Sept 2026, updates from Falls Church City
Falls Church City Council outreach continues
Dave Gustafsson continues outreach to City Council. So far, he has met with 4 of 7 City Council members, and they all sound supportive, but he is still looking for a “champion” to bring legislation forward for staff to draft and Council to discuss/debate. Some Council members Dave has met with already are directing other citizens who are concerned about leaf blowers to him.
Dave G. will present on leaf blowers and electric lawn care at a community meeting
The leadership of the Falls Church Village Preservation and Improvement Society, the City’s oldest community organization, invited Dave to present to their fall meeting in November on the problems of gas leaf blowers and to share a primer on electric lawn equipment.
This group has historically represented more of the single-family homes in the City, so this is a good chance to speak with fellow residents about their economic power in hiring quiet, clean lawn care companies, switching to electric lawn equipment, and the specifics of how to leave the leaves.
Chat with a landscaper who is concerned about the cost of switching to electric
Dave set up a lunch date with him.
New City manager
Falls Church got a new City manager in September. Dave’s climate group is meeting this weekend to discuss their strategy on climate issues.
Falls Church gas lawn tool recycling is back: Volunteers Needed!
How Falls Church Residents Can Recycle Gas Lawn Equipment on Oct. 3
Volunteers needed. The Falls Church Climate Action Network hosts its second gas lawn equipment recycling program as part of Falls Church City’s annual Recycling Extravaganza.
When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026 | 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 217 Gordon Road, Falls Church, VA (Google Maps)
Cost: FREE with receipt/proof of electric replacement lawn tool or $20 suggested donation per recycled tool without receipt/proof
In 2025, volunteers recycled more than 40 gas lawn tools (including 10+ leaf blowers) collected at the Recycling Extravaganza with support from the City of Falls Church.
As Falls Church residents drop off blowers, mowers, and other lawn equipment, volunteers will once again:
· Move lawn equipment out of cars to our work area
· Check all fuel/oil has been removed
· Drain/recycle any remaining fuel
· Disconnect and remove spark plugs for recycling
· Remove and discard plastic/rubber/cloth parts
· Recycle any battery/electronic parts
· Throw all metal parts in scrap metal bin
· High five each other that we’ve responsibly removed another gas lawn tool from the region!
Volunteers will be treated to a well-earned lunch at the nearby Lazy Mikes eatery.
A brief overview of how a mower is recycled: Watch: How to Recycle a Gas Lawn Mower in Falls Church
Gas-Powered Lawn Tools Accepted: Leaf Blowers (Backpack and Handheld), Push Mowers, Trimmers, Weed Whackers, Rototillers, and Edgers
Not Accepted: Commercial-grade mowers | Ride-on mowers | Snowblowers
IMPORTANT: Drain Oil and Fuel, and Remove Any Nests
All lawn tools to be recycled must be drained of fuel and oil, which can also be recycled at the Recycling Extravaganza. Also, to keep volunteers safe, please remove any vermin/bird/insect nests that critters may have built on your old lawn tool.
Recycle Your Gas Lawn Tool Before Oct. 3
To schedule a recycling drop-off for your gas lawn tool before Oct. 3, please email fallschurchclimate@gmail.com.
Enjoy Taking Things Apart? Lawn Tool Recycling Volunteers Needed!
Want to volunteer to disassemble lawn tools for recycling? Please email fallschurchclimate@gmail.com.
See full details at FCCAN.net
Dealing a death blow to a backpack blower!
