Fairfax City joins regional "Purple Can" glass drop-off program; what residents can and cannot recycle

Fairfax City described participation in the Purple Can Club, a regional glass-only drop-off program, and provided details on what residents should and should not deposit in the purple containers.

City messaging said the region has installed more than two dozen purple glass-only containers across Northern Virginia and identified a local container on Page Avenue, across Judicial Drive from the post office. The city said clean, empty and dry glass bottles and jars of any color, shape or size are acceptable and that lids and labels do not need to be removed.

The city warned residents not to bag glass or include plastic bags, ceramics, porcelain, Pyrex, mirrors, windows, glass sheets, lamps or light bulbs. It said lamps and light bulbs are household hazardous waste that must go to the I-66 transfer station. The presentation said glass collected in purple cans is taken to a Fairfax County crushing facility where it is turned into sand and gravel for local construction and landscaping or sent to processing plants to be made into new glass products.

Officials said that, at present, glass may still be placed in curbside recycling bins serviced by Fairfax City crews until further notice, but residents using contracted curbside services should check with their provider. The city encouraged use of the purple cans to ensure recyclable glass is actually processed.

The city provided web and local-direction details for residents seeking to find the nearest purple container or confirm disposal of specific items.