~ County adds new locations, increases service to meet growing demand ~

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. – Due to its popularity, Fairfax County is expanding its textile recycling pilot.  Additional Helpsy collection containers are now available at the I-95 Landfill Complex. The expansion follows strong public participation at the original site at the I-66 Transfer Station, where demand quickly exceeded early expectations.

Launched in early 2025 as a pilot, the Helpsy textile collection program provides residents with a convenient way to recycle clothing, footwear, accessories, linens, and other household fabrics. Items dropped off at Helpsy containers are sorted for their highest and best use, including resale, donation, upcycling, or recycling. Nearly all collected materials are reused, helping conserve resources and reducing landfill impacts.

As of the end of October, residents have dropped off 49.3 tons—almost 98,700 pounds—of textiles through the pilot. High participation prompted several operational changes, including the addition of more collection bins and increased service frequency. The program began with two bins at the West Ox Transfer Station serviced once per week. Due to demand, there are now six bins serviced twice weekly. The newly expanded site at the I-95 Landfill Complex now contains four bins serviced once weekly, with schedules adjusted as needed to ensure reliable collection.

Fairfax County plans to expand textile collection opportunities to additional facilities as the pilot continues to grow. The program supports the county’s long-term zero waste goal, which aims to divert 90 percent of the overall waste stream away from disposal.

For more information on waste reduction and recycling programs in Fairfax County, visit Recycling and Trash | Public Works and Environmental Services.