Do Not Place Plastic Bags in Recycling Bins

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For information on recycling programs, contact Melissa Pennett, 703-293-1661

Do Not Bag Recyclables banner

No bagged recyclables, plastic bags, or plastic film of any kind are accepted in the city’s recycling bin!

Plastic bags are the #1 form of contamination in the recycling stream. On a daily basis, plastic bags and plastic film clog the machinery used to process recyclable materials resulting in operational problems, facility shutdowns, and safety hazards to employees. These lightweight plastic materials are also prone to being blown as litter, creating severe environmental hazards. Due to these concerns, the recycling facility sends all bagged recyclables and loose plastic bags and film to the landfill!

Clogged Recycling Equipment with Plastic Bags Littered Plastic Bag

Recycling placed on the curb in plastic bags will be tagged as a violation and left on the curb. To ensure your recyclables are recycled, keep all items loose in the bin!

No Type of Plastic Bag or Film Packaging is Acceptable, Including:

Plastic trash bags (any color or size
Produce bags
Bread and bakery bags
Plastic padded envelopes
Plastic film envelopes

Retail or grocery shopping bags
Dry cleaning bags
Bubble wrap
Cereal box liners
Ice bags

Zip close food storage bags
Newspaper bags
Snack bags (ex. chip bags)
Case wrap (e.g beverage cases, toilet paper wrap)
Air pillows

To properly dispose of plastic bags and plastic films, recycle them at local retailer take-back programs, or place them in the trash.

Plastic Bag Recycling Take-back Program

All of the items listed above can be recycled at participating grocery and retail stores with the Trex drop-off program. To properly recycle plastic bags and film, drop off any at one of the participating NexTrex retailers.

Plastic bags and plastic films dropped off are collected by Trex, a local manufacture in Virginia, where it is recycled into high-performance wood-alternative decking and railing

To learn more about the Trex Recycling Program, visit: Trex.com/Recycling.

Be the Solution to Plastic Pollution – Bring Your Own Bag

The overwhelming usage of single-use plastic bags is a global phenomenon. It is estimated that between one to five trillion plastic bags are used across the globe each year, with the average American family consuming 1,500 plastic bags a year. Effective January 1, 2023, disposable plastic bags provided at point of sale to consumers at grocery stores, convenience stores, and drugstores in Fairfax City will be subject to a 5 cent tax. To avoid the tax, consumers are encouraged to bring their own reusable shopping bags, or opt out of bags altogether.

Need a reusable bag? FREE reusable grocery bags are available to residents while supplies last. Pick up a bag at Fairfax City Hall Atrium, 10455 Armstrong St., weekdays between 8:30 A.M and 5:00 P.M. (excluding holidays) while supplies last.