As spring approaches, the Prince William County Solid Waste Division is making it easier than ever for residents to tackle their annual spring cleaning with a series of environmentally friendly programs and events designed to reduce landfill waste.
Through initiatives like Dumpster Days, Community Clean-Ups, and a special paper shredding event, residents are encouraged to declutter responsibly—by recycling, donating, composting, or properly disposing of items that can’t be reused.
Yard waste collection in Prince William County will resume in March and continue through December. Residents will receive weekly curbside pickup separate from trash and recycling.
As part of the program, residents must use biodegradable paper bags or labeled containers for yard waste disposal, as plastic bags are no longer permitted. Homeowners, businesses, and landscapers must arrange separate collections for yard waste, leaves, and brush with their designated trash and recycling service providers.
The Coles District will hold its annual Dumpster Day on June 15 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at West Gate Elementary School, located at 8031 Urbanna Road near Manassas. This event is open to all county citizens at no cost. The county’s website provides additional information on Dumpster Days, including what items are accepted and specific guidelines for the event.
Residents are asked to ensure that refrigerators are emptied of their contents and cleaned. Glass trays should be removed from microwaves, and the doors should be secured with tape. The following items will not be accepted at the event: fuel tanks, motor oil, fuel drums, household hazardous waste, antifreeze, paint thinners, pesticides, pool chemicals, commercial waste, and electronics. These items can be disposed of at the county landfill.
The Prince William County Landfill and Compost Facility will close at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 27, in observance of Memorial Day. The facilities will also be closed on Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day and Monday, September 2, for Labor Day. Customers should check with their trash and recycling collection company for possible changes to their pick-up schedule.
The landfill and compost facility are open Monday through Saturday, except on New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. They also close at 2 p.m. on Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Christmas Eve.
Prince William County: “Prince William County residents with curbside yard waste collection can set their Christmas trees and other holiday greenery at the curb for collection during the first two weeks of January.”
“Be sure to remove all ornaments, decorations, tinsel, nails, and the tree stand and set the empty tree and greenery at the curb for pickup as a part of yard waste collection by your waste and recycling collection service provider. The trees and greenery are processed at the Compost Facility into compost and mulch.”
Prince William County will charge trash haulers more to bring your garbage to the county landfill starting January 1, 2023.
When it passed its annual budget earlier this year, the Board of County Supervisors approved a $40 per ton fee for garbage collectors. The fee will help maintain and expand the landfill.
Prince William County: “The Prince William County Landfill and the Compost Facility will be closed on Monday, December 25.”
“Both facilities will resume normal operation on Tuesday, December 26. Both facilities will also be closed on Monday, January 1, 2024, for New Year’s Day and resume service on Tuesday, January 2.”
Prince William County Government: “Effective January 1, 2024, waste haulers and commercial users disposing of regular refuse at the landfill will be charged $40/ton at the Prince William County Landfill.”
“Residents will not be charged a fee for bringing regular household trash, recyclable materials and yard waste to Prince William County solid waste facilities. Permitted haulers will not be charged a tipping fee for yard waste at the Balls Ford Road Compost facility.”
Prince William County Solid Waste Department press release: “June 14 is Flag Day. The day commemorates the adoption of the “Stars and Stripes” as the official flag of the United States. The U.S. Flag Code -Respect for Flag states, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
“Prince William County residents can show their respect for this beloved symbol by bringing old or tattered American flags to the Prince William County Landfill or the Balls Ford Road Compost Facility during regular hours of operation to be appropriately retired by local Scout groups in a traditional ceremony, or a private one at the Covanta waste to energy facility.”
