Waste-Free Touchdown

The Big Game is one of the biggest events of the year, bringing friends, family, and fans together for exciting plays, hilarious commercials, and, of course, plenty of food. This year, make your celebration a win for the community by incorporating zero-waste practices into your plans.

Kickoff with Eco-Friendly Decorations

• Opt for reusable or DIY decorations instead of single-use plastic items. For team spirit, make banners or table settings using old jerseys, fabrics or recyclable materials.
• Skip the disposable plates and cutlery—use real dishes, or choose compostable options if washing up isn’t an option.

Intercept Food Waste

Super Bowl parties are known for their spreads, but they’re also notorious for food waste.

• Plan portions to match your guest list to minimize leftovers.
• Set up a composting station for food scraps, like fruit peels and veggie ends and drop them off a solid waste facility..
• Donate unopened, non-perishable snacks to a local food bank if you have extras--here's a list of NCS local donation drop-off locations.

Recycle Right

• Make recycling easy for guests by setting up clearly labeled bins for cans, bottles, and other recyclables.
• Remind everyone that greasy pizza boxes and paper plates can’t be recycled but can often be composted.

Tackle Packaging Waste

• Buy snacks in bulk to reduce packaging.
• Choose local or homemade options to cut down on the carbon footprint of your party.

Game Day Challenge

Encourage friendly competition with a zero-waste challenge! See who can create the least amount of trash by the end of the game. Reward the winner with an eco-friendly prize like a reusable tumbler or shopping bag.
By making small, thoughtful changes, your game day can be both fun and sustainable. Let’s cheer for the planet and score a waste-free touchdown!

Power Up Your Recycling: Celebrate National Battery Day

Did you know February 18 is National Battery Day? Batteries are everywhere in our daily lives, from remote controls and flashlights to smartphones and laptops. While they’re indispensable, they also pose a serious environmental threat when not disposed of properly.

Why Safe Battery Disposal Matters

Batteries contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and lithium. When thrown into regular trash, they can leak toxic chemicals into the soil and groundwater. Even worse, improperly discarded batteries can spark fires in garbage trucks, recycling facilities, or landfills, putting workers and equipment at risk.

By recycling batteries, we can recover valuable materials like zinc, manganese, and steel, which reduces the need for mining and conserves natural resources. Safe disposal also prevents pollution and promotes sustainability.

How to Dispose of Batteries Safely

Here in Fairfax County, we’re committed to making battery disposal easy and accessible. Here’s how you can safely get rid of used batteries:

• Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-Off: Safely dispose of rechargeable batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and other hazardous materials at our HHW facilities located at the I-95 Landfill Complex and the I-66 Transfer Station.
• Retail Stores: Many electronics stores and some grocery stores, accept used batteries for recycling. Here’s a link to find some locations near you.

Pro Tip: Before recycling batteries, tape over the terminals with clear tape or place each battery in its own plastic bag to prevent short-circuiting.

Take Action This National Battery Day

Celebrate National Battery Day by checking around your home for old or unused batteries. Gather them up and take them to a recycling center near you. You can also switch to rechargeable batteries to reduce waste and save money in the long run.

Happy Valentine’s Day

This Valentine’s Day, celebrate in a way that warms hearts without filling trash bins. With a little creativity, you can express love for your partner and the planet. Here are some ideas for a zero-waste Valentine’s celebration:

Experiences over Things: Treat your loved one to a cooking class, hike, or concert. Memories last longer than material gifts.

DIY Delights: Homemade treats, such as baked goods or a heartfelt letter, are personal and waste-free.

Eco-Friendly Finds: If buying a gift, choose sustainable options like reusable water bottles, upcycled jewelry, or potted plants.

Cook at Home: Prepare a romantic dinner using local, seasonal ingredients. Serve with cloth napkins and reusable dishware for a zero-waste meal.

Wrap It Green: Skip store-bought wrapping paper. Use fabric, newspaper, or reusable gift bags. Add charm with natural accents like dried flowers or twine.

Eco-Friendly Cards: Instead of store-bought cards, make your own using recycled materials or send a digital Valentine’s message. Recycle received cards responsibly by removing non-paper embellishments like glitter or stickers.

Think Beyond Flowers: Traditional bouquets often come with plastic packaging. Gift a potted plant, seeds for a garden, or a dried flower arrangement instead.

Spread the Love: Share your zero-waste Valentine’s ideas with friends and family to inspire sustainable celebrations. By celebrating Valentine’s Day with sustainability in mind, you’ll show love for the people in your life and reduce waste!

Don't get frustrated about recycling, search our Waste Wizard and learn how & where to dispose of everyday items instead.

Curious about what people most often search for on our Waste Wizard?  Check out what to do with these items + more yourself: Waste Wizard Link.