Vienna, VA – A proposed overhaul of Fairfax County’s residential trash collection is facing pushback from private haulers, who argue the current competitive system delivers better results for residents. The debate centers on whether a government-run “unified sanitation district” – similar to neighboring Arlington – would improve service or stifle innovation.
Industry Voices Concerns Over County Takeover
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Private waste companies say Fairfax County’s current system fosters lower prices and better service through market competition.
- Fairfax County began exploring changes to its trash collection system in 2022, prompted by missed pickups and a hauler bankruptcy.
- The proposed “unified sanitation district” model would involve the county contracting with providers for assigned neighborhoods, with a mandatory annual fee.
- Private haulers contend the existing system, with multiple providers, drives down costs and improves service quality.
- The Board of Supervisors paused consideration of the proposal in August 2025 to gather more public input.
- Additional public forums are planned, including a meeting with homeowners’ associations on February 3.
“Competition drives innovation, it drives accountability,” said Dan Ciesla, municipal sales manager of Republic Services, at a forum hosted Wednesday by the county’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES). He argued a government-run system would lack these crucial elements.
Phillip LeMaster, founder of Garby Disposal Services, echoed Ciesla’s sentiment, stating, “We’ve really proven ourselves over time.” He emphasized that the current variety of options available to consumers has driven both lower prices and service improvements, “that’s what the market dictates.”
A History of Collection Concerns
The county began exploring changes to its decentralized trash collection approach in 2022, following a surge in reports of missed pickups. These issues were partially attributed to staffing shortages during the pandemic. The situation was further complicated when one private hauler unexpectedly declared bankruptcy in December 2023, leaving customers scrambling to find alternative services.
As part of a broader update to its solid waste management plan, DPWES announced in late 2024 its intention to implement a “unified sanitation district” model, mirroring the system in Arlington: the local government would hire contractors to provide trash and recycling services to designated single-family neighborhoods, charging an annual fee without an opt-out option.
DPWES maintains that the new model will allow for increased oversight and the negotiation of consistent services and prices throughout the county. However, after an initial round of public outreach, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors paused consideration of the proposal in August 2025 to gather additional input.
Concerns from Smaller Haulers
If all single-family trash collection is overseen by the county, smaller haulers fear they could be squeezed out due to their inability to compete for large-scale government contracts. LeMaster stated that those firms would expect “fair-market value for their companies” if they are excluded.
Katie Evans, representing the National Waste and Recycling Association, believes Fairfax County leaders cannot successfully argue that the existing system fails to meet residents’ needs. “The county needs to take a step back,” she said.
DPWES Director Christopher Harrington acknowledged the challenges of implementing such a significant change. “There’s no question,” he said. “There’s complexity.” He added that feedback from the recent forums will be provided to the Board of Supervisors to help them make a more informed decision.
Harrington said the county sent a survey to the 26 firms licensed to provide trash and recycling services, but only received responses from nine. The January 21 forum saw greater participation from haulers and industry representatives. Tad Phillips, representing the Virginia Waste Industries Association, urged county officials to focus on “partnership, not mandates,” and to “work together” to strengthen the community.
Currently, about 10% of Fairfax County residents have their trash collected through the public system, receiving only one pickup per week compared to the two offered by many private services. Residents using the county service often pay higher fees.
