While the Virginia governor’s stay-at-home order remains in effect, Fairfax County residents are strongly discouraged from taking their yard waste to the I-66 Transfer Station or I-95 Landfill. 

This will help the county to focus on collecting trash during the pandemic and encourage social distancing. 

Public works officials say they’ve 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 to strain on the system when there’s 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. 

Yard Waste Alternatives 

Three alternatives are recommended for dealing with yard waste: 

• Don’t generate it. While now is the time for many people to get going on spring cleaning 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 actually 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. 

Get answers to other questions you may have about why yard waste collection was suspended.