Repair, Recycle, Donate, Compost and Dispose of with Caution

With spring’s arrival, spring cleaning is close behind. Prince William County Solid Waste Division has several programs to help residents declutter, organize and dispose of unwanted items in an environmentally responsible way and reduce waste in the landfill.

Fix-It-Fairs and Repair Cafes

At these events, residents can have items repaired and ready to reuse. Prince William County and Keep Prince William Beautiful have hosted several free Fix-It Fair events. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, April 22, at House of Mercy in Manassas from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Customers must register for this free repair service. Jewelry, clothing, small and large appliances, small furniture and bicycle repairs are available.

Yard Waste

Residents can drop off yard waste, such as lawn clippings, tree limbs, leaves, etc., at the Balls Ford Road Compost Facility or the Prince William County Landfill in designated areas where it will be processed into mulch or compost.

Garage “Garbage”

Often, items found in garages may need special disposal at the county’s Solid Waste facilities. Residents may drop off lead-acid automotive batteries, used antifreeze, oil and filters, household batteries and scrap metal pieces at specially designated areas at the Landfill or Balls Ford Road facility.

In-Home Clutter

Donation is a great way to free yourself of unwanted items. Clothes, shoes, linens, furniture and small household appliances can meet the needs or become a treasure of someone else when they are donated. Check out the types of items accepted by local reuse organizations and the donation bins at the Landfill or Balls Ford Road Compost Facility.

Household Hazardous Waste

Household hazardous waste items may be found in the yard, garage, shed or inside the home. Insecticides, paints, fluorescent bulbs, aerosol cans, drain cleaners, gasoline and more require cautious disposal. Residents must take extra care when discarding these items to help prevent them from harming septic systems and soils or even their homes, and ensure better health and safety for people, pets and the environment.

Prince William County residents can dispose of these materials at no extra cost, but the items should be sealed in their original labeled containers. For more information on the county’s Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Recycling program hours and restrictions, please visit pwcva.gov/trashandrecycling.

During spring cleaning season and throughout the year, Prince William County residents may find items that are no longer needed, but it is not all trash. Many items can be repaired and reused, donated, recycle or composted. Those that must be disposed of may require careful handling and proper disposal methods. The Prince William County Solid Waste Division offers an appropriate place outside the regular trash bin and, ultimately, the landfill for almost everything. For more information on disposal options, visit the A to Z disposal guide on the Solid Waste webpage.