FAQs

Why do I have to empty liquids and rinse food residue?: Emptying liquids and rinsing food residue prevents recyclables from attracting wildlife and pests at your home (kitchen, garage, curbside), in the purple bins and throughout transport and processing. During the recycling process, glass is melted in a furnace, so organic residue will burn off; however too much residue can alter the chemical formula of the glass.

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Glass-only Recycling

1. I pay for curbside recycling. Can I still place my glass in my curbside cart?: Yes, at this time, all customers may still place glass in the curbside carts, however it will not contribute towards the Glass-only Recycling program.

2. What if I have broken glass?: As long as the broken glass is container glass (food and beverage bottles and jars) it may be placed in purple bins, however you may want to throw it away to avoid injury.

3. Why do I have to empty liquids and rinse food residue?: Emptying liquids and rinsing food residue prevents recyclables from attracting wildlife and pests at your home (kitchen, garage, curbside), in the purple bins and throughout transport and processing. During the recycling process, glass is melted in a furnace, so organic residue will burn off; however too much residue can alter the chemical formula of the glass.

4. I have glass products that you do not accept. What do I do with it?: In-tact glass windows, sliding doors and mirrors can be dropped off to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore (ReStore) on Jamestown Road. Most thrift stores accept usable Pyrex, pottery and ceramics. Incandescent, LED and halogen light bulbs can be thrown in the trash. Fluorescent bulbs (including CFLs) can be brought to Home Depot, Lowe’s or a VPPSA Household Chemical Collections for proper disposal (they contain mercury).

5. What does this new program cost the County?: This program has no additional cost implications to the County. The bins were provided by O-I Glass, and the County received a competitive grant from the DEQ for promotional materials (buckets, information cards, promotional materials, etc.). The County delivers the purple bins to O-I in Toano, but it is closer than the MRF in Chesapeake, where the co-mingled material is transported. Since glass is the heaviest material, removing it from the co-mingled material saves the County in transportation costs.

6. Why is the United Way of the Greater Peninsula the recipient of the charitable donation?: The United Way of the Greater Peninsula provides funding to multiple community organizations, which allows for the donation to be dispersed to various programs within James City County. Please visit their website to learn about their Pathways Out of Poverty mission.

7. Where can I learn more about O-I?: O-I Glass has had a manufacturing plant in James City County since 1980. Please visit their website or their Sustainability page to learn more specifically about their glass recycling efforts.