Public Works and Environmental Services

CONTACT INFORMATION: Our 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
12000 Government Center Parkway
Suite 448 Fairfax, VA 22035
Christopher S. Herrington
Director
Public works and environmental services

What We Do

The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) improves public health and the quality of life for residents by building and maintaining safe, reliable infrastructure. Its four business areas are Solid Waste Management, Capital Facilities, Wastewater Management, and Stormwater Management. We work together to create and preserve sustainable communities.

Learn More

Department Resources

Related Resources

Capital Projects
Recycling & Trash
Stormwater
Trees
Wastewater
Educational Resources

Report A Problem

News Stories

Family planting tree

Free Trees Available for Fairfax County Residents
March 10, 2026
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va – In an initiative to expand the tree canopy on private property, the Urban and Community Forestry Division has teamed up with the Arbor Day Foundation to give away one-gallon trees to residents countywide. The trees are regionally native, non-invasive species carefully chosen for Fairfax County’s climate and growing conditions. The program also will help homeowners lower energy costs and improve neighborhood resilience
Read full article
give away trees - spring 2026
Grow a Greener Fairfax…for Free!
March 3, 2026
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va – If you’re looking to beautify your yard with more trees, you may find just what you need at an upcoming seedling giveaway. The Fairfax County Tree Commission is conducting the event this spring.
Free tree from Casey Trees
Fairfax County Offers Free Trees to Community Organizations
January 30, 2026
Community-based organizations in Fairfax County can apply to receive free trees for planting on private properties, through a program by Fairfax County’s Urban and Community Forestry Division (UCFD) of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services.

Featured Video

Before nine homes on Barrett Road are demolished to reduce flood risk, they’re being used one last time — to train Fairfax County firefighters.

View More Videos

Benefits of the County Leaf Vacuum Program

On EnviroPod

Benefits of the County Leaf Vacuum Program

In Episode #57 of EnviroPod, host Bob DeMarco sits down with Duane Wright and Shonpaul Truss from the Solid Waste Management Program. They discuss Fairfax County’s successful leaf vacuum program, a service provided to more than 21,000 county customers. They highlight environmental benefits of the program, including keeping storm drains clear. Collected leaves are composted, resulting in high-quality mulch that county residents can get for free at Solid Waste facilities. The leaf mulch provides chemical-free nutrients for yards and gardens.<

More On EnviroPod

Water Resources and Infrastructure

Protecting our water, infrastructure, and our trees is an important job. We move, clean, and manage water to ensure access to clean drinking water and healthy streams. Our forests help enhance our community by providing habitat for wildlife, clean air, and protecting our stream banks. The County relies on our infrastructure to safely manage stormwater, wastewater, and our urban forest. WRI programs aim to protect and restore our vital natural resources which serve the community and safeguard the environment and public health.

Visit Water Resources and Infrastructure

APWA Accredited Agency

APWA Accredited Agency logoDPWES is accredited by the American Public Works Association. This prestigious program recognizes public works agencies that follow or exceed recommended best practices. Accreditation affirms our commitment to providing the highest quality services to Fairfax County.

Close
Fairfax Virtual Assistant

Related Resources