FAIRFAX, Va. — Getting trash picked up in Fairfax County continues to be a growing concern for residents and leaders. On Tuesday, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors addressed ongoing late or missed pick-up times that persist since the pandemic started.
Surrounding jurisdictions including Arlington County have faced similar problems due to labor and staffing shortages, but Supervisor James Walkinshaw of Braddock District said other solid waste haulers have recovered or improved service.
Roughly 90% of residents and businesses in the county pay to have their trash and recycling picked up by private haulers. Fairfax County picks up trash for the remaining residents.
While there is a list of private collectors, Walkinshaw and other supervisors including Chairman Jeff McKay say most of the problems seem to come from American Disposal Services.
Failed pick-ups have been described as “significant health, safety and community enjoyment problems” in the past.
In the meeting, McKay said there is also a problem with transparency and communication trying to get ADS issues resolved.
“The complaints against American Disposal Services have risen dramatically,” Walkinshaw said. “All of us have heard from constituents who have experienced late pick-ups, missed pick-ups, and poor customer services. County staff from the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services have done amazing work with thousands of residents, helping them address individual issues with American Disposal Services. But a better solution would be for American Disposal Services to meet the requirements of the County ordinance, keep its commitment to its customers, and address the myriad complaints that are only increasing in number.”
WUSA9 has reached out to Waste Connections, the company that owns ADS, for comment but had not heard back at the time of publication.
In his newsletter earlier this month, Supervisor Pat Herrity of the Springfield District said officials are taking steps to address the service issues by currently negotiating a consent agreement with ADS to address the breakdown in operations, similar to a previous action in 2018.
Supervisors are moving forward to review recommendations by Walkinshaw to take even more steps to relieve the problem.
On top of providing a briefing to include an analysis of potential enforcement actions for violations of its ordinance, Walkinshaw also wants a briefing on existing authorities that can help aid residents in their efforts to receive services they have paid.
County leaders also want to create a presentation to the Virginia legislation which restricts the ability for a local government to move to a different solid waste collection.
McKay said residents including him have started to receive a notice from ADS that it will increase rates.
“The neighbors are getting really tired not having that service we're paying for,” Springfield resident Darlene Mihaloew said. “Just tell us what day to put it out and pick it up that day. That's all we're asking.”
There was previously a settlement between Fairfax County and ADS which led to a $2,500 civil penalty regarding code violations and a consent agreement. ADS had to regularly verify that it was working to improve service quality and compliance with the County’s Solid Waste Ordinance, per county officials.