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.

Dumpster Days & Community Clean-Ups
Residents can dispose of household trash and bulky items such as furniture and appliances during scheduled Dumpster Day events. Neighborhoods are also invited to host Community Clean-Ups in partnership with Keep Prince William Beautiful, which will provide a dumpster on site. A full schedule of events is available at www.pwcva.gov/dumpster-days.

Recycling and Reuse Options
The Solid Waste Division encourages residents to think beyond the trash bin:

• Yard Waste: Leaves, tree limbs, and grass clippings can be dropped off at the County Landfill or Compost Facility to be turned into mulch or compost.
• Garage Items: Automotive batteries, antifreeze, oil and filters, household batteries, and scrap metal have designated disposal areas at both the Landfill and Compost Facility.
• Donations: Clothing, shoes, linens, furniture, and small appliances can be donated at onsite bins or to local reuse organizations.

Secure Paper Shredding
A free shredding event will be held Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pfitzner Stadium parking lot, or until shred trucks reach capacity. Additional paper shredding opportunities are available during some Dumpster Day events.

Household Hazardous Waste Disposal
Items such as insecticides, paint, aerosol cans, gasoline, and fluorescent bulbs require special handling. Prince William County residents can dispose of these items at no cost, provided they are sealed in original, labeled containers. Details about proper disposal and recycling programs are available at www.pwcva.gov/trashandrecycling.

“This spring, don’t just clean—clean responsibly,” said Deborah K. Campbell of the Solid Waste Division. “Whether it’s repair, reuse, or proper disposal, there’s a solution for nearly every item.”

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.

For those opting for drop-off, yard waste can be taken to the Prince William County Landfill at 14811 Dumfries Road or the Compost Facility at 13000 Hansen Farm Road. The collected yard waste is transformed into compost and mulch, reducing landfill usage and greenhouse gas emissions. Since the program began in October 2021, more than 22,400 tons of material have been composted or repurposed.

More details, including specific collection guidelines and Christmas tree disposal information, can be found at pwcva.gov/yardwaste.

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.

For more details on correct disposal procedures, contact the Prince William County Solid Waste Division at 703-792-5750.

(Fredericksburg Free Press) After touring the R-Board Regional Landfill for the first time two years ago, Monica Gary couldn’t shake the idea that the site held wasted potential.  

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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.

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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.”

Residents may also take their trees and greenery to one of the locations listed below to be recycled:

• The Prince William County Landfill at 14811 Dumfries Road in Manassas.  Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The facility is closed on Sundays.
• The Compost Facility at 13000 Hansen Farm Road in Manassas. Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The facility is closed on Sundays.
• Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) located at 5399 Wellington Branch Road in Gainesville will accept drop-off of trees from December 26 to January 13. The drop-off area is in the front parking lot in the area outlined with the orange safety cones.

For more information, contact NOVEC’s vegetation management department at 703-335-0500 x 1600, or [email protected].

For more information on Solid Waste facilities or recycling in Prince William County, visit pwcva.gov/trashandrecycling.

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.

Officials said construction costs are up 30%, driving the need for higher residential fees and the introduction of commercial fees. Crews need to expand the landfill by opening its fourth and final phase, extending its life by 25 years.

Crews must also install an into the trash cell for the third phase. The project will cost more than $200 million over the next 20 years, and Smith says the landfill will be out of money at the current rate by 2026.

As fees for contracted service providers rise, the question becomes — will you see an increase on your trash bill to help cover the increased cost?

Potomac Local News asked every trash hauler on this list that operates at the county landfill that question and received no response.

So, we’re asking our readers to tell us if your trash bill increases in the New Year. Please send an email to [email protected] and let us know.

We’re looking out for you.

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.”

“Visit pwcva.gov/trashandrecycling for normal operating schedule and Christmas tree recycling options.”

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.”