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NEW HOURS: Prince William County Landfill & Compost Facility are now open on Sundays 7 a.m.–4 p.m., Thursdays 7 a.m.–6 p.m., all other days 7 a.m.–4 p.m. HHW/Electronics Recycling program at the Landfill is open Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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NEW HOURS: Prince William County Landfill & Compost Facility are now open on Sundays 7 a.m.–4 p.m., Thursdays 7 a.m.–6 p.m., all other days 7 a.m.–4 p.m. HHW/Electronics Recycling program at the Landfill is open Wednesdays and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.New Hours In Effect!
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Recycling in Prince William
Recycling is mandatory for residents and businesses in Prince William County. Generally, the County recycles about 35% of our waste. Recycling is good for the economy, creates jobs, saves energy, reduces water and air pollution, and conserves landfill space. It is easy and something all Prince William County residents can do daily!
- MATERIALS ACCEPTED FOR RECYCLING
Please pay particular attention to what you place in recycling bins. Remember to only recycle materials that are accepted at this time. Other materials placed in the bin may cause the entire load to be rejected.
- Plastics bottles, jars and jugs: #1 and #2 containers with necks including soda, water, juice, milk and detergent containers. Rinse out containers. Bottle caps may be replaced after rinsing. No bottles that previously contained hazardous materials (such as motor oil, flammable materials, chemicals, etc.).
- Aluminum and steel food and beverage cans and empty aerosol cans. Empty and rinse out cans.
- Newspapers, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, office paper and paperboard boxes, such as cereal, cookie, cracker and tissue boxes.
- Cardboard (flattened and cut down to sizes up to 2 ft. X 2 ft. in size if taking to the drop-off trailers.) Please note large boxes may be taken to the County Landfill or Balls Ford Road Compost Facility. Do not include cardboard with food residue or plastic liners. Also discard packing materials such as Styrofoam, air pillows and bubble wrap.
The County's current recycling guide of do's and don'ts is also available in Spanish/disponible en español.
Learn what should be placed in the recycling bin and what must go to the Landfill. - MATERIALS NOT ACCEPTED FOR RECYCLING (in curbside collection bins)
No plastic bags.
Most grocery stores accept plastic bags for recycling.
No glass items.
Glass items such as bottles, jugs, and jars may be placed in the Purple Glass Recycling Containers located throughout the County. However, Window glass, mirrors, light bulbs, or ceramic items must be placed in the trash.
No Plastics #3 - #7 such as:
- Yogurt Containers
- Margarine Containers
- Wide-mouthed Containers and Buckets
- Styrofoam
- Bubble Wrap
- Packing Peanuts
- Air Pillows and etc.
Review the A to Z Disposal Guide for other options or place these materials in the trash.
- SPECIALTY RECYCLING
Residents may dispose of the following items for recycling at the Landfill and Compost facility during regular business hours. Please do not place these items in the Blue Recycling Trailers or curbside recycling collection bins.
- Scrap metal (car bodies are not accepted)
- Car batteries
- Household batteries
- Used oil filters
- Motor oil or antifreeze - store separately in clean container. Other fluids or solvents may be accepted at the Household Hazardous Waste program.
- Glass bottles jugs and jars (place in purple bins)
- Yard waste: grass, leaves, brush, branches and pruning.
- Food waste is accepted at the Compost Facility from residents for composting.
- Flags (Boy Scouts' flag retirement project)
- PLANNING A SPECIAL EVENT?
The Solid Waste Division offers recycling containers designed for collecting recyclables at special events.
How It Works
These containers are available for loan to community groups and non-profit organizations on a first-come first-served basis to promote recycling at events. There is no charge for this service. If your group plans an event in Prince William County, please contact the Solid Waste Division at (703) 792-4670 (TTY:711).
- Special Events Recycling Bin Agreement (PDF)
- Special Event Recycling Bin Agreement (online fillable)
- Post Event Recycling Bin Report (online fillable)
- LEARN MORE ABOUT RECYCLING
- Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Recycling and Litter Prevention Information – learn more about recycling and litter prevention programs in the Commonwealth including those for grants, litter prevention, recycling, locality recycling rates, and other useful information.
- Virginia Recycling Association – state recycling association and a good source of information for school recycling.
- Earth911 – is an environmental services company that addresses solutions for products' end-of-life for both businesses and consumers. The site includes a Zip code searchable database of various items that can be recycled.
- EPA Solid Waste Office – Information Resources
- GO Recycle - Washington Area Resource for Recycling Information - Learn, Act, Connect.
- BUSINESS RECYCLING DISPOSAL RESOURCES
- PRACTICING SUSTAINABILITY
Prince William County takes its role as protector and steward of natural resources for our community very seriously. Staff work diligently to reduce our impact on the environment, keep our citizens safe, restore degraded areas and reforest areas at construction sites and County properties, and improve the quality of local waters and natural areas.
GO GREEN IN PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY
RECYCLE FROM ANYWHERE
It is never too late for the Prince William County Community to start recycling. Recycling can take place anywhere from the home, school, and workplace. Recycling not only helps to reduce waste and protect the environment, but it also conserves natural resources for future generations. Taking small steps from where you’re at every community member can make a positive impact.
For residents that live in an apartment or condominium, check with your property manager about recycling programs at your complex or use the County recycling drop-off trailers. If your complex does not have a recycling program, please call (703) 792-4670 (TTY: 711) and we will work with the property manager to set up a program.
All businesses, offices, and commercial facilities in Prince William County are required to recycle the one item that makes up the greatest portion of its trash on an annual basis. The material recycled at commercial properties will vary depending on the business activity.
This list may help managers determine the primary item to be recycled. If assistance is needed to determine the item, call (703) 792-4670 (TTY:711).
Type of Business Activity
Recyclable Material Apartment Building Mixed paper or single stream recycling* Hotel/Motel Mixed paper or single stream recycling* Office Building Mixed paper or single stream recycling* Restaurant Corrugated cardboard or single stream recycling* Retail Corrugated cardboard or single stream recycling* Warehouse/Distribution Corrugated cardboard or single stream recycling* Other Business Activities Call (703) 792-4670 (TTY:711) for assistance *Single stream recycling includes mixed office paper corrugated cardboard and bottles and cans all mixed together into a single container.
How to Set Up a Recycling Program
The County offers a Business Recycling Guide. It includes information about locating service providers, where to obtain indoor recycling containers, and general waste reduction and recycling facts. For a printed copy, call (703) 792-4670 (TTY:711).
We offer updates and current information about recycling through the County's PWC Alert/eNotification service.
Business Reporting
Businesses must complete an Annual Recycling Survey by October 15.
All schools in Prince William County are required to recycle the one item that makes up the greatest portion of its trash on an annual basis.
Numerous recycling programs and competitions are offered by national and local organizations to encourage and reward schools and youth groups for their recycling efforts. Several of these programs are listed below.
RECYCLING PROGRAMS AND COMPETITIONS
- Carton Council (milk and juice cartons)
- Great American Can Round-up (aluminum cans)
- Terracycle (various packaging)
- Trex Challenge (plastic bags)
- Pepsico Challenge (aluminum cans and plastic bottles)
LOCAL RECYCLING EDUCATION PROGRAMS
Solid Waste Facility Tours - No tours are being scheduled at this time. Please watch our virtual tours. Video links are found below.
For more information on Prince William County Landfill or Compost Facility Tours, email [email protected].
