Recycling

In an effort to encourage recycling in the community, we perform the public services noted below. Visit the Download Center tab for a complete list of the items we take here in the store for recycling or click here.

CRAYON ENDS

Bring any and all full or partial crayons to be upcycled and repurposed. No limits on colors, sizes, or quantities.

CLAM-SHELLS

Those pesky plastic #6 take-out and food containers that pretty much everything is packaged in can now be brought to Green Alternatives. Be sure to only bring clean containers. No restrictions on sizes, all are welcome.

ARTS-N-SCRAPS RECRAFTING COLLECTION

Arts-n-scraps is a new program arriving this fall to Hampton Roads. This fantastic program turns trash into teaching tools and needs your help! Visit artsnscrapshr.blogspot.com to see how YOU CAN HELP.

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING (E-CYCLING)

CLICK HERE to learn more about our electronics recycling efforts.

According to the EPA, nearly 2.2 million tons of electronic equipment are discarded into the U.S. landfills each year. Over time the toxic heavy metals seep into the ground, contaminating the soil and ground water.

Acceptable electronic items include: cameras, CPUs, DVD players, fax machines, jump drives, keyboards, laptops, mice, monitors, networking equipment, portable radios, printers, scanners, stereo equipment, telephone equipment, VCRs, power tools, copiers, remote controls, audio/visual equipment, microwaves, cell phones, and small kitchen appliances.

Unacceptable electronic items include: large appliances, smoke detectors, and air conditioners or refrigerators containing freon.

Recycling Fees: Televisions & CRT Monitors are $10 for each piece under 20 inches. TVs and CRT Monitors between 20 and 30 inches are $15. Pieces over 30 inches are $15 plus $0.15 per pound.

CLICK HERE to learn more about our electronics recycling efforts.

RECYCLING UPDATE -- BIG NEWS!
The City of Norfolk has opened a permanent e-waste facility! The new facility is located at 1176 Pine Ridge Road and is open Monday-Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm. Norfolk residents can bring e-waste, batteries, CFL bulbs, holiday lights, and more. WOO HOO!!!

LIDS & CAPS

Green Alternatives has partnered with Children's Harbor and Keep Norfolk Beautiful to bring a new educational recycling program to Hampton Roads where teachers can pick up "trash" from the warehouse and learn how to create educational games and learning tools for kids. The program won't fully roll out until this fall, but you can start bring us any and all lids and caps.

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE

BATTERY RECYCLING @ GREEN ALTERNATIVES
TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE!
Most types of batteries contain toxic heavy metals such as cadmium and lithium, which classify them as hazardous waste. These should not be thrown out with the garbage. Green Alternatives serves as a drop off point for used compact fluorescent light bulbs and household batteries. Battery drop off for city of Norfolk residents only.

TERRACYCLE BRIGADES

Green Alternatives has partnered with an eco-friendly company, TerraCycle, in a recycling program to keep empty 6 oz & 32 oz yogurt containers, drink pouches, cookie wrappers, candy wrappers, and Kashi packaging which are items that aren't included in the city's local recycling program, out of the landfill. TerraCycle will pay roughly 2 to 5 cents per item collected. All money earned from collected cups will be donated to the Five Points Community Farm Market in Norfolk. TerraCycle plans to reuse the yogurt cups as planting pots. The drink pouches and other packaging will be converted into unique fashion bags, tote bags, and pencil cases.

*Please make sure all yogurt containers are clean, lidless, and have a wide mouth -- Sorry, we cannot accept Yoplait yogurt containers. Thank you!

DONATE YOUR USED BOOKS

Spotlight Books is a program of Virginia Social Ventures (VSV), a nonprofit organization that helps people with employment barriers. They teach the computer skills needed to sell donated books, movies, and music on the Internet. Green Alternatives is now a book drop-off location for VSV. Books of all kinds are accepted, but please no magazines or encyclopedias. Learn more at www.vsventures.org. Donations accepted for Virginia Social Ventures are tax deductible.

(VSV will also gladly accept your used packing supplies such as bubble wrap and Styrofoam peanuts at their location behind the Food Bank on Tidewater Drive.)

BE COOL. RECYCLE.