2026_RFEI_SWMP.pdf

This is NOT a Bid Solicitation. Fairfax County is undertaking this Request for Expressions of Interest

(RFEI) to gather innovative, practical, and forward‑looking ideas that can help reshape the County’s solid waste management system. The County faces increasing waste volumes, rising operational and disposal costs, aging infrastructure, and growing community expectations for sustainable, equitable, and resilient services. To address these challenges and support the County’s environmental and fiscal stewardship goals, the County is seeking input from public, private, and nonprofit entities on potential methods, technologies, facilities, programs, and partnerships that can enhance solid waste operations and support long‑term system sustainability.

This RFEI is issued solely for information-gathering and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. Responses will not be evaluated for award and will not result in payment of any kind. Fairfax

County has no obligation to purchase or implement any concepts submitted, though information from this

RFEI may inform future planning, investments, partnerships, or competitive solicitations.

The County intends to use the information gathered through this RFEI to inform tangible, actionable decisions, including shaping future procurements, programs, public‑private partnerships, and long‑term capital planning. The County strongly encourages participation from organizations of all sizes—including small businesses, startups, local enterprises, and individual innovators. Creative, scalable concepts from diverse contributors are essential to addressing the County’s urgent solid waste management challenges.

Availability of RFEI Documents

This RFEI is publicly available by downloading the document from the County’s website at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/recycling-and-trash. The County will post any related updates, clarifications, or addenda at the same website. Respondents are responsible for checking the website for updated information.

All RFEI responses should be submitted by email no later than end of day on Friday, October 30, 2026, to

Melissa.McDonald@fairfaxcounty.gov. All questions about this RFEI must be submitted in writing via email to Melissa McDonald, at the contact above. Additional details about the submission process and preferred response format are provided on page 10.

Two optional virtual information sessions will be held to assist respondents with questions and clarifications for preparing their submissions:

Information Session 1: Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. EST.

Information Session 2: Monday, August 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. EST.

If interested in attending one, or both, of the virtual sessions, please email Melissa McDonald at

Melissa.McDonald@fairfaxcounty.gov, to be forwarded the virtual invite. The session will be recorded and posted on the County’s website www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/recycling-and-trash. Any material clarifications that arise will also be posted on the County’s website.

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/recycling-and-trash mailto:Melissa.McDonald@fairfaxcounty.gov https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/recycling-and-trash

Request for Expressions of Interest

Fairfax County is home to more than 1.2 million residents across 406 square miles in the Washington DC metropolitan region. The County oversees a comprehensive, integrated solid waste management system administered by the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services’ Solid Waste Management

Program (SWMP). This system encompasses waste reduction and diversion, recycling, processing, and disposal (with the majority of disposal handled by a 1.1 million ton-per-year waste-to-energy plant operated by a private company), along with the operation of a waste transfer station, two closed municipal solid waste landfills, a regional ashfill, two recycling and disposal drop-off centers, and a range of specialized programs.

SWMP is issuing this RFEI to solicit innovative solutions that support its ongoing solid waste planning efforts and advance modern, sustainable approaches to diversion, recycling, processing, and disposal.

SWMP seeks concepts that strengthen solid waste system performance via potential methods, technologies, and approaches that can support near- and long‑term sustainability goals, including achieving the zero waste objectives of reducing waste generation by 25% and diverting 90% of waste by

2040. Submissions may involve public‑private partnerships or other collaborative models, and the County recognizes that some concepts may require phased development or long‑term implementation. Additional background materials, including the county’s waste characterization study, solid waste projections, and market study, and proposed zero waste strategies are available for reference.

RFEI Objectives

SWMP seeks to engage the broadest range of public, private, and nonprofit partners to identify innovative, cost‑effective, and equitable approaches to solid waste management in Fairfax County. The objectives of this RFEI are to:

Invite comprehensive and forward‑looking concepts from interested parties that support the

SWMP’s efforts to reduce waste, increase diversion, modernize operations, and maintain equitable, and fiscally responsible services. SWMP is actively seeking new technologies, best practices, innovative solutions, and market‑driven approaches that can address rising disposal costs, aging infrastructure, and increasing material volumes recovered, while improving service delivery and operational sustainability.

Identify potential local and regional solid waste and construction/demolition debris (CDD) recovery, recycling, and disposal methods, facilities, or approaches, as well as relevant, technical, business, and management considerations. Submissions should identify opportunities to advance the County’s zero waste goals, reduce the amount of material disposed in landfills/incineration, and improve long‑term economic feasibility.

Explore opportunities for public‑private partnerships and long‑term collaborative models.

SWMP wishes to evaluate concession models, build‑operate‑transfer, long-term operations agreements, and/or hybrid partnerships for future facilities or services.

Identify interest in temporary naming rights or advertising opportunities on County solid waste facilities or related infrastructure. Respondents may propose creative, scalable, and appropriately branded sponsorship or advertising concepts that align with County values, support operational or capital program needs, and provide mutual benefit without compromising service quality, safety, or environmental stewardship.

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/boardofsupervisors/sites/boardofsupervisors/files/Assets/Documents/PDF/Agenda%20Item%203_SWMP%20Handout_Waste%20Characterization%20Study_A-1a.pdf https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/sites/publicworks/files/Assets/documents/pdf/sw-projections-market-study.pdf https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/sites/publicworks/files/Assets/documents/pdf/sw-projections-market-study.pdf https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/sites/publicworks/files/Assets/documents/pdf/zw-strategies-implementation-roadmap.pdf

SWMP welcomes responses from organizations of all sizes, including established firms, emerging companies, nonprofits, and individual innovators. SWMP recognizes that valuable ideas can come from a wide range of perspectives and capabilities and is seeking both scalable innovations and proven solutions that can significantly improve the solid waste systems. All qualified respondents—whether local, regional, national, or international—are encouraged to participate and share concepts that can support a more sustainable, resilient, and forward‑looking solid waste management program.

Timeline

SWMP is seeking a broad mix of project concepts through this RFEI, including proposals that can be implemented in the near term, as well as longer‑term capital and infrastructure investments. While SWMP has not established a fixed implementation schedule, respondents are encouraged to propose solutions across multiple planning horizons, including near-term opportunities (1–5 years) and long-term strategies that support system resilience and sustainability over the next 20 years and beyond.

Opportunities

While this RFEI is open to all interested parties, the SWMP has identified several operational, infrastructure, fiscal, and sustainability challenges that would benefit from innovative external perspectives. Rising disposal costs, aging facilities, and increasing material volumes have created a critical need for modernized approaches that support financial stability, zero waste objectives, and long‑term service sustainability. Staff have identified the following opportunity areas;

Zero Waste Programs & Partnerships: Initiatives, pilot programs, or technologies that advance the County’s zero waste goals by reducing waste generation and enhancing recycling and material circularity.

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Transfer Station & Operations: Renovation and operation of the County-owned I-66 Transfer Station Complex, recycling and disposal drop-off centers, and/or new sorting and disposal opportunities. The facility has a permitted capacity of 5,493 tons per day. In addition, possible siting of a second MSW transfer station at the I-95 Landfill Complex.

Waste Disposal Optimization: Concepts that enhance the existing disposal systems, including

(but not limited to) potential front‑end diversion, material recovery, and volume‑reduction systems. Estimated throughput ranges from 500,000 to 1 million tons per year.

Mixed Waste Processing Facility: Development and operation of a facility sited on county property capable of processing mixed, non‑bulky, putrescible MSW for material recovery, volume reduction, or conversion to reusable products.

Landfill Ash Reuse: Processing and beneficial reuse of ash from the waste-to-energy (WTE) operation that has been buried in a monofill section of the I-95 Landfill Complex, including (but not limited to) metal extraction, alternative fuel production, or other value-generating applications. Such reuse could also process ongoing ash being delivered to the site. The current permitted maximum capacity of the monofill is 3,000 tons per day.

MSW Transportation & Disposal: Transportation and disposal permit capacity of 5,493 tons per day of MSW from the County‑owned transfer station, with opportunities for cost‑effective, low‑emission, or otherwise inventive solutions.

Organic and Vegetative Waste Processing & Marketing: Concepts that improve the processing, reuse, and marketing of organic materials, including yard waste, brush, leaves, and https://geohub-vadeq.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/5a56c7a8daf04cb0bf584ffca72d8e46/explore?location=38.847468%2C-77.370473%2C14 https://geohub-vadeq.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/5a56c7a8daf04cb0bf584ffca72d8e46/explore?location=38.847468%2C-77.370473%2C14 https://geohub-vadeq.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/5a56c7a8daf04cb0bf584ffca72d8e46/explore?location=38.847468%2C-77.370473%2C14 landscape debris generated by the County customers and residents. Opportunities may include

(but are not limited to) enhanced mulch and wood‑chip processing, development of improved bulk or bagged mulch sales mechanisms, expanded composting or co‑composting programs

(including food‑waste strategies), and approaches that increase diversion while creating marketable soil‑amendment products.

Waste Collection Alternatives: Expanding technology and collection capabilities as source‑separated and multi‑stream collection systems; introducing on‑demand, technology‑enabled services for special pickups, dynamic routing and customer service;

transitioning to low‑emission or alternative‑fuel fleets; and developing specialized programs for hard‑to‑manage materials such as mattresses, electronics, reusable goods, etc.

Bulk Materials Management & Reuse: Sorting, processing, and reuse of materials such as pallets, untreated and treated wood, metal and wood furniture, mattresses, carpet, drywall, and masonry debris, on County- or privately-owned, property.

Construction & Demolition Debris (CDD) Management: Operation of a CDD processing facility, located either on County property or on a privately owned site, to sort reusable materials and reduce disposal volumes. Final tonnage expectations for the system are estimated to be in excess of 65,000 tons per year with increase diversion potential.

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Management & Programming: Development of new or enhanced methods to manage HHW materials beyond traditional drop‑off and disposal, including opportunities for material recovery, reuse, recycling, and or approaches for circularity. Materials include items such as solvents, paints, motor oil, antifreeze, and various battery types.

Curbside Leaf Collection & Processing: Collection, transportation, processing, and beneficial reuse of leaves generated through the County's seasonal curbside leaf collection program for

Sanitary District customers. Opportunities may include (but are not limited to) improvements to collection operations, processing efficiencies, composting, mulch production, biochar, renewable energy applications, or other value-added uses that increase diversion and reduce costs.

Closed Landfill Management & Long‑Term Care: Opportunities to support the long‑term stewardship of the closed landfill units at both the I‑66 Transfer Station and I‑95 Landfill

Complex. Activities may include compliance monitoring, groundwater and surface‑water sampling, cover integrity inspection and maintenance, settlement tracking, erosion control, vegetation management, leachate system upkeep, regulatory reporting, and implementation of technologies that improve environmental performance or reduce lifecycle costs. Concepts may also include approaches that streamline long‑term care obligations, enhance system reliability, modernize monitoring methods, or provide value‑added reuse options for closed‑landfill acreage.

Landfill Gas Recovery & Beneficial Reuse: Development, expansion, or operation of systems that capture, process, and beneficially use landfill gas generated at the closed MSW landfills located at the I-66 Transfer Station and the I-95 Landfill Complex. I-66 generates 300-500 standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM), and I-95 generates 1,000 to 1,100 SCFM. Opportunities may include (but are not limited to) renewable natural gas production, electricity generation, direct pipeline injection, hydrogen production, carbon capture, renewable fuels, or other technologies that maximize environmental and economic value.

Fleet Management, Maintenance & Alternative Fuels: Approaches that support modernization of the solid waste fleet through enhanced maintenance, fleet optimization, deployment of electric-or alternative‑ fuel vehicles, development of charging or fueling infrastructure, and/or the use of diagnostic or predictive technologies that improve fleet reliability and reduce emissions.

Smart Operations, Monitoring & Enforcement Technology: Digital and automated tools that increase operational efficiency, improve compliance, strengthen enforcement, and enhance service delivery. Concepts may include artificial intelligence, automated monitoring, remote sensing, unmanned aerial systems, unmanned aircraft system platforms, contamination detection, license plate recognition, and data‑analytics systems that support planning and decision‑making.

Digital Transformation & Asset Management: Implementation of digital tools that improve management of solid waste assets, facilities, and infrastructure. Opportunities include computerized maintenance management systems, digital twins, GIS integration, asset lifecycle planning, predictive analytics, workflow automation, and enterprise data management solutions.

Emerging Technologies & Innovative Solutions: Pilot programs, demonstration projects, and commercial applications of emerging technologies that improve the management, recovery, processing, transportation, or disposal of solid waste. Concepts may include robotics, artificial intelligence, advanced material recovery, automation, carbon utilization, circular economy technologies, and other innovative approaches that enhance environmental performance, operational efficiency, or long-term sustainability.

County Background & Context

Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program

Fairfax County’s integrated solid waste management system encompasses a comprehensive range of waste reduction and diversion, recycling, processing, and disposal strategies. The Department of Public

Works and Environmental Services’ Solid Waste Management Program (SWMP) provides municipal solid waste (MSW) services to County residents, institutions, and the business sector, operating a network of facilities that include a waste transfer station, two closed municipal solid waste landfills, a regional ash landfill, two recycling and disposal drop-off centers, and ad hoc recycling and disposal programs. The

County’s solid waste management goals, as outlined in the County’s 20‑Year Solid Waste Management

Plan and guided by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ 20‑Year Environmental Vision, form the foundation of the County’s future needs and strategic direction.

Solid waste management services in the County are provided through a combination of public and private providers. Solid waste services are regulated locally under, Chapter 109.1 of the Fairfax County Code, while solid waste management facilities are regulated by the Virginia Department of Environmental

Quality (VDEQ).

The County has a service contract with Reworld Fairfax, Inc. (Reworld) to dispose of refuse at its WTE facility located at the I-95 Landfill Complex. This facility provides the primary disposal capacity for the

County’s MSW. The service contract is structured to cover a 15-year period, using three renewable 5-year terms. The third term of this contract will expire on February 1, 2031.

Recycling recovery services in Fairfax County are managed separately through private contracts for both single-stream materials and select segregated materials collected at SWMP drop‑off facilities. County buildings—including public schools, libraries, and community centers—receive recycling collection through a private contract with Republic Services. This agreement runs through 2030 and includes three optional one‑year renewals. Single‑stream recyclables collected curbside by SWMP are delivered to the https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/environment-energy-coordination/sites/environment-energy-coordination/files/Assets/environmental-vision-2017_ADA_A-1a.pdf https://library.municode.com/va/fairfax_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=THCOCOFAVI1976_CH109.1SOWAMA

WM regional materials recovery facility under a private contract that originally expired in 2023 and has since been extended through 2026, with one remaining, one‑year renewal option. Additional information and specific contract agreements can be found at the Current County Contracts Registrar.

Table 1 outlines how different components of Fairfax County’s solid waste system are carried out, showing the roles of SWMP operations, partner jurisdictions, and private‑sector providers across collection, processing, transfer, and disposal services.

Table 1 Fairfax County Public and Private Sector Solid Waste Management System

Service

Category County‑Operated Services Partner Jurisdiction Services Private Sector Services

Refuse and

Recyclables

Collection

• Curbside collection for approximately

45,600 homes under County service

• Public recycling and disposal drop‑off centers at I‑66 Transfer Station and I‑95

Landfill Complex

• None • Curbside collection for ~90% of residential properties and all commercial properties

Recyclables

Processing and

Marketing

• None • None • Materials recovery facilities that process single‑stream recyclables and firms that market recovered materials

Organics

Management and Processing

• On‑site processing/grinding of woody and leaf materials into mulch

• Separate yard‑waste collection for delivery to contract composting service.

• Pilot‑scale drop‑off food‑waste collection

• Prince William County, Maryland Environmental

Service, and other regional compost processing facilities

• Compost processing facilities (including anaerobic systems)

Special Programs

• Household Hazardous Waste collection

• Recycling for electronic waste, metals, automotive fluids, cooking oil, toner cartridges, automotive batteries, household batteries, and textiles

• None • Permitted private firms that process materials for recovery, recycling, or ultimate disposal

Refuse Transfer

Services

• I‑66 Transfer Station • None • Private haulers providing contract transportation from County transfer station to disposal site

Disposal services

(MSW)

• Transfer of County waste to alternative disposal facilities other than Reworld when required

• Prince William County

Landfill used for supplemental disposal

• Reworld Fairfax, Reworld Alexandria, and various privately operated disposal facilities

Construction &

Demolition Debris

• Transfer of CDD to disposal or recycling facilities

• None • CDD disposal and recycling facilities

MSW Ash Management

• Ash disposal at the County‑operated

I‑95 Landfill Complex

• None • None

Funding and Revenue Structure

SWMP is operated as a self‑supporting enterprise system in which all revenues are retained within the solid waste funds and reinvested in program operations. Revenues are used to cover annual operating costs, equipment replacement, capital improvements, environmental compliance, operational contingencies, and long‑term post‑closure care obligations for the County’s closed landfills. The https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cregister/

Facility Owner/

Operator Service Materials Managed

Residential

Recycling and Disposal Drop-off Centers:

I-66 Transfer

Station

Fairfax County

Public drop-off center for:

• MSW

• Recyclables

• Household hazardous waste (from residents only)

MSW

CDD from residents only

Recyclables:

• Newspaper

• Plastic bottles and jugs

• Glass jars and bottles (source separated)

• Cardboard

• Mixed paper (junk mail, magazine, envelopes, catalogs, office paper) program’s primary revenue sources include disposal fees charged on a per‑ton basis for solid waste delivered to County facilities, fees for leaf collection services, and revenues associated with

County‑operated refuse and recycling collection. Additional revenue is generated from select material sales, contractor fees, and specialty waste programs where applicable. No County General Fund revenues are used to support SWMP operations.

For detailed budget and funding documents, reference the FY2027 budget fund documents (starting on page 293).

Solid Waste Management Infrastructure and Programs

SWMP operates a comprehensive network of facilities and services that support residents, institutions, and businesses across the county. In addition to managing disposal and recycling operations, SWMP provides customer‑focused services, ensures regulatory compliance, and works to deliver safe, efficient, and equitable access to solid waste resources. Through ongoing outreach and education, SWMP also helps the community understand and use available services effectively. Core programs include:

Leaf Collection: Provides curbside vacuum leaf collection within designated Sanitary Districts serving approximately 25,000 properties.

Refuse & Recycling Collection: Provides waste and recycling collection within designated Sanitary

Districts serving approximately 45,600 households.

I-66 Transfer Station: Permit capacity of 5,493 tons of MSW per day. MSW collected at the I‑66 Transfer

Station is transported to Reworld Fairfax, LLC in Lorton, Virginia for incineration. When Reworld is unavailable, MSW is directed to permitted landfills. See page 13 for the I-66 Transfer Station layout.

I‑95 Refuse Disposal: Operates the I‑95 Landfill Complex, which accepts ash generated from waste combustion. Constructed in four phases, the facility is in the planning and design stage for its fourth phase which will extend capacity for an estimated 25 years. SWMP also maintains environmental controls at the closed landfill areas to ensure ongoing compliance with environmental permits and regulations. See page

14 for the I-95 Landfill Complex layout.

Recycling Programs: SWMP manages a range of initiatives that support waste reduction, recycling education, and public outreach. SWMP ensures compliance with VDEQ recycling rate requirements and maintains adequate capacity by diverting recoverable materials from disposal. Two staffed recycling and disposal drop‑off centers operate at the I‑66 Transfer Station and the I‑95 Landfill Complex.

Table 2 lists major services and materials managed that support the County’s integrated solid waste management program.

Table 2 Fairfax County Major Solid Waste Facilities, Services, and Managed Materials https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/budget/sites/budget/files/Assets/documents/fy2027/advertised/volume%202.pdf https://geohub-vadeq.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/5a56c7a8daf04cb0bf584ffca72d8e46/explore?location=38.847468%2C-77.370473%2C14 https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/recycling-trash/i-66-transfer-station https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/recycling-trash/i-66-transfer-station

I-96 Landfill

Complex

• E-waste (from residents only) Tires

(from residents only)

• Organics (from residents only)

• Obsolete electronics

• Ferrous and non-ferrous metal

• Used automotive batteries

• Used motor oil and filters

• Used antifreeze

• White goods (large appliances)

• Leaves, grass and brush

• Used tires Other:

• Paint

• Textiles

• Organics

I-66 Transfer

Station Fairfax County

• Central collection/transfer point for

MSW collected within the County

• Operating Capacity: approximately

4,000 tons per day

MSW transferred to Reworld Fairfax or other County-designated facilities for ultimate disposal

Reworld Fairfax

Energy/Resource Recovery

Facility

Reworld

Fairfax, Inc.

• Mass burn combustion of MSW with energy recovery through generation of electricity

• Operating Capacity: approximately

3,000 tons per day

• Property owned by County but leased to Reworld through 2031

• MSW processing and disposal.

• Ash residue disposed of at the County’s I-95 Ash

Landfill.

• Ferrous and non-ferrous metals recovered from ash residue by Reworld

I-95 Ash

Monofill Fairfax County

Ash residue disposal from Reword Fairfax

Energy/Resource Recovery Facility

Ash residue from:

• Reworld Fairfax

• Reworld Arlington/Alexandria waste-to-energy facility

• Fairfax County wastewater treatment plant

I-66 MSW

Landfill (closed) Fairfax County • Closed in 1983 In-place MSW: 5 million tons

I-95 MSW

Landfill (closed) Fairfax County

• Closed in 1995

• Active landfill gas collection system used for electricity generation & heating

In-place MSW: 16.2 million tons

Fairfax County Waste Quantities and Characteristics

In 2025, Fairfax County generated almost 679,000 tons of MSW for disposal. An additional approximate

510,000 tons of material were diverted for recycling. The current County population of more than 1.17 million residents is projected to increase to over 1.3 million by 2030. Table 3 present recyclables recovered at the I-66 and I-95 Disposal Complexes for the period 2021-2025.

Table 3 Fairfax County 1-66 and I-95 Disposal Complexes Recyclables Recovered (ton), 2021 – 2025

Material 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

Mixed Paper 85 0 75 50 81

Metal (from

Reworld) 35,792 39,190 38,888 36,441 37,318

Single Stream 7,200 11,387 12,880 11,688 11,316

Glass 5,197 5,063 4,908 4,717 4,327

Cardboard 268 39 302 275 360

Yard Waste 20,164 22,924 26,390 24,872 23,016

Brush 37,600 51,214 15,585 45,416 30,100

Leaves 7,531 11,417 13,732 11,202 10,498 https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/recycling-trash/i-95-landfill-complex https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/recycling-trash/i-95-landfill-complex

Textiles 0 0 0 0 67

Food Waste 68 70 82 88 90

Waste Tires 2,228 426 480 387 105

Used Cooking Oil 2.1 2.0 1.8 1.9 2.3

Used Motor Oil 179 140 189 185 197

Used Antifreeze 42 34 32 33 35

Car Batteries 126 113 104 116 122

Electronics 562 609 589 567 487

White Goods 5,698 5,689 5,015 5,509 5,993

Batteries 6.8 12 13 0 0.9

CDD 41,552 25,230 17,693 8,341 847

Paint 933 793 492 749 846

Toner Cartridges 3.9 3.1 1.6 1.7 0

HHW Program 327 313 265 274 188

Bikes 2,798 (each) 2,588 (each) 2,306 (each) 2,695 (each) 75.70 (tons)

Notes: Overall reported recycling for public and private sector services in Fairfax County.

Waste Characterization Study

To support the County’s long‑term planning and zero waste goals, SWMP completed a comprehensive

Waste Characterization Study in 2024. Samples of material loads from single‑family residential, commercial, and multifamily waste streams were hand‑sorted at the I‑66 Transfer Station to identify the materials that were being thrown away in Fairfax County. This study found that high quantities of recoverable material were ultimately ending up in the trash destined for incineration. 32.6% of overall compositions of the collected residential and commercial MSW waste streams is organic materials (17.6% food waste, 9.7% yard waste, and 5.3% other organic materials), followed by mixed paper/cardboard at

17%, and CDD at 11.4%.

https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/boardofsupervisors/sites/boardofsupervisors/files/Assets/Documents/PDF/Agenda%20Item%203_SWMP%20Handout_Waste%20Characterization%20Study_A-1a.pdf

The study further estimates that between 78–84% of all disposed material consists of the top ten most common materials, many of which have viable end‑markets or established diversion pathways.

These findings highlight significant opportunities to reduce disposal through expanded organics recovery, CDD processing, reuse systems, and improved material separation across the solid waste system. They also point to systemwide challenges including rising volumes of organics, persistent landfill‑bound materials (8% “Other/Landfill” like electronics, HHW, and batteries), contamination from mixed recyclable plastics, and infrastructure gaps limiting recovery of bulky items.

Jurisdictional & Regional Partnerships

SWMP is interested in continuing established cooperative relationships with jurisdictions across Northern

Virginia and the broader DC metropolitan region, including those with the City of Alexandria, Arlington

County, Prince William County, Fauquier County, and the District of Columbia. These partnerships have enhanced transfer capacity, disposal options, recycling opportunities, and coordinated responses to emerging waste management challenges.

Fairfax County also participates in regional and intergovernmental organizations—including the

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG), the Virginia Association of Counties

(VACo), the Virginia Municipal League (VML), the Mid‑Atlantic American Public Works Association, and other solid waste associations—to share data, collaborate on regional initiatives, monitor policy developments, and identify opportunities for joint program development or procurement.

Submission of RFEI All responses to this RFEI should be submitted by email no later than end of day on Friday, October 30, 2026, to Melissa.McDonald@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The subject line of the email should read: “Fairfax County Solid Waste RFEI Response - [Company or

Organization Name]”

All responses should be provided as a single PDF attachment, ideally not to exceed 10 pages. Late responses may be reviewed at the SWMP’s discretion. An organization may submit more than one response.

mailto:Melissa.McDonald@fairfaxcounty.gov

RFEI Response Content and Approach Responses should be sure to include the following sections, but is not limited to:

1. Introduction Testimonial: Please provide a brief cover letter that introduces the submission. The letter should confirm interest in participating in this RFEI and in exploring potential partnership opportunities with Fairfax County’s Solid Waste Management Program. It should also identify the nature of the submission and be signed by an individual authorized to submit the response on behalf of the organization.

2. General Company Information: Provide a brief overview of the organization, including its type

(business, nonprofit, partnership, joint venture, individual, etc.) and the year it was founded. Describe the ownership or parent company, if applicable. Include the address of the main office as well as any locations involved in delivering or supporting the proposed idea. Please also include any relevant organizational details such as operating budget, gross revenues, and number of employees. Summarize the areas of expertise and any relevant experience related to solid waste, recycling, materials management, environmental programs, technology development, or related fields. Finally include the name, title, phone number, and email address, of the primary contact person for this RFEI.

3. Proposed Approach: This section should describe the idea or concept and explain how it could support or improve Fairfax County’s solid waste system. SWMP encourages creative, practical, and scalable ideas—whether it involve services, technology, new programs, facility concepts, processing capabilities, or operational improvements.

Articulate what the idea is, how it works, and the role the organization would play in implementing it.

Also describe any related technologies, facilities, or services the organization already provides, as well as any new capabilities or infrastructure that would plan to be develop. Include a general timeline for how the idea could be introduced or scaled, along with any anticipated challenges and ways it could be addressed. If applicable, share how it would involve or engage the public. Optional diagrams or photos are encouraged.

4. Alignment with County Needs: This section should explain how the idea helps SWMP address its current and future solid waste challenges. SWMP is interested in solutions that reduce waste, increase diversion and recycling, improve environmental outcomes, modernize operations, and enhance long‑term resilience and sustainability. Respondents are encouraged to highlight how the concept could help reduce costs, extend facility life, improve service delivery, or support zero‑waste goals. Also describe any siting considerations, property the organization controls, or how the approach might integrate with SWMP facilities (such as the I‑66 or I‑95 complexes) if relevant. Include any partnership opportunities with regional jurisdictions, if relevant.

5. Business Considerations: Because this is an RFEI and not a procurement, only general business information is requested. The purpose of this section is to help SWMP understand feasibility, scale, and potential future opportunities. Include a description of any business model, partnership structure, or operating approach associated with the idea. Include an estimate of the types or amounts of material the concept could manage, general cost ranges (if known), and any support or resources that would be needed from SWMP such as land, access to materials, utilities, or permitting coordination. If the proposal produces beneficial products—such as compost, recyclables, energy, or fuels—please describe potential markets or uses. Respondents are encouraged to note any factors that could improve system performance or reduce long‑term costs. Tables or illustrations may be included.

Responses by SWMP and Next Steps

SWMP will carefully review all submissions received through this RFEI. The information gathered will directly support both near‑term improvements and long‑term planning for the County’s solid waste management system. After reviewing submissions, SWMP may contact respondents to request additional information, discuss concepts in more detail, or schedule further meetings as appropriate. These follow‑up conversations will help SWMP better understand the proposals and explore how they may fit into upcoming initiatives or future procurement processes.

Although this RFEI does not initiate a procurement and does not create any contractual obligations, SWMP fully intends to use the insights received to guide future decision‑making.

Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Notice

All materials submitted in response to this RFEI may be subject to public disclosure under the Virginia

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Respondents who wish to protect trade secrets or proprietary information must clearly invoke FOIA protections at the time of submission, identify the specific information to be withheld, and state the reason protection is necessary. Information not properly designated as proprietary may be released in response to a public records request, and the County cannot keep confidential any materials that are publicly obtainable under FOIA or similar laws. Respondents should also indicate how any proprietary information should be handled after the RFEI review is complete.

Questions and Inquiries

All questions concerning the RFEI shall be submitted in writing to SWMP via email at

Melissa.McDonald@fairfaxcounty.gov. In the event any substantive issues require clarification, respond to questions, or change during the process, an addendum to this RFEI will be posted at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/recycling-and-trash.

Additional Information and Resources

- Solid Waste Projections and Market Study PDF

- Fairfax County Waste Characterization Study

- Fairfax County Climate Action Waste Metrics

- Chapter 109.1 of the Fairfax County Code,

- Proposed Zero Waste Strategies and Implementation Roadmap

- 2025 Solid Waste Management Plan Update

- I-66 Transfer Station Site Plan (seee page 13)

- I-95 Landfill Complex Site Plan (see page 14) mailto:Melissa.McDonald@fairfaxcounty.gov https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/recycling-and-trash https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/sites/publicworks/files/Assets/documents/pdf/sw-projections-market-study.pdf https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/boardofsupervisors/sites/boardofsupervisors/files/Assets/Documents/PDF/Agenda%20Item%203_SWMP%20Handout_Waste%20Characterization%20Study_A-1a.pdf https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/environment-energy-coordination/climate-action/waste https://library.municode.com/va/fairfax_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=THCOCOFAVI1976_CH109.1SOWAMA https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/sites/publicworks/files/Assets/documents/pdf/zw-strategies-implementation-roadmap.pdf https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/sites/publicworks/files/Assets/documents/pdf/DRAFT-2025-SWMP-Update.pdf

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