Where to Recycle:
Local Northern Virginia Options
Recycling can feel overwhelming, especially when certain items don’t belong in your curbside bin. Fortunately, Northern Virginia has several local businesses and organizations that offer take-back programs, helping keep waste out of landfills. Checking with your county’s waste management services is a great place to start—Fairfax County, Arlington County, and Loudoun County all have dedicated recycling centers that accept electronics, hazardous materials, and bulky items that standard curbside programs won’t take. Some areas even host periodic recycling events where you can drop off everything from old paint to scrap metal.
Recently, I found myself in a Staples store in need of a specific office supply. I started to talk to their employee about the Staples “Rewards” and he told me that Staples accepts; ink cartridges, old electronics, batteries, and even writing utensils for recycling. Their program makes it easy for customers to responsibly dispose of things that often end up in the trash. Not only that, but Staples even offers rewards for bringing in used ink cartridges, providing an incentive to recycle. Talking to this Staples employee was a reminder that sometimes, sustainable solutions are right in front of us—we just have to notice them and talk about it.
For those with creative materials they no longer need, Northern Virginia also has fantastic options for keeping supplies out of landfills. UpCycle Creative Reuse Center in Alexandria accepts gently used art and craft supplies, fabric, paper, and other materials that can be repurposed by artists, teachers, and makers. Dabble Creative Reuse Center in Manassas provides a similar service, taking in creative materials and redistributing them to local artists and educators. These centers not only divert waste but also inspire new creations by giving old materials a second life.
Beyond local programs, several large companies also offer take-back and recycling initiatives. Apple has a trade-in program for old devices, allowing customers to recycle their electronics responsibly while earning credit toward new purchases. Levi’s encourages customers to bring in old denim for recycling, sometimes offering discounts in return. Nike runs a sneaker and athletic wear recycling program, turning worn-out shoes and clothing into materials for playground surfaces and athletic tracks. Many of these programs not only reduce waste but also give consumers an incentive to recycle, making it easier to choose sustainability.
Before dropping off your items, always check with the business to confirm what they accept, as some programs have restrictions or only operate at specific locations. By taking advantage of these local and national recycling options, you’re not just decluttering responsibly—you’re contributing to a more sustainable and community-driven way to manage waste.
