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.

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Department Resources

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Capital Projects
Recycling & Trash
Stormwater
Trees
Wastewater
Educational Resources

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News Stories

Helpsy Bins

Fairfax County Expands Helpsy Textile Recycling Pilot
December 2, 2025
Due to its popularity, Fairfax County is expanding its textile recycling pilot. Additional Helpsy collection containers are now available at the I-95 Landfill Complex.
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Pumpkins at Pumpkin Palooza
Pumpkins Go ‘Green’ in Fairfax County’s Pumpkin Palooza, Now Underway
November 7, 2025
Used Halloween pumpkins can get a second, Earth-friendly life as compost in Fairfax County’s annual Pumpkin Palooza collection drive, now underway until the end of November.
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Celebrate Fairfax Recycles Day with a Drop-off and Touch-a-Truck Event!
October 21, 2025
Whether it’s winter coats, batteries, eyeglasses or electronics, unwanted recyclables can be dropped off when the DPWES Solid Waste Management Program (SWMP) hosts the upcoming Fairfax Recycles Day event.

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.

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New Recycling Programs: Books and More Textiles

On EnviroPod

Two New Fairfax County Recycling Initiatives

In Episode #56 of EnviroPod, host Bob DeMarco sits down with Catie Torgersen from Solid Waste Management Program. She discusses Fairfax County’s expansion of textile recycling at the I-95 Landfill Complex in Lorton, and a new book recycling program at I-66 Transfer Station in Fairfax. In 2025, the county collected 57 tons of recycled textiles. Torgersen anticipates book recycling to be just as popular and welcomes new ideas and recycling partners as the county works to meet its zero-waste goals.

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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.

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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.

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