Celebrate America Recycles Day by Exploring Orange County ’ s Many Opportunities for Responsible Disposal
By: Orange County Communications Department
America Recycles Day is held annually on November 15. According to Keep America Beautiful , “ it ’ s a time to learn, get inspired, and take action. ” Over the decades, we have come a long way; more action is taken every year to help reduce the unnecessary disposal of items that could be recycled. In fact, the national recycling rate has increased from less than seven percent in 1960 to the current rate of 32 percent. 1 However, there is clearly more work to be done.
Thankfully, Orange County provides a great deal of recycling opportunities through single - stream resources at several collection sites, special events for particular commodities (like electronics), and dedicated programs for difficult - to - recycle items. The efforts are led by our Landfill and Solid Waste staff members, with the support of our Litter Control Committee and several partner organizations. As we celebrate America Recycles Day in 2024, residents are encouraged to learn more about recycling opportunities in Orange County, and let that inspire them to take advantage of those resources.
Single Stream Recycling:
Did you know Orange County is mandated to recycle at least 25% of its solid waste generation? Single stream recycling makes it easy for residents to help us meet that goal. Sorting is not required (except separating recyclables from trash) for any of the listed items at any of five convenient locations.
Recyclable Items:
Single Stream Locations:
Metal food cans
• Barboursville Collection Site, 4328 Spotswood Trail, Barboursville, VA 22923 • Lake of the Woods Collection Site, 100 Shoosmith Road, Locust Grove, VA 22508 • Locust Grove Collection Site, 7240 Gold Dale Road, Locust Grove, VA 22508 • Porter Road Collection Site (located with Landfill), 11530 Porter Road, Orange, VA 22960 • Route 15 Collection Site, 12435 James Madison Highway, Orange, VA 22960
•
Aluminum foil
•
Paper goods
•
Flattened cardboard
•
Glass bottles
•
Plastics 1 - 7 (no lids)
•
While single stream makes it easy to recycle without much sorting, it is still important to avoid contamination by non - recyclable items. Some examples of items that can ’ t be accepted in single stream containers include plastic bags, diapers, Styrofoam, plastic caps/lids, organic waste, tires, household trash, scrap metal, and hazardous waste. For some of these items, such as plastic bags and tires, we have alternate recycling opportunities. Keep reading to learn more.
Special Recycling Events
Each year, several special events are held to accept items that cannot normally be recycled. They are offered in partnership with the Orange County Litter Control Committee and often involve the assistance of
1 US EPA, OLEM. 2015. “ America Recycles Day. ” https://www.epa.gov/circulareconomy/america - recycles - day (November 6, 2024).
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