Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I recycle?
The Rockbridge County landfill will close in 2012. After that time Buena Vista, Lexington and the Rockbridge County will likely implement the use of a trash transfer station. Costs associated with the transfer station are projected to be substantially higher than the current costs provided at the landfill. By recycling, the tonnage of waste making its way through the trash transfer station is reduced, thereby reducing costs to the city and ultimately, the citizens.
What is a trash transfer station?
A transfer station is a specially permitted facility where waste is unloaded in order to permit its preparation for further transport for disposal elsewhere. In our case, the trash will be transported to a landfill located many counties away.
Why is the landfill closing?
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, a Commonwealth regulatory entity, mandates that all unlined landfills in the Commonwealth must close by 2012.
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, a Commonwealth regulatory entity, mandates that all unlined landfills in the Commonwealth must close by 2012.
What does that mean to the citizens of Buena Vista ( Lexington and Rockbridge County)?
As landfills become scarce and fuel costs rise, the impact of trash related costs will continue to escalate. For every item that is recyclable, but is not recycled, the tonnage of waste going through the transfer station increases, the cost of trucking out the waste stream to an landfill increases and city residents will pay more to cover these costs.
Where do the collected recyclable items end up?
Recyclable items are processed, baled, sold, and recycled into new items. In Buena Vista this process is handled by local businesses. By recycling, you save yourself and the City money and support local businesses.
Recyclable items are processed, baled, sold, and recycled into new items. In Buena Vista this process is handled by local businesses. By recycling, you save yourself and the City money and support local businesses.
What types of plastic may be recycled?
Look for the “chasing arrows” which contain a number. Plastics numbered 1-7 may be recycled. (There is no need to sort out separately; all 1-7 may be co-mingled.)
Are the lids to plastic bottles recyclable?
Yes, but they cannot be recycled in Buena Vista. When left on bottles or containers, lids and bottle caps become projectile hazards during the compressing phase of baling. Even if removed, the lids and caps cannot be effectively processed in Buena Vista. In short, they are recyclable, but not accepted locally.
Styrofoam has carries the chasing arrows symbol, but I've been told that it is not recyclable, why is that?
It is frustrating that Styrofoam carries the recycling symbol, but to date, it truly is not recyclable. Ask your favorite restaurants to replace it's take-home containers with alternative containers which are recyclable.
What should I do with Styrofoam packing peanuts?
Although Styrofoam packing peanuts are not "recyclable", they are RE-USABLE. The Pack and Mail store at 449 E. Nelson in Lexington(next to the ABC store)happily accepts the peanuts for re-use.
Where can I recycle old blankets, throw rugs, bath towels etc., that are to tattered for giving to Goodwill?
The SPCA off of Greenhouse road gladly accepts such items for the many animals at the shelter. They also accept used items such as pet crates and leashes.
Where can I recycle car batteries?
Advanced Auto Parts and AutoRecyclers
Where can I recycle rechargeable and cell phone batteries?
AutoRecyclers, Lowes, Radio Shack
Can I recycle plastic grocery bags?
Yes, in fact you may return the bags to places like Kroger, Food Lion and Wal-Mart one of the many recycling centers in the area. Plastic bags are then transported to businesses like Trex Company, Inc in Winchester, VA where they used to produce composite wood and plastic decking materials. Trex provides many jobs for that area and by recycling you'll be supporting manufacturing growth in Virginia.
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