Sue Lhotka: Well-Respected Trash Lady Retires From the City of Manassas

Susan E. Lhotka has been the City of Manassas refuse and recycling coordinator since 1995 and assisted with the management and oversight of solid waste management programs for Manassas including the residential refuse and recycling contracts. Lhotka is retiring this month after 18 years of service to the City of Manassas, Va.  For details, go towww.manassascity.org or call 703-257-8276.

Lhotka was instrumental in helping to increase the recycling rate from 26 percent in 1996 to more than 40 percent in 2013 due to her efforts to educate and promote recycling to Manassas residents and school children. She prepared Manassas’s second Solid Waste Management Plan and submitted this document to the Commonwealth of Virginia per the requirements in the state legislation, which mapped out where Manassas would take its refuse and recycling programs for the next 25 years; and she also led several initiatives including designing a free household hazardous waste program at the Manassas Transfer Station, recycling cart deployment throughout Manassas, and electronic recycling programs for computers and televisions. Lhotka highly values volunteer service in the community as demonstrated by her long-term service as a member and Chairman of the Volunteer Reception Committee which annually recognizes Manassas citizen volunteers.

“I’ve loved educating kids, working with my fellow employees and heading the Volunteer Receptions, 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 theLabrador Retriever Club of the Potomac,” said Sue Lhotka, City of Manassas recycling coordinator.

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

“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. “We wish her the best in her retirement and appreciate her service,” said Moon.

ABOUT CITY OF MANASSAS
Established in1913, the City of Manassas Utilities/Public Works department ensures the availability of safe, reliable water usage, electric utilities, as well as provides responsive maintenance and collection services at an affordable cost to citizens of Manassas, Va., Manassas Park, Va. and parts of Prince William County, Va. It is noted for its environment-friendly projects and equipment, while tasked with capital projects that enhance public and private infrastructure. The utilities team participates in community fundraisers, like Toys for Tots, the United Way, American Public Power Association Tree Power and Arbor Day. The department holds memberships with America Public Power Association, American Water Works Association, American Public Works Association and the Prince William County Chamber of Commerce.

The City of Manassas, Va., is an independent, full service city of 10-square miles in Northern Virginia.  The City is rich in history and the Manassas Junction of railroads played a pivotal role in the American Civil War. The City has a population of 35,821, owns its own public utilities, has the busiest general aviation airport in Virginia and is part of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region.  Manassas has been recognized by the Virginia Municipal League and other national and state organizations for its highly successful neighborhood improvement programs and by the Government Finance Officers Association for excellence in financial reporting and budgeting. For more information, go towww.manassascity.org or call 703-257-8219.