

Capital Projects

Recycling & Trash

Stormwater

Trees

Wastewater

Stormwater Management

Quick Links

Report a Problem

Plans & Projects

On My Property

Maintenance/ Inspections

Education/ Outreach

FAQs

Search Stormwater Management

If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

For other flood emergenices or non-emergency problems, Report a Problem

Flooding

Neighborhood flooding

Find information on how to protect your property from flooding, what is a floodplain, building around a floodplain, national flood insurance program, the community rating system, and dam safety.

Learn More

Storm Drainage System

Outfall Restoration at Stone Mill Court

Find out what the storm drainage system is, where to see the public system, who maintains the drainage system, who maintains the easement, where to call to report a problem or get more information, what you can do to help.

Learn More

News and Video

 
News, Videos, Enviropod

Watershed Plans and Projects

What is a watershed?

Find Your Watershed

Watershed Management Plans

Improvement Projects and Restorations

Building - Bids, Solicitations, Construction

Learn More

On My Property

Outfall on Private Property

Storm Drainage Easements

Private Facility Maintenance

Floodplains and RPAs

Connecting to the Public System

Public Design Standards

Go Green with Hands On Conservation

You Can Help Prevent Pollution

Invasive Species | Trapa bispinosa

Learn More

Maintenance and Inspections

passage under trail

Stormwater Infrastructure Map

Maintenance

Inspections

Business Inspections| Polluted Runoff| Private Stormwater Facilities | Contractors

Facility Fact Sheets | FAQs

Learn More

Stream Quality

Assessing Water Quality

Stream Physical Assessments

Stream Quality Assessment

Stream Critters | Fish | Bacteria and Nutrients | Habitat

Learn More

Pollution Prevention and Reporting

oil and water running toward storm drain

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit

Polluted Runoff | Litter

Business Inspections

What's that Stuff in the Stream?

You Can Help Prevent Pollution

Learn More

Education and Outreach

Youth with dirty gardening gloves

What is a watershed?

Educational Programs K-12

Fishes of Fairfax County| A Field Guide to Fairfax County's Plants and Wildlife | Water's Journey

You Can Help Prevent Pollution

Learn More

Maps and Publications

MS4 Program Plan and Annual Report

Maps: View interactive maps for stormwater improvement projects, infrastructure, flood hazard areas, floodplains, and watersheds.

Reports and Publications:

View All

Additional Resources

Jobs

Forms

Volunteer

Advisories

Helping Our Land Heal

Public Works and Environmental Services

Home

Capital Projects

Recycling & Trash

Stormwater

Trees

Wastewater

Wastewater Management

Residents Business & Industry Construction & Maintenance Environmental Services Educators & Students Maps & Publications

Quick Links

Locations, Hours, Phone

Connect Sewer

Billing, Charges

Jobs

FAQs

Search Wastewater Mangagement

Payment Assistance for Customers

Need help paying your Fairfax Water bill? Fairfax Water offers payment assistance options for customers.

Apply for Assistance

Residents

Potomac Avenue Sink Hole

Get Help Now!

Sewer Service and Billing

Connect to Public Sanitary Sewer System

Septic/Portable Toilet Waste Disposal

What You Can Do - Prevent Backups and Overflows

Learn More

News and Videos

 
News, Videos, Enviropod

Drinking - Waste - Storm Water

Water's Journey

Clean water is our most important resource. Learn how drinking water, wastewater and stormwater runoff are managed by separate systems in Fairfax County.

Water's Journey

Construction and Maintenance

Street Repair

Get Help Now

Why is there a service truck in my neighborhood? | As Built Data | Groundwater Disposal | Sewer Capacity

Planning For Tomorrow

Learn More

Business and Industry

Fats Oils and Grease Truck

Sewer Service and Billing

Business and Industrial Wastewater Disposal

Business and Industrial Wastewater Pretreatment

What You Can Do - Prevent Backups and Overflows

For Wastewater Haulers

Learn More

Environmental Services

Lab Intern

Wastewater Treatment

Environmental Monitoring

Water Reuse

An Ecological Study of Gunston Cove

Environmental Management System

What You Can Do to Help

Learn More

Maps and Publications

2018 Wastewater Management Report Cover

 

Learn More

Educators and Students

Treatment Plant Tour

Sewer Science Program

Water Quality High School Science Projects

Learn More

Join Us

Group Photo

 

Jobs
Volunteer

Public Works and Environmental Services

Home

Capital Projects

Recycling & Trash

Stormwater

Trees

Wastewater

Flood Response Maps

Barcroft Dam

Belle View/New Alexandria

Burke Centre Sec 11B

Fire & Rescue/Police:

DPWES:

Carrington Sec 1A Regional D-107

Fire & Rescue/Police:

DPWES:

Dulles Station at Dulles Corner Regional

Fire & Rescue/Police:

DPWES:

Fairfax Center Regional D-77

Fire & Rescue/Police:

DPWES:

Fairview Lake (Reservoir 2A)

Fire & Rescue/Police:

DPWES:

Fox Lair Regional

Fire & Rescue/Police:

DPWES:

Hampton Forest

Fire & Rescue/Police:

DPWES:

Hunter Mill Estates Regional D-52/25

Fire & Rescue/Police:

DPWES:

Huntington

Huntsman Lake (Pohick Creek 8)

Fire & Rescue/Police:

DPWES:

Kings Park West Sec 18

Fire & Rescue/Police:

DPWES:

Kingstowne Pond No. 4

Fire & Rescue/Police:

DPWES:

Lake Barton (Pohick Creek 2)

Fire & Rescue/Police:

DPWES:

Lake Braddock (Pohick Creek 7)

Fire & Rescue/Police:

DPWES:

Lake Mercer (Pohick Creek 1)

Fire & Rescue/Police:

DPWES:

Lake Royal (Pohick Creek 4)

Fire & Rescue/Police:

DPWES:

Pulte/McLean 100 Regional D-67

Fire & Rescue/Police:

DPWES:

Reston Northern Sector Pond 1

Fire & Rescue/Police:

DPWES:

West Ox Road Regional

Fire & Rescue/Police:

DPWES:

Woodglen Lake (Pohick Creek 3)

Fire & Rescue/Police:

DPWES:

Recycling and Trash

Disposal Center Drop Off At Home Pickup Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Businesses Collection Industry Teachers, Students

Quick Links

Report A Problem

Locations, Hours, Phone

Recycle or Trash?

Household Hazardous Waste

Pay Bill Online

FAQs

Search Recycling and Trash

Disposal Center Drop Off

latex paint trailer pickup

Drop off recycling and trash services are available to ALL Fairfax County Residents at our I-66 and I-95 disposal centers

Address, Hours, Phone, Facility Map

Recycle or Trash - What Goes Where?

Disposal Fees and Regulations

Free Mulch | Yard Waste

Electronic Recycling | Household Hazardous Waste

Food Scraps Composting Drop-Off

Learn More

At Home Pickup

touch a truck

View Does Fairfax County Pick Up My Trash? to find out if you receive trash and recycling collection services from Fairfax County Government.

Customers with private collection service should contact their provider directly.

For County Collection Customers Only

Learn More

News and Videos

 
News, Videos, EnviroPod

Reduce, Reuse, Recyle

no paper, no plastic, yes canvas, My grocery bag is better than your grocery bag

Before recycling, consider ways to reduce your trash, reuse items in other ways, then recycle where possible before throwing stuff away.

Residential Recycling Requirements

Recycling at Multifamily Properties

Recycle or Trash - What Goes Where?

Free Mulch

Glass | Plastic | Yard Waste

Compost Organic Waste

Learn More

Businesses

collage of business staff

Resources for Hospitality Industry, Multifamily Property Managers, Office / Retail Property Management, Brokers, Employees

Disposal Centers: Address, Hours, Phone, Facility Map

Disposal Fees

Recycling and Trash Requirements

Hazardous Waste | Very Small Quantity Generators (VSQG)

Commercial Pay Program (self-haul)

Learn More

Collection and Disposal Industry

trash hauler

What you need to know if you are a trash and recycling collector.

Disposal Centers: Address, Hours, Phone, Facility Map

Commercial Disposal Fees

Requirements, Rates, Permits

4 Touchpoints

Publications and County Code

Forms and Applications

Jobs | Safety

Learn More

Educators, Students & Ambassadors

Find out how to take a tour of one of our trash and recycling disposal centers, arrange for a guest speaker, and watch great videos.

Learn More

Additional Resources

Recycling and Trash Topics from A to Z

Registered Solid Waste Companies

Safety

Litter

Subscribe to Fairfax Recycler

Jobs

Lorton CDD Landfill Closure

 

Customers

Recycling and Trash Home

Fairfax County Residents

County Collection Customers

Trash and Disposal Industry

Businesses

Educators, Ambassadors and Students

Services

Pay Bill Online

Apply for a Permit

Schedule a Special Pickup (Customers only)

Report Missed Pickup (Customers only)

Request Trash/Recycling Cart Repair/Replace (Customers only)

Vacuum Leaf Collection (Leaf Customers only)

Report Litter

Request A Tour or Guest Speaker

Mulch

More Resources

Locations, Hours, Phone

Recycle or Trash - What Goes Where?

A- Z Index of Topics

FAQs

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Publications, Plans and County Code

Forms and Applications

Safety

Subscribe to Fairfax Recycler

Contact Us

Department of Public Works and Environmental Services

Home

Capital Projects

Recycling & Trash

Stormwater

Trees

Wastewater

Close
Fairfax Virtual Assistant

seal

Translate
Awards
Site Feedback

Main Address

12000 Government Center Pkwy
Fairfax, VA 22035

Phone

703-324-7329

TTY 711

Site Tools

Site Tools

Website Accessibility

Translate

Download Mobile App

Support

Support

ADA Accessibility

FOIA Requests

Website Administrator

Additional Resources

Additional Resources

Fairfax County Public Schools

Economic Development Authority

Visit Fairfax

Council of Governments

Commonwealth of Virginia

USA.gov

PRIVACY POLICY & COPYRIGHT