Press Releases
County Recycling Rate Increases to 41.3%
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Prince William County achieved a recycle rate of 41.3% in 2012. The Prince William County Public Works, Solid Waste Division Recycling Office received confirmation from Virginia Department of Environment Quality (DEQ) of the County’s Recycling Rate in June. This was an increase from the 2011 recycling rate of 40.7%. The Commonwealth of Virginia requires each city, county, town or region to maintain a minimum recycling rate. It is 25% for Prince William County. Based upon the criteria established by the Commonwealth of Virginia, Prince William County exceeded the mandated recycling rate again this year.
PW Solid Waste Division Wins Governor’s Award
Environmental Sustainability Excellence Recognized Prince William County government’s Public Works’ Solid Waste Division received the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Gold Medal Award for its Sustainability Program. The awards, which were given during the 24th Annual Environment Virginia Symposium in Lexington, Va. last week, recognize the significant contributions of environmental and conservation leaders in two categories - sustainability and land conservation. Award winners were chosen based on several criteria, including environmental benefit, stakeholder involvement, public outreach, transferability and innovativeness. The County’s Sustainability Program is a broad program that encompasses cutting edge initiatives in recycling, water quality, storm water protection, erosion control, air quality, alternative energy, material reuse and habitat development. As a part of its outreach efforts, facilities have been opened to citizens, school groups, bird watchers, business groups and professional organizations. The Solid Waste Division credits the program’s success to management support, a strong working relationship with regulatory agencies, and importantly, community stakeholder involvement and pride. Examples of the positive outcomes of the division’s efforts are the 2012 “Audubon at Home” wildlife sanctuary designation at the landfill and the prolonged life expectancy of the landfill to 2065 through citizen education and expanded recycling and composting opportunities.
"Know Toxics" Training for Businesses Limits Liability and Improves Safety
Friday, February 15, 2013
"Know Toxics" Training limits liability and improves safety for handling batteries, fluorescent lamps and used electronics. Training will be held on Tuesday March 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the 1-66 Transfer Facility Training Center in Fairfax. The cost is $40 per person and includes breakfast and lunch. Attendees will learn to manage and properly dispose of common hazardous materials commonly found at businesses such as fluorescent light bulbs, batteries, thermostats, or electronics. These materials should never be placed in the trash because doing so increases the risk of injury and can result in monetary fines. For additional information please contact Scott MacDonald at smacdonald@pwcgov.org or call 703-792-4670. If you wish to register, please visit http://www.knowtoxics.com.
Annual Business Recycling Reports Due February 28
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
PW Businesses must file an annual recycling report. This year the filing deadline has been extended to February 28, 2013. For link to the report/survey and more details visit www.pwcgov.org/trashandrecycling.