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Project · on the record since 2025 · discussed in 4 transcribed meetings

Solid Waste Management Plan Update

The City of Fairfax's Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) 5-Year Update is a long-term planning document covering a twenty-year horizon, required by state code to be updated every five years; the previous update was completed in 2021. 4 separate matters touch this project; each has its own status.

in progress

The Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center is a joint City of Fairfax and Fairfax County project to redevelop the Willard Health Center and Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center sites at 3740 and 3750 Blenheim Boulevard into a new shared health, wellness, and recreation facility.

Private Development · Under Review

Courthouse Plaza

in progress

Courthouse Plaza (10300 Willard Way, with associated parcel at 3922 Blenheim Boulevard) is a shopping center redevelopment proposal in the City of Fairfax, pursued by Combined Courthouse, LLC. The project has gone through two distinct application cycles.

denied

The George Snyder Trail was a planned shared-use trail project (VDOT UPC 112816) in the City of Fairfax intended to improve multimodal connectivity. The project drew sustained and significant public opposition throughout 2025 and into 2026.

completed

The Fairfax Circle Small Area Plan is one of four Activity Center Small Area Plans adopted by the City of Fairfax. Plan development began in Spring 2023.

Other mentions
  • Nov 3, 2025Housing and Healthy Communities Advisory Board · item 3
    Upcoming Dates

    A public meeting on the Solid Waste Management Plan Update was announced for November 20, 2025, 7:00–8:00 p.m. at the Katherine Johnson Middle School Library (3801 Jermantown Road); public comment is also available via Engage Fairfax.

    minutesagenda
  • Dec 11, 2025Parks and Recreation Advisory Board · item 4ain progress
    Solid Waste Management Plan Update – Melissa McDonald

    Melissa McDonald presented the SWMP, explaining it is a long-term planning document updated every 5 years; a community survey on recycling and waste reduction is open through the end of the year. Discussion included recycling at special events and parks and composting barriers. Diana Gibson reported she is continuing to serve on the City of Fairfax solid waste management plan advisory committee.

    minutesagenda
  • Feb 3, 2026City Council · item 4bin progress
    Solid Waste Management Plan Update

    The city is developing its five-year update to the SWMP covering a twenty-year planning horizon; upon adoption by City Council, it will be submitted to VDEQ for review and approval. No Council action was taken at this meeting.

    minutesagenda
  • May 12, 2026City Council · item 7aapproved
    Public Hearing and Council Action on Adoption of the Solid Waste Management Plan

    The five-year update to the City's Solid Waste Management Plan was adopted by City Council and will be submitted to VDEQ for review and approval.

    passedAdopt resolution R-26-26 approving the Solid Waste Management Plan Update.
    ✓ Amos✓ Bates✓ Hall✓ Hardy-Chandler✓ McQuillen✓ Peterson
    minutesagenda

In full

Work on the update was underway by at least July 2025, with a public meeting held on November 20, 2025, at Katherine Johnson Middle School Library and a community survey open through the end of 2025. Environmental Sustainability Specialist Melissa McDonald led the effort, supported by consultant team RRS (Helen Lee and Olivia Polamini), and community outreach yielded over 600 responses. A work session presentation was given to City Council on February 3, 2026, covering project timeline, community engagement themes, and key action items such as studying curbside composting efficiency and curbside glass pickup; no Council action was taken at that meeting.

On May 12, 2026, City Council unanimously adopted Resolution R-26-26 approving the SWMP Update, after which it was to be submitted to VDEQ for review and approval.