Alexei Volkov
Fairfax County, Virginia, is known for its commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices. The county provides comprehensive recycling services for its residents, including curbside collection programs and drop-off centres for various materials. While the recyclability of specific plastics depends on the processing facilities and the market for recycled materials, Fairfax County does accept #5 plastic as part of its recycling program. This article will explore the specifics of recycling #5 plastic in Fairfax County and provide insights into the benefits and challenges of managing this material.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does Fairfax County recycle #5 plastic? | Yes |
| What types of plastic can be recycled in Fairfax County? | Plastic bottles, jugs, tubs, lids, containers, bags, films, wraps |
| What types of plastic must be recycled in Fairfax County? | Plastic bottles and jugs |
| What other materials can be recycled in Fairfax County? | Paper, cardboard, metal food and beverage containers, glass, electronics, batteries, yard waste |
| Who collects recycling in Fairfax County? | Private companies (90% of residents), Fairfax County (10% of residents) |
| Where can I find out more about recycling in Fairfax County? | Fairfax County website, Fairfax County Environment FB Page, Clean Fairfax website |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic bottles, jugs, tubs, lids, and containers are accepted for recycling
- Plastic bags, films, and wraps are recycled under a special program
- Fairfax County's curbside collection program for plastics
- Drop-off centres for plastics recycling
- The Resin Identification Code (RIC) is not an indicator of recyclability
Plastic bottles, jugs, tubs, lids, and containers are accepted for recycling
Fairfax County, Virginia, is committed to protecting its environment and promoting sustainable practices. The county has a comprehensive recycling program for plastic materials, and encourages all residents to recycle their plastic items.
It is important to note that the recyclability of a plastic item is not determined by the Resin Identification Code (RIC) number on the bottom of the container, but by whether there is a buyer for the recovered plastic. If there is no demand for a particular type of plastic, it is unlikely to be recycled. Therefore, it is important to follow the guidelines of your recycling collector regarding the specific types of plastic they accept.
In addition to plastic, Fairfax County also recycles other materials such as paper, cardboard, glass, metal, food waste, batteries, and electronics. The county provides detailed information on its website and through customer service to help residents properly dispose of their waste and recyclables.
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Plastic bags, films, and wraps are recycled under a special program
In Fairfax County, Virginia, plastic bags, films, and wraps are not accepted in the curbside recycling program. They can be recycled at the grocery or retail store. Plastic bags should not be placed in the blue recycling cart as they can get wrapped around the rollers and stop the conveyor belt. If plastic bags make it past the rollers, they can contaminate other recyclable materials.
Fairfax County residents are advised to place all recyclable materials clean, loose, and dry in the blue recycling cart. Recyclable materials include plastic bottles, jugs, and jars. The county provides trash and recycling collection services to about 10% of residents, while 90% of residents and businesses have their trash and recycling collected by a private company.
If Fairfax County collects your trash and recycling, use the County Collection Customer tab for customer-specific information. If you are a Fairfax County resident, use the Residents tab for information. If a private company collects your waste, contact them directly for specific instructions.
Fairfax County also offers a Household Hazardous Waste Program that accepts hazardous materials from residents free of charge and disposes of or recycles them according to local, state, and federal regulations.
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Fairfax County's curbside collection program for plastics
Fairfax County in Virginia is known for its commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices. The county has a comprehensive recycling program for plastic materials, and it encourages all residents to recycle their plastic waste.
The county provides a curbside collection program for plastics, as well as drop-off centers throughout the region. The types of plastics accepted for recycling through the curbside collection program include plastic bottles, jugs, tubs, lids, and containers. Plastic bags, films, and wraps are also collected through a special recycling program.
It is important to note that the recyclability of a plastic item is not determined by the Resin Identification Code (RIC) number on the bottom of the container. The RIC system was designed to make sorting easier for Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs), and most plastic items can technically be recycled into another form. However, the "recyclability" of a particular item depends on whether there is a buyer for the recovered plastic. Therefore, residents should follow their recycling collector's guidelines regarding the specific types of plastics they accept.
Ninety percent of homes in Fairfax County that put out recyclables have their waste collected by private companies, which take the recyclables to a privately-owned Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in the region. If Fairfax County Government collects your waste, you can visit the Curbside Recycling webpage for answers on what is and isn't recyclable.
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Drop-off centres for plastics recycling
Fairfax County, Virginia, offers a range of options for its residents to recycle plastics and other materials. The county provides drop-off centres for plastics recycling, which are located at the I-66 Transfer Station and the I-95 Landfill Complex. These sites serve as convenient locations for residents to bring their recyclables. It is important to note that recyclables should be placed loose, clean, and dry in the recycling cart or container, without using plastic bags.
The county's drop-off centres play a crucial role in facilitating the recycling process. At these centres, residents can dispose of various plastic items, ensuring that they are properly recycled and diverted from landfills. It is recommended to utilise resources such as the "What Goes Where?" guide and the "Always and Never Recycle" flyer, which offer detailed information on the recyclability of specific plastic items. These resources can be found on the county's website and are available in multiple languages.
Additionally, Fairfax County encourages residents to separate recyclables from trash for curb collection. This practice simplifies the collection process and promotes environmental sustainability. The county also offers a unique service for those who are unable to take their recycling carts to the curb, providing assistance upon request. This inclusive approach ensures that all residents have equal opportunities to participate in recycling efforts.
Fairfax County's recycling programme extends beyond plastics. Residents can recycle glass items using the purple, glass-only containers located across the region. The county also accepts tree lights for recycling year-round at electronic drop-off locations. For items like computers, motor oil, and packaging peanuts, residents can refer to the county's website for specific instructions. Overall, Fairfax County is committed to providing comprehensive recycling services and empowering its residents to make sustainable choices.
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The Resin Identification Code (RIC) is not an indicator of recyclability
The Resin Identification Code (RIC) is a set of symbols that appear on plastic products, indicating the type of resin used in the manufacturing of the product. The RIC was developed in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) (now the Plastics Industry Association) in the United States. The SPI stated that one of the original purposes of the RIC was to "provide a consistent national system to facilitate recycling of post-consumer plastics." However, it is important to note that the RIC is not an indicator of whether a plastic item is recyclable or not.
In Fairfax County, 90% of homes that put out recyclables have their waste collected by private companies, who take the recyclables to a privately-owned Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in the region. If your waste is collected by Fairfax County, you can visit their website for answers on what is and isn't recyclable. If your waste is collected by a private company, you should contact them directly for specific instructions on what can be recycled.
The RIC number located on plastic items simply indicates the type of resin the product is made from. It does not indicate whether the item is recyclable. This is because "recyclability" is a matter of whether there is a buyer for the recovered plastic. If there is no demand for a particular type of resin, then it is unlikely to be recycled. Therefore, it is important to follow the guidelines of your recycling collector regarding what types of plastics they accept, rather than relying solely on the RIC.
To alleviate consumer confusion, some communities have instructed residents to refer to the form of packaging (e.g. bottles, tubs, lids) when determining what to include in their recycling bin, rather than relying on the RIC. Additionally, the American Chemistry Council launched the "Recycling Terms & Tools" program to promote standardized language to educate consumers about how to recycle plastic products. The Sustainable Packaging Coalition has also created a "How2Recycle" label in an effort to replace the RIC with a label that better aligns with how the public uses the RIC. These labels indicate whether a plastic product is "Widely Recycled," "Limited," or "Not Yet Recycled" based on the percentage of the US that can recycle the item through a curbside recycling program or municipal drop-off location.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Fairfax County recycles #5 plastic. The county has a comprehensive recycling program for plastic materials, including plastic bottles, jugs, tubs, lids, and containers.
Fairfax County offers a curbside collection program for plastics, as well as drop-off centers throughout the region. If Fairfax County collects your trash and recycling, use the County Collection Customer tab for customer-specific information. If a private company collects your waste, contact them directly for specific instructions.
The most common types of plastics recycled are PET and HDPE, both of which are economically viable. Plastic bags, films, and wraps are also accepted through a special recycling program.
