Fairfax City promotes 'Purple Can Club' regional glass drop-offs as recycling markets change

Fairfax City staff outlined a regional response to shifting glass recycling markets by promoting the Purple Can Club, a network of purple, glass-only drop-off containers that officials say helps ensure glass is actually recycled.

A city presenter noted that changes in global markets and handling challenges have made curbside glass recycling difficult and expensive. "Enter the Purple Can Club," the presenter said, explaining that clean, empty and dry bottles and jars of any color are accepted at these containers and that users do not need to remove lids or labels. The speaker identified a Purple Can on Page Avenue, across Judicial Drive from the post office, and said residents may use any of more than two dozen locations across Northern Virginia.

The presenter cautioned residents not to bag glass or place ceramics, Pyrex, mirrors, windows or sheet glass in the containers. Lamps and light bulbs were described as household hazardous waste that should go to the I-66 transfer station rather than the Purple Can. City staff also explained that collected glass is taken to a Fairfax County crushing facility to be turned into sand and gravel for local construction or landscaping, or sent to a glass processor for remanufacturing.

City officials said residents whose recycling is collected by Fairfax City crews can still place glass in curbside bins "for now," but encouraged use of the Purple Can to ensure recyclable glass is recovered.