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Fairfax County is launching a public information campaign ahead of a June hearing that could begin a five-year transition to county-managed residential trash collection.

The Board of Supervisors will decide at the hearing whether to move forward with Unified Sanitation Districts, a model introduced by the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services in December. If approved, the new system would begin operating in 2030.

Most single-family homeowners currently choose and hire their own private trash companies. Under the proposal, the county would instead divide Fairfax into service zones and award each zone to a private hauler through a county-managed contract.

Virginia law requires a five-year transition before such a change can take effect. County officials would use that period to design the collection system, settle logistical questions and seek additional public feedback.

DPWES said the June hearing will focus on shortcomings in the existing system rather than the details of its replacement, which have not yet been finalized.

Before the hearing, the county plans to update its Unified Sanitation District webpage and frequently asked questions, publish social media posts and advertisements, place posters and flyers in county facilities, and mail information to residents.

Fewer Trucks and Tighter Oversight

County officials say assigning designated areas to individual haulers would reduce the number of garbage trucks traveling through the same neighborhoods. Multiple companies now sometimes serve one community on the same day, adding traffic and carbon emissions.

Staff members also identified inconsistent service as a problem during a Board of Supervisors environmental committee meeting in December. Because private haulers establish their own schedules and rates, residents have reported missed collections, delays and unexpected price increases.

Officials contend that county-negotiated contracts could establish more consistent prices and service requirements. The contracts could also give the county stronger enforcement powers, including penalties when a hauler fails to meet required standards.

Residents dissatisfied with their current service generally have little recourse other than changing companies.

If supervisors approve the transition in June, the county would spend the following five years establishing district boundaries, creating a competitive bidding process and working with existing haulers to limit disruption. Residents would have multiple opportunities to comment before the planned 2030 launch.