Solid Waste Management Plan Update

Jan. 6, 2025, UPDATE: The survey is now closed; however, ideas and feedback are still being accepted. Thank you to everyone who participated!

Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) Update

The City of Fairfax is updating its Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) — a 20-year roadmap for how our community will reduce, reuse, recycle, compost, and safely dispose of waste. This plan is more than just a state requirement; it is an opportunity to rethink how we manage materials in ways that protect the environment, support public health, and build a more sustainable future.

The draft SWMP update is now available for public review. The draft plan was developed with support and guidance from internal and external stakeholders, including city staff, regional partners, community members, and subject matter experts. It outlines proposed goals, strategies, and actions for the next 20 years, and reflects input gathered throughout the planning and engagement process. Public review and feedback are an important part of refining the plan prior to final adoption.

We Want Your Input!

Your voice remains essential. While the formal survey has closed, we still welcome your ideas and feedback on the draft plan. Your input will help shape the future of recycling and sustainable waste management in our community.

What is a Solid Waste Management Plan?

A Solid Waste Management Plan is a long-term planning document that guides how the city manages all aspects of waste. It goes beyond day-to-day trash and recycling services to establish the goals, policies, and actions that shape:

• Future projects and infrastructure, such as recycling facilities or composting sites
• Programs and services, including curbside collection, drop-off centers, and reuse initiatives
• Education and outreach efforts to help residents and businesses reduce waste
• Budget and policy decisions that ensure services are efficient, equitable, and environmentally responsible

The plan addresses the entire waste stream — from source reduction and reuse, to recycling and composting, to waste-to-energy and landfilling. It also ensures the city meets Virginia’s required 25% recycling rate while advancing Fairfax’s broader sustainability goals. By law, the plan must be updated every five years (Virginia Code 9VAC20-130-120.C), but it looks ahead over a 20-year planning horizon.

What is the Goal of this SWMP Update?

The City of Fairfax is developing an updated Solid Waste Management Plan that not only meets state requirements, but also serves as a strategic framework for the future. Over the next 20 years, the plan will guide efforts in key focus areas:

• Waste reduction and reuse initiatives
• Construction and demolition debris recovery
• Recycling system improvements
• Composting expansion
• Continued education and outreach

Waste management touches nearly every part of daily life. It impacts:

• Our environment — through effects on air, water, and wildlife
• Our health — by reducing pests, pollution, and public health risks
• Our economy — by conserving resources and supporting job creation
• Our community — by maintaining clean, safe, and vibrant public spaces

A strong SWMP ensures that as Fairfax grows, waste is managed in ways that are sustainable, resilient, and cost-effective.