Recycling

Recycling is good for the economy, creates jobs, saves energy, reduces water and air pollution, and conserves landfill space.  It is easy and something we can all do everyday!

Recycling is mandatory for residents and businesses in Prince William County. 

Private refuse hauling services provide recycling collection as part of their services to residents and businesses.  You must hire your own service or work through your Home Owners Association or property management firm.

As a community, we recycle nearly 36% of our waste.   We recycle: 

• Plastics Containers:  1 through 7 narrow neck and wide mouth containers including soda, juice, milk, margarine/butter, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, buckets, plant pots, etc.  Rinse out containers.  Bottle caps may be replaced after rinsing.  No hazardous materials (such as oil, flammable materials, chemicals, etc.). 
• Aluminum and steel food and beverage cans, empty aerosol cans and clean foil products and wrap.  Empty and rinse out cans and do not include foil products with food residue.
• Aseptic milk and juice cartons.  Empty and rinse.
• Glass bottles and jars - remove caps & rinse (not accepted: plate glass mirrors light bulbs ceramics cookware drinking glasses or chemical bottles)
• Newspaper and mixed paper (any paper that tears) white/colored paper magazines catalogs books junk mail (even envelopes with clear windows) and paperboard boxes (e.g. cereal tissue etc.).  Do not include plastic bags included in newspapers. 
• Flattened cardboard and paperboard up to 2 ft. X 2 ft. in size.  Do not include cardboard with food residue or plastic liners. Not recyclable at trailer sites. 

Planning a special event?

The Department of Public Works offers recycling containers designed for collecting recyclables at special events. 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 is planning an event in Prince William County, please contact the Solid Waste Division at 703-792-4670. Click here forSpecial Events Recycling Bin Agreement.pdf

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 – Basic Solid Waste Facts Page 
• Visit the Prince William County Libraries for a variety of resources and books to help you go green!