WASTE REDUCTION
Waste Reduction strategies, programs and services deal with waste at the source. It starts with using less and/or reusing materials. There are many ways to reduce waste, including sustainable purchasing, repurposing or donating items and buying in bulk.
Scope
The Waste Reduction area of focus includes county government waste reduced and is measured and reported as a % of total tons of waste generated.
Sources
Solid waste at Fairfax County government facilities includes trash, recyclables and compost material.
Target(s)
Reduce the overall waste generated to 25% below 2018 levels by 2030.
Benefits
By addressing waste at its source, we prevent trash, cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, and protect the environment.
Progress
In 2023, the county government as a whole reduced the waste it generated by nearly 39% from 2018 levels.
In 2025, DPWES studied the trash at each of its facilities to find out how much waste was being made and what kinds of materials were in it. The study set a baseline and included recommendations to improve waste reduction and diversion. Future yearly self-checks will help DPWES track how much waste they are keeping out of the incinerator and landfill.
Waste Reduction Progress
Waste Reduction trend
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Highlights
DPWES participates in county implemented programs and other efforts aimed at preventing waste at its source. For example, many DPWES facility bathrooms replaced paper towels with hand dryers. Where funded, DPWES facility kitchens have water filters and coolers to support reusable water bottle use. Some DPWES facilities have kitchens stocked with reusable dishes and containers, and some of the kitchens have dishwashers available.
DPWES also participates in the county’s extensive reuse program to manage excess and surplus property. Surplus property is material that is no longer needed due to factors such as condition, age, cost to repair, changing operational needs, and facility renovations. The Reuse, Sale, and Recycling Program includes items like surplus office supplies, furniture, appliances, equipment and tools, industrial machinery, fleet vehicles, and anything else ‘beyond the bin.’ The pool of surplus county material is first made available via an online shopping portal to staff which helps maximize reuse. Items that are not internally reused are offered for sale via public e-auctions before being routed to recycling contractors.
Department-wide events, like the ROADeo and department picnic, focus on reducing single-use plastic. Staff bring their own water bottles to fill at water filling stations or select from drinks in aluminum cans. Food is served on compostable plateware so that all leftover scraps can be collected for composting. Smaller business area or team events use reusable partyware. Staff make an effort to select reusable party decorations, like cloth tablecloths and seasonal items that are saved for future events.
WASTE DIVERSION
Waste Diversion strategies focus on reuse, recycling and composting what you can to reduce trash.
Scope
The Waste Diversion area of focus includes DPWES waste diverted and is measured and reported as a % of total tons of waste generated.
Sources
Solid waste management at Fairfax County government facilities include trash, recyclables and compost material.
Target(s)
Divert 90% of waste generated from trash disposal by 2030.
Benefits
By reusing, recycling, and composting, we decrease solid waste disposal and prevent litter. We also reduce carbon emissions and other pollution that are caused by the extraction of raw materials.
Progress
In 2023, 29% of county government waste was reused, recycled, composted or otherwise diverted from trash disposal.
In 2025, DPWES studied the trash at each of its facilities to find out how much waste was being made and what kinds of materials were in it. The study set a baseline and included recommendations to improve waste reduction and diversion. Future yearly self-checks will help DPWES track how much waste they are keeping out of the incinerator and landfill.
DPWES operations recycle antifreeze and oil used in their vehicles and equipment. Wastewater Management also recycles scrap metal from their operations. Many DPWES offices include three-bin systems to help staff separate organics, recyclables, and trash.
Waste Diversion progress
Waste Diversion trend
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Highlights
To facilitate waste diversion at DPWES facilities, staff sort their waste using three-bin recycling stations. The three-bin containers separate recycling, composting, and trash into individual containers. The stations were first piloted in kitchenettes at the Government Center. The pilot was successful and the stations continue to expand to other DPWES locations.
Composting reduces greenhouse gas emissions, expands the county’s sustainability efforts and supports the county’s Zero Waste Policy. A vendor takes the food scraps collected at DPWES facilities to a commercial composting facility where they are turned into high-quality compost.
