Local Recycling Opportunities
Aluminum Beverage Cans: Aluminum beverage cans are accepted free-of-charge at the Loudoun County recycling centers. Also, firms that purchase scrap metal (including aluminum beverage cans) may be located in the yellow pages under "scrap metals."

Anti-Freeze: Used anti-freeze is accepted free-of-charge at the Loudoun County Solid Waste Management Facility Recycling Center. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. 

Appliances: If they are still operating, refer to yellow pages under "churches" and "thrift shops." If they are not working, appliances may be disposed of at the Loudoun County Solid Waste Management Facility (for a fee). Hours are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. For more information, view Appliance Disposal / Recycling.

Bags, Plastic Grocery: Plastic grocery bags are accepted at most grocery stores. In addition to grocery bags, Washington Post newspaper delivery bags are also accepted at Giant, Safeway, and Shoppers Food Warehouse.

Batteries: Automotive batteries are accepted free-of-charge at the Loudoun County Solid Waste Management Facility Recycling Center, Monday through Saturday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. You may also return a used auto battery to the place where you are purchasing a new battery. Rechargeable batteries are accepted at Home Depot store entrance. Visit the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation for additional collection locations. Alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, C, D, etc.) may be disposed of with your regular garbage; however, recycling options are available for a fee at Battery Recycling and Big Green Box. Button batteries, such as those used in hearing aids and watches may be returned for recycling at the Wal-Mart jewelry counter, or they may be disposed at the county's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events. Other jewelers may accept them as well, but call first to confirm.

Bicycles: The Washington Area Bicycle Association sponsors Bikes for the World, which collects repairable bicycles in the United States, donating them to charities overseas for productive use by those in need of affordable transport.

Books: Hardcover and paperback books are accepted for recycling at each of the Loudoun County Recycling Dropoff Centers.  Books are accepted by many used book dealers. Refer to yellow pages under "book dealers - used and rare." The Loudoun Library Foundation accepts used books. Call them at 703-779-2252 for more information. You may also visit the Adopt-a-Library website, dedicated to encouraging and helping people recycle books. Pro Quo Books buys large quantities of used books, such as those remaining after library book sales; call 410-633-0410 for more information.

Bottles and Cans: Commingled glass bottles and jars, aluminum / steel cans, and plastic bottles are accepted at each of the Loudoun County Recycling Drop-Off Centers and Town of Leesburg Recycling Centers.

CDs and DVDs: PC Recycler in Chantilly, 703-436-1967, recycles CDs and DVDs. More information about CD and DVD recycling is available online at the CD Recycling Center of America and Back Thru the Future Technology Disposal websites.

Cell Phones: Used cell phones may be donated to the Loudoun County Victim Witness Program. Please call 703-777-0417 for drop-off locations. Cell phones are also accepted for recycling at Loudoun County Electronics Recycling Events, Staples and Radio Shack. Staples also accepts pagers and handhelds.

Christmas Trees:    For information on Christmas tree recycling, see Christmas Tree Recycling Information.

Clothes: Planet Aid containers are available at multiple locations for drop-off of clean clothes and usable shoes. Place items in a plastic bag, tie bag shut, and place inside the yellow drop box. Thrift shops, churches, and other charitable organizations may also accept lightly worn items.

Coat Hangers, Wire: Many dry cleaners will accept used wire coat hangers from customers. Consult the yellow pages under "cleaners."

Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs): CFLs are the energy efficient light bulbs that screw into light sockets in table lamps and overhead lights. Take CFLs to any Home Depot Store customer service desk for recycling. You'll find more details from Home Depot. Do not dispose with regular garbage because fluorescent lights contain mercury. The Department of General Services, Waste Management Division, has instructions online on how to clean up a broken CFL.

Composting: Guides to backyard composting may be obtained by contacting the Loudoun County Extension Office at 703-777-0373.

Computers and Other Electronics: For information on recycling computers and other electronics, see Electronics Recycling Information.

Fluorescent Light Bulbs: Fluorescent light bulbs are the long narrow tubes that are typically found in commercial overhead lights. Visit Know Toxics for recycling options. Do not dispose with regular garbage because fluorescent lights contain mercury. The Division of Waste Management has instructions online on how to clean up a broken fluorescent bulb.

Furniture: Furniture is accepted by churches and other charitable organizations. Refer to yellow pages under "churches" and "thrift shops."

Junk Mail: Junk mail is accepted Loudoun County Recycling Drop-Off Centers and Town of Leesburg Recycling Centers.

Magazines: Magazines are accepted with newspapers at all Loudoun County Recycling Drop-Off Centers and Leesburg Town Recycling Centers.

Metals, Scrap: Consult the local yellow pages for Scrap Metals. Also, the Loudoun County Solid Waste Management Facility accepts scrap metal, appliances, etc for recycling. See Solid Waste Management Facility for hours, services, and more information.

Motor Oil: Used motor oil is accepted free-of-charge at the Loudoun County Solid Waste Management Facility Recycling Center. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Additionally, some gasoline service stations accept used motor oil from customers (call first). The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality maintains a list of such service stations.

Office Paper: Office paper is accepted at the Loudoun County Recycling Drop-Off Centers and Leesburg Town Recycling Centers.

Phone Books: Phone books are accepted at each of the Loudoun County Recycling Drop-Off Centers and Leesburg Town Recycling Centers.

Styrofoam Shipping Peanuts: Styrofoam shipping peanuts are accepted at packing and shipping stores. Refer to yellow pages under "shipping masters." Styrofoam is not accepted at any of the county Recycling Drop-off Centers.

Tires: Tires are accepted for a fee at the Loudoun County Solid Waste Management Facility. Tires with rims are accepted, but an additional fee will be charged for the rim. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. You may also dispose of old tires at the place where new tires are purchased (normally for a fee - call first).

Toner Cartridges: Toner cartridges accepted at Staples and at U.S. Post Office locations. To set up a free toner cartridge collection program from your business, contact Enterprise PC Services in Herndon, Virginia, at 703-472-1232.