Your Trash Takes a Summer Vacation Too
Summer may be a time for rest and relaxation, but your trash doesn't take a break and neither do the trucks hauling it. From disposable plates and food scraps to packaging from vacation purchases, we see a seasonal uptick in volume. Here on some tips to reducing waste at home and on the road.
In the Backyard: Garden Smart and Party Cleaner
Your recycling habits don’t stop at the back door—they extend to your yard, patio, and picnic table.
🌱 When Gardening:
Plant pots: Most plastic plant pots are not accepted in curbside recycling but may be accepted at local garden centers. Better yet, reuse or offer them to a neighbor!
Soil and mulch bags: These can’t go in your curbside recycling bin as-well but may be returned to plastic bag drop-off at your local grocery bins if cleaned
Hoses: Not recyclable and hazardous to machinery. Repurpose as a soaker hose or trash them safely.
🍔 At Cookouts and BBQs:
Place clearly labeled recycling bins next to trash cans to make it easy for guests to sort their waste.
Choose wisely: Use compostable or recyclable plates and utensils or better yet, break out the reusables.
Skip plastic cups and bottled water. A cold-water jug does the job beautifully.
Opt for canned beverages in cardboard cases instead of plastic bottles or six-packs.
Drop off glass containers at a Purple Can Club bin near you. For your local bin click here.
Compost your leftovers! Bring food scraps to I-66 Transfer Station, I-95 Landfill Complex, or designated Fairfax County Park Authority Farmers Markets all summer.
With a little prep, your outdoor events can be both festive and sustainable.
On the Road: Travel Light—On Waste
Traveling this summer? Whether you're road-tripping, camping, or staying at a hotel, take the time to plan for responsible waste disposal.
✅ DO:
Bring reusables—plates, utensils, and water bottles.
Research local recycling rules wherever you go.
Keep a recycling bin in your car for road trip stops.
❌ DON’T:
Put foam coolers or plastic bags in recycling.
Recycle items that are wet or dirty. They contaminate the whole bin.
Toss in non-recyclables like beach gear, fireworks, batteries, or plastic utensils.
Wherever summer takes you, make sustainability part of the journey. By staying aware and prepared, you’ll help protect every destination you visit—and make your summer even more rewarding.
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