Waste Reduction and Diversion Planning
To support the 2025 Solid Waste Management Plan Update, the Solid Waste Management Program (SWMP) worked with a consultant to explore ways to reduce or divert the amount of waste generated in Fairfax County. The consultant conducted a waste characterization study to estimate the composition of trash from residential and commercial areas. They also projected the amount of waste that would be created in 2040, as well as available markets to process and dispose of trash and recycling. Using this data, the consultant developed strategies to reduce and recover materials from the current waste stream to meet the County’s ambitious sustainability goals. Note that these documents are for planning purposes only and were not adopted the County Board of Supervisors.
- Fairfax County Waste Characterization Study
- Solid Waste Projections and Market Study PDF
- Zero Waste Strategies and Implementation Roadmap
Solid Waste Management Plan Update
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) requires Fairfax County to maintain a 20-year solid waste management plan. The plan covers the entire waste management process, including source reduction, reuse, recycling, waste-to-energy, incineration, and landfilling. Every five years, the County must submit a letter to DEQ certifying that the plan contents have been maintained and updated.
Solid Waste Management Plan 2004-2025
- Executive Summary
- Chapter 1 - Introduction
- Chapter 2 - Projections and Waste Quantities
- Chapter 3 - Solid Waste Management Hierarchy
- Chapter 4 - Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Objectives
- Chapter 5 - Fairfax County Solid Waste Management System Overview
- Chapter 6 - Municipal Solid Waste
- Chapter 7 - Construction/Demolition/Debris
- Chapter 8 - Yard Waste
- Chapter 9 - Special Wastes
- Chapter 10 - Litter Control
- Chapter 11 - Solid Waste Management Plan Actions
- Chapter 12 - Implementation Plan
- Chapter 13 - Future SWM System Waste Quantities
- Chapter 14 - Funding
- Chapter 15 - Public Participation
- Appendix A - Public Forecasts by Sub-census Plot
- Appendix B - 1990 Fairfax County Municipal Waste Composition Study
- Appendix C - Development of MSW Projections
- Appendix D - Solid Waste Facilities in Fairfax County
- Appendix E - Recycling Markets
- Appendix F - Source Reduction and Reuse Best Practices
- Appendix G - SWMP Brochures
- Appendix H - Clerk’s Board Summary from the Public Hearing and Resolution Adopting the Plan
- Appendix I - 20 Solid Waste Management Plan Update