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PUBLIC WORKS & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
Fairfax Recycler Newsletter
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With the arrival of cooler air and fall, it's time for cozy gatherings, pumpkin-flavored treats, and new ways to enjoy the outdoors. Fall often means more waste, such as extra packaging, yard clippings, and leftover food. We're here to help you make the most of the season while staying sustainable.
In this edition, we’ll dive into ways to cut down on waste during fall traditions, with highlights on Pumpkin Palooza, tips to prevent food waste, and details on Fairfax Recycles Day. You’ll also find updates on our newest videos and practical zero-waste tips to enjoy the season without overflowing your trash bin.
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Pumpkin Palooza is back!
This year, you can turn your leftover Halloween pumpkins into food for livestock and compost! From late October through mid-November, bring your pumpkins and gourds to the I-66 Transfer Station. Just make sure they're free of paint, glitter, and candles. Watch our social media for the exact dates and help us make this the best Pumpkin Palooza yet.
You can also compost your carved or uncarved pumpkin at home! simply place it in your garden or yard and let nature do the work. As it breaks down, it will enrich your soil and may even surprise you with a new pumpkin vine in the spring!
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Autumn is a time for colorful leaves, cozy gatherings, and big meals. But when our plates are full, it’s easy to let food go to waste. In the United States, almost a third of food goes uneaten, and holiday get-togethers contribute to the problem. This fall, you can enjoy the celebrations, save money, and help the planet.
Plan Ahead: Make a menu that fits the number of guests you expect. When you shop with a plan, you’ll have just enough food for everyone and fewer leftovers to throw away.
Store Smart: Keep perishable foods in sealed containers and write the date on any leftovers to ensure freshness. This helps your food stay fresh and makes it easier to use up what you have.
Get Creative with Leftovers: Turn turkey, squash, and pumpkin into hearty soups, vibrant salads, or even a cozy breakfast. Give stale bread a second act as crunchy croutons or a sweet bread pudding.
Compost the Rest: Put peels, cores, and shells in a compost bin rather than the trash. Composting helps reduce waste in landfills and supports the development of healthy soil for future plants. You can also collect food scraps from holiday meal prep in a bucket and drop them off at the I-66 Transfer Station or the I-95 Landfill Complex.
By taking a few simple steps, you can savor the flavors of fall and reduce waste. Every small effort makes the holidays more enjoyable and better for the environment.
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 Join us for Fairfax Recycles Day, a special drop-off and Touch-a-Truck event for Fairfax County residents. Bring your hard-to-recycle items to the Backlick Road VRE Park & Ride (6900 Hechinger Dr, Springfield, VA 22030) on Saturday, November 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
We’ll be accepting:
- Textiles
- Glass bottles and jars
- Household batteries
- Small electronic waste (no larger than 24x24 inches)
❌ Please note: we cannot accept household hazardous waste, appliances, car batteries, motor oil, or paints.
After you drop off your items, stay for the Touch-a-Truck showcase. Kids and adults can check out real county vehicles, like wastewater, trash, and recycling trucks, along with other surprises. Enjoy snacks, visit resource tables, and find out how you can help keep Fairfax County clean and green.
Leave the Leaves!
When colorful leaves start to blanket your yard, try leaving the rake in the shed. Mulching leaves into your lawn not only saves you time but also nourishes the soil and creates a haven for birds, frogs, and helpful insects.
Keep the leaf layer light; a gentle blanket helps your lawn thrive, while thick piles can smother the grass. Spread extra leaves in garden beds, around trees, or toss them into your compost. You’ll reduce waste and replenish the earth with precious nutrients.
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Wondering what to do with your fall waste?
From pumpkins and yard waste to plastic bags, batteries, and takeout containers, our Waste Wizard has you covered.
Search the Waste Wizard to learn how and where to dispose of everyday items this season.
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Behind the Bin: What Happens After Pickup
Ever wonder what happens to your trash after it’s picked up from your curb? Or what really belongs in your curbside recycling bin in Fairfax County? Watch The Journey of Trash to see where your waste goes, and check out The ABCs of Curbside Recycling to learn what can and can’t be recycled at home.
Thank you for being part of our recycling community. Your choices make a real difference. Explore the County’s recycling flowchart and curbside recycling guide to stay informed. We also offer resources specifically designed for multifamily properties. Want to test your knowledge? Try the interactive "Sort it Out!" game and see how sharp your recycling skills are! Stay connected with us on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) @ffxpublicworks for real-time updates, recycling reminders, and tips to keep Fairfax County clean and green
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