At a time when so many state and local governments are looking to turn public services over to private contractors to save money, Fairfax County is considering going in the opposite direction.

The County Board of Supervisors has been discussing the possible purchase of the I-95 Energy/Resource Recovery Facility, more commonly known as the Lorton incinerator, in closed-door meetings since May, according to a letter sent by Charles Forbes, assistant director of the division of solid waste disposal.