Solid Waste Management Plan Update

The City of Fairfax's Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) Update is a state-mandated five-year update to the city's solid waste management plan, covering a twenty-year planning horizon, required under Virginia state code. Work on the update was already underway as of July 2025, when it was noted the plan had last been updated in 2021. On February 3, 2026, Environmental Sustainability Specialist Melissa McDonald and consultants Helen Lee and Olivia Polamini of RRS presented a progress update to City Council at a work session; no Council action was taken at that time, though staff noted over 600 public survey responses had been collected. On May 12, 2026, City Council held a public hearing and unanimously adopted Resolution R-26-26 approving the SWMP Update; the plan will now be submitted to VDEQ for review and approval.

In this wiki

• Meeting history — every action, vote, and update, with links to the moment in the meeting video
• Positions & open questions

2025-10-27 — Planning Commission Regular Meeting/Work Session

Agenda item 10: Staff Report (watch the moment)

• Outcome: Staff reported on several recent and upcoming items, including City Council actions, ongoing plans, and commission vacancies.
• [10] A public meeting for the City's Solid Waste Management Plan 5-Year Update was announced for November 20, 2025.

2025-11-03 — HHCAB Regular Meeting

Agenda item 3: Upcoming Dates

• Outcome: Staff highlighted several upcoming dates relevant to HHCAB members and the public, including presentations to Mayor and Council, a Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week proclamation, a Solid Waste Management Plan public meeting, and the December HHCAB presentation to Mayor and Council.
• [3] 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.

2025-12-11 — PRAB Regular Meeting

Agenda item 4a: Solid Waste Management Plan Update – Melissa McDonald

• Outcome: Melissa McDonald presented an overview of the Solid Waste Management Plan, its goals, and current questions for community input. Discussion followed on recycling at special events and parks, trash capacity in parks, and food re-serving programs.
• [4a] 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. [5h] Diana Gibson reported she is continuing to serve on the City of Fairfax solid waste management plan advisory committee.
• Status after: in_progress

2026-02-03 — City Council Work Session

Agenda item 4b: Solid Waste Management Plan Update

• Outcome: Discussed. Environmental Sustainability Specialist Melissa McDonald gave a staff report and Helen Lee of RRS Consultants gave a presentation. No Council action was taken.
• [4b] 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.
• Status after: in_progress

2026-05-12 — City Council Meeting

Agenda item 7a: Public Hearing and Council Action on Adoption of the Solid Waste Management Plan

• Outcome: Public hearing held; Resolution R-26-26 approving the Solid Waste Management Plan Update adopted unanimously.
• Vote (passed): Adopt resolution R-26-26 approving the Solid Waste Management Plan Update. — Amos: yes, Bates: yes, Hall: yes, Hardy-Chandler: yes, McQuillen: yes, Peterson: yes
• [7a] 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.
• Status after: approved

Open questions

• VDEQ review and approval of the adopted Solid Waste Management Plan Update is pending.

Member commentary

• Hardy-Chandler — On May 12, 2026, Council Member Hardy-Chandler made the motion to adopt the resolution approving the Solid Waste Management Plan Update.
• Peterson — On May 12, 2026, Council Member Peterson seconded the motion to adopt the resolution approving the Solid Waste Management Plan Update.
• Reed (Mayor) — On February 3, 2026, Mayor Reed received the staff and consultant presentation, expressing appreciation: 'This has been very informative. I appreciate all the time, the effort. This has been a fantastic presentation. We have the slides, and we look forward to engaging with you in the future.'