While the Virginia stay-at-home order remains in effect, Fairfax County residents are strongly discouraged from taking yard waste to the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill. This will help allow the County to focus on collecting trash during the pandemic and encourage social distancing. 

Public works officials have seen an increase in trips to these two facilities following the temporary suspension of curbside pickup of yard waste last week. By keeping yard waste at home, or not creating it in the first place, residents can avoid unnecessary social contact. This includes close contact with the County's solid waste staff who remain on the job to keep trash collection going.  Yard waste is also adding strain on the system when there has been a dramatic increase in the amount trash and recycling generated. There are also are fewer workers available to collect, transport, and process the material. 

Three alternatives are recommended for dealing with yard waste: 

• Don't generate it. While many people are taking advantage of more time home to start spring cleanup around the yard, the easiest way to deal with this waste is not to create it. Consider holding off on projects like tree trimming until later. 
• Mulch it. Instead of bagging your grass when you mow, leave the clippings on the lawn, which leads to greener, healthier turf. The clippings quickly decompose, returning nutrients to the soil. 
• Compost it. Start composting your grass clippings, leaves, small branches and food scraps. You don't need any special equipment to get started, although you can buy or build your own composting bin. You can start a compost pile on the ground outside, and you can follow these handy tips for composting yard waste. 

Glass Recycling Suspended

As glass recycling has been temporarily suspended, the purple, glass-only recycling containers located across the County have been removed. This change eliminates additional driving routes for solid waste staff, and also eliminates places where people may congregate while everyone should be social distancing. Glass can either be stored at home until the purple containers return or placed in the trash.

Other Tips

• Reduce the waste households generate so the system is not overwhelmed; postpone spring cleaning.
• Wipe and disinfect cart handles and lids. 
• Stop setting out yard waste at the curb; implement mulching or backyard composting. 
• Seal sharp medical objects in a rigid plastic container with sturdy tape and label it "sharps." 
• Bag all trash to limit workers' exposure to harmful materials. 
• Do not throw discarded used gloves, masks, and disinfectant wipes on the ground. 

Thank you,

John W. Foust

Dranesville District Supervisor

1437 Balls Hill Road

McLean, VA  22101

Phone:  703-356-0551

Fax: 703-821-4275