Conservation commission outlines compost drop‑off plan, tree priorities for 2026

Patty Eswein, chair of the Town of Vienna’s Conservation & Sustainability Commission, told the council at its Oct. 20 work session that the commission’s top priority this year — a permanent composting drop‑off — should be operational in November after the town completed a pilot at the Vienna Farmers Market.

Eswein said the pilot, extended for a second year, ran weekly four‑hour sessions over six months and is estimated to have diverted nearly six tons of food waste from the landfill at a cost of just over $10,000 for the pilot period. Public Works has selected “Compost Crew” as the vendor for the permanent site; staff will pave a location adjacent to the purple recycling bin, provide outreach to neighboring businesses and coordinate with Fairfax County on operations, Eswein said.

The commission told council members the permanent drop‑off will achieve economies of scale and lower solid‑waste tipping fees, though annual costs will depend on volume and number of bins required. Eswein said the vendor will perform weekly bin swaps and the commission will work with the public information officers on signage and public education to reduce contamination.

Beyond composting, Eswein described other 2025 accomplishments and 2026 priorities: a successful Green Expo in April that drew about 300 attendees and 40 exhibitors, coordinated native‑plant sales that moved roughly 775 plants in a fall event, and distribution of 150 native tree seedlings through a seedling giveaway. The commission also launched a Tree Advocacy Committee (TAC) — advised by the parks director and a town liaison — and proposed an urban forest management plan, a list of priority town planting sites, and incentives to discourage developers from removing mature trees.

Council members asked about private‑service options and costs for doorstep compost pickup; Eswein acknowledged some residents already contract for home pickup and that a centralized Vienna site may be more convenient for multifamily residents and others who do not have backyard composting space. Director of Finance said donations given for a specific purpose can be recorded and reserved in town accounts so funds earmarked for tree programs would be tracked separately.

The council thanked Eswein and commission members for the work and asked staff to continue coordination with Public Works, the vendor, and public information staff ahead of the permanent site opening.

The council did not take a formal vote on the commission’s proposals at the work session; staff will return with implementation details and cost estimates as the drop‑off opening approaches.