Choose to Refuse. By refusing, you can say NO to purchasing many items that are not ultimately recyclable. Always choose to refuse single-use plastic items, which have an average life span of 15 minutes before they are thrown away.

Many single-use items may be improperly disposed of and end up as litter. Much of the plastic found floating in our oceans and rivers are single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, water bottles, takeout containers, cups, and straws.

Pro-actively say NO to single-use items by bringing your own reusable bags and refillable beverage containers, straws, or takeout containers. Challenge yourself to find waste-free alternatives for other items provided to you with takeout food, such as napkins, beverage containers, and cutlery.

Skip the plastic bag and place recyclables in your recycling cart or container loose, clean, and dry, or take them to one of the County’s drop-off centers at I-66 Transfer Station and I-95 Landfill Complex.