Politics & Government

Beloved Manassas "Trash Lady" Retires

You can thank her for the City of Manassas' 40 percent recycling rate.

A woman instrumental in increasing the city's recycling rate and educating countless children about the importance of reducing waste will bid Manassas goodbye this month. 

Sue Lhotka, Manassas City's refuse and recycling coordinator, is retiring from her post after 18 years on the job. 

Since taking the position in 1995, Lhotka has designed the free household hazardous waste program, supervised refuse and recycling contracts as well as managed solid waste programs. 

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“We’re grateful for Sue’s commitment not only to the City of Manassas, but for her commitment to educating our customers about recycling and helping our community become more conscious of our environment,” said Mike Moon, director of public works and utilities for the City of Manassas. 

She's also the one to thank for preparing the city's second Solid Waste Management Plan, which details where the city will take its refuse and recycling for the next 25 years. 

Find out what's happening in Manassaswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Under her leadership, the city's recycling rate jumped from 26 percent in 1996 to 40 percent in 2013, largely because of her efforts to educate the young.  

“I’ve loved educating kids, working with my fellow employees and heading the volunteer receptions," Lhotka said. "But retirement will give me time to commit to my other passions, like spending time with my dogs and training for dog shows, as well as volunteering with lab rescue of the Labrador Retriever Club of the Potomac.” 

Lhotka is a long-time member and chairman of the Volunteer Reception Committee which annually recognizes Manassas citizen volunteers.

She resides in Prince William County with her husband and her nine dogs, three of which are champion show dogs.


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