Fairfax staff: hair and pet hair can be composted if not chemically treated

Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program staff told a caller that hair — both human and pet — is organic material and generally acceptable for composting if it has not been chemically treated. The staff member summarized the guidance plainly: "Hair is organic material. As long as it hasn't been chemically treated, it can be composted." The staff also clarified examples of chemical treatment such as perms or coloring when asked.

The exchange was short and informational; no temperature thresholds, processing times, or local ordinance exceptions were discussed in the recording. Staff closed by advising callers to "Check our website" for further details and any program-specific instructions.