Article by Christine McCoy, Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program
(Posted 2022 August)
How you manage waste and recyclables encompasses more than just what’s inside your home. It applies to your outdoor area as well. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue or doing a bit of weeding and planting over the weekend, there are many things you can do to prevent or reduce waste from outdoor activities.
When Gardening:
- Plastic plant pots can’t be recycled by your curbside recyclables collection program, but some retail locations may accept them, or you can reuse them or share them with a neighbor.
- Mulch and potting soil bags don’t belong in your recycling bin but can be returned to retail locations that accept plastic shopping bags, if they are cleaned out.
- Garden hoses are not recyclable and can pose a danger to collection and recycling facility workers. Used garden hoses can be made into soaker hoses for gardening or discarded with household trash.
For Cookouts or Barbeques:
- Remember to set out a recycling bin, preferably beside the trash can, and let your guests know which waste items should go in each. A sign would be helpful.
- When shopping for picnic supplies, purchase products that are reusable, compostable, recyclable or use real plates.
- Drink Options:
- Don’t use plastic cups.
- Don’t serve bottled water. Instead, set up a big water jug with lots of ice for guests.
- Buy recyclable cardboard cases of beverages rather than six packs. Those pesky six-pack plastic rings are not recyclable and can harm marine life if they’re released into the environment.
- Choose beverages packaged in cans rather than plastic bottles. Although plastic is recyclable, only a fraction of the collected material ends up being reused, whereas aluminum is a very desirable, high value, and 100 percent recyclable material.
- Gather up any glass containers and take them to your nearest Purple Can Club location. To find a location near you, go to FairfaxCounty.gov and search “Purple Can Club.”
- Avoid single use party decorations or balloons.
- Consider composting your food waste. There are a number of ways, including backyard composting, delivering food waste to either of our two drop-off sites for food scraps (I-95 Landfill Complex and I-66 Transfer Station), or you can take them to select Farmer's Markets throughout the summer.
With a little bit of planning, you can celebrate the summer season in sustainable style.
Cool Tips for Summer Waste Prevention on the Road
Before you head out on your family vacation, consider these do’s and don’ts of summertime recycling.
DO:
- Do purchase products that are reusable, compostable, or recyclable.
- Purchase items that can be used season after season.
- Use reusable plates, napkins, cutlery, and cups or purchase items that can be composted.
- Do locate public recycling bins at beaches, parks, lakes, and other locations and make sure you follow the local recycling rules for using them.
- Recycling is not the same everywhere – it varies from place to place and may differ where you live.
- Make sure you check the government website of each place you visit to know how to recycle the right way in that location.
- Do have a plan for properly disposing of your trash on hikes and walks.
- Do keep a recycling container in your car for road trips. Roadside stops may have recycling containers, but if they don’t you can take these valuable materials to the next location.
- Do ask your hotel or motel about recycling. Many hotels offer in-room recycling bins.
DON’T:
- Don’t place foam containers or coolers in recycling bins. Ask if they can be returned to retail locations for recycling.
- Don’t place plastic shopping bags in the recycling bin. They may be able to be returned to retail locations (like grocery stores) for recycling.
- Don’t recycle materials with food or liquid residue. Place items in the recycling bin empty and dry.
- Don’t place disposable cutlery, straws, plates, napkins, or paper towels in the recycling bin.
- Don’t put beach chairs, floats, fireworks, batteries, or propane canisters in the recycling bin. These items are dangerous and should be donated, reused, or safely disposed of, following the guidelines of the local programs.
Keep recycling and waste prevention on your mind while traveling for summer fun! Following these simple recycling do’s and don’ts while traveling is easy, and you’ll feel good that you are contributing to the preservation of the environment no matter where you visit.
Farmer's Market Food Scrap Drop-off Locations
Food scraps are accepted at these locations this summer.
Wednesday - Mount Vernon Farmers Market
2501 Sherwood Hall Lane
Alexandria, VA, 22306
Thursday - Herndon Farmers Market
765 Lynn St.
Herndon, VA, 20170
Friday - Kingstowne Farmers Market
5844-5862 Kingstowne Center
Alexandria, VA, 22315
Saturday - Burke Farmers Market
5671 Roberts Parkway (VRE Parking Lot)
Burke, VA, 22015
Sunday - Freshfarm Farmers Market
Mosaic District
2910 District Ave.
Fairfax, VA 22031
For more information, go to FairfaxCounty.gov and search “composting drop off.”
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).