Prince William County has increased its recycling rate to 38 percent in 2019, the highest it’s been since 2016.
This is almost a five percent increase from the rate in 2018. The Virginia Department of Environment Quality confirmed this rate in September.
Statutory recycling goals in Virginia are somewhat complicated.
While the state is comprised of approximately 71 solid waste planning districts, only 17 of those districts, with populations above 100,000, are required to annually report recycling information.
Based upon the criteria established by Virginia, Prince William County exceeded its mandated 25 percent recycling rate again in 2019.
The county has achieved this every year since mandatory recycling rates took effect in the early 1990s.
Further Information About the Recycling Rate
The recycling rate is a measure of the materials diverted for reuse, recycling, or composting from the waste stream compared to materials that go into the trash.
Regular trash is buried in the county’s sanitary landfill located on Dumfries Road or combusted at the Fairfax County I-95 Energy and Resource Recovery Facility in Lorton.
Items diverted for recycling and composting are sorted, processed, and converted into materials which can be returned to commercial enterprise to produce new products.
The waste import restrictions imposed by China and other countries in early 2018 had a significant impact on the processing of recyclables worldwide.
In an effort to reduce the burden on local haulers and processors, Prince William County implemented new recycling guidelines to help reduce contamination and limit collected material to items that are marketable.
In March 2019, Prince William County asked residents to only recycle #1 and #2 plastic bottles, jugs, and jars, and to no longer put glass in the regular recycling bin.
Residents can now bring glass containers to the Prince William County Landfill or Balls Ford Road Compost Facility’s purple bins, which are designated for glass recycling. They can also put glass in the regular household trash along with any plastics numbered #3-#7.
Prince William County Recycling Manager Scott MacDonald noted, “While the recycling rate saw a significant increase, this increase had more to do with declines in the amount of trash received versus increases in actual recycling activity in the County. Recycling has essentially been flat for the past decade.”
One reason, says MacDonald, “Prince William County, unlike other counties in Northern Virginia, does not require source-separation of yard waste.”
Yard waste makes up about 15 percent of the material going into the landfill, according to a 2014 waste audit.
“We need to get that yard waste out of our landfill and divert it to the compost facility at Balls Ford Road, where it can be used to make compost and other soil-amendment products,” MacDonald added.
Previously, the compost facility located on Balls Ford Road did not have sufficient capacity to handle yard waste.
Now, the county has the capacity to compost its yard waste and hopes to initiate a seasonal yard waste collection program later this year that would take effect next fall.
In addition to increasing the recycling rate, diverting yard waste to the compost facility will also save landfill space and decrease methane gas, which is a major contributor of greenhouse gases.
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A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!
Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
(Webinar) Diet & Dementia: Brain-Healthy Tips to Reduce Your Risk…
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