CLIFTON, VA - Fairfax County’s Solid Waste Management program is proud to announce the installation of a new glass recycling bin at Clifton Elementary School, expanding the "Purple Can Club" in the region. This initiative was spearheaded by two Robinson Secondary School juniors, Shaan Agarwal and DK Nguyen, who identified the need for more accessible glass recycling options in Clifton.

The Purple Can Club's newest addition was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 26, attended by notable figures including Springfield Supervisor Pat Herrity, DPWES Deputy Director Eric Forbes, and other local dignitaries. This student-led project, part of their involvement with the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), not only won first place at the state level but also qualified them to compete at nationals.

The students collaborated closely with Susan Davidson, Business Operations Manager for Fairfax County’s Division of Solid Waste, who facilitated the logistical aspects of the project, including site selection and permit acquisition. The chosen 15-yard container, designed to fit within a single parking space, supports the county's zero-waste goals and features advanced monitoring to optimize servicing schedules.

"This new glass recycling bin is a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of our young residents who are making tangible contributions to our environmental goals," said Eric Forbes during the event. "Every piece of glass deposited here will be repurposed, helping to reduce landfill waste and further our recycling efforts."

The installation not only fills a significant gap in the local recycling infrastructure but also serves as a practical example of how community-driven initiatives can achieve significant environmental impacts. With this latest addition, Fairfax County now boasts 24 glass recycling locations, moving steadily towards its zero-waste objectives.

For more information on Fairfax County's recycling initiatives and the Purple Can Club, please visit Recycling and Trash.