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| Neighborhood Tidbits |
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 If you have just come to call the neighborhood home, here is a way to learn more about the new community you have joined. We would love nothing more than to be able to share the history or latest happenings of North Old Town with all who reside here.
If you are interested in writing a brief history of the neighborhood or know if other information to share with the community, please contact us! |
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Manage Your Yard Waste at Home
With Spring finally here, the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services Recycling Program reminds residents to consider the environment when doing lawn work.
As part of the Eco-City Alexandria Initiative, the Recycling Program encourages residents to manage their yard waste at home to help reduce our waste. Grass-cycling and backyard composting are two easy ways you can help the environment and the budget while creating a healthier lawn and garden.
Grass-cycling and composting benefits include:
• Saving money on fertilizers and trash disposal
• Saving time by reducing time spend on bagging materials
• Encouraging a healthier lawn and plant growth
• Retaining moisture and reducing soil erosion
Grass-cycling - The Easy Way to Mow the Lawn
• Sharpen mower blades and remove bag
• Set blade height to cut about 1/3 of grass height
• Leave clippings on lawn to recycle
• Mow every 4 to 10 days, based on growth to keep clippings small enought to filter into the grass or use a mulching mower.
Backyard Composting
• Decide on what you want to compost (e.g. yard waste only or including food scraps)
• Buy or build a compost (The City recommends using a secure composting container if you choose to compost food scraps). Visit: www.composters.com to find the right bin for you.
• Contact the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service Office at 703.228.6400 for free classes on composting or visit: www.alexandriava.gov/recycling, click on 'Yard Waste Recycling' for instructions on how to compost.
• Use your free fertilizer in the garden or flower pots.
Lawn Service Companies and Yard Waste Recycling
When using a lawn service company, look for environmentally-friendly options including grass-cycling, mulching, and composting of lawn materials.
For More information on:
• Yard Waste Management, visit: www.alexandriava.gov/recycling and click on 'Yard Waste Recycling.'
• Eco-City Alexandria Initiative, visit: www.alexandriava.gov/eco-city.
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| City of Alexandria Earns National Bicycle Recognition
The City of Alexandria was designated as a Bronze level 2009 Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) by the League of American Bicyclists. The League recognized the City of Alexandria for its efforts to welcome bicyclists and make bicycling safer and more enjoyable. Since 2006, the City of Alexandria and its community partners have focused on bicycling-related engineering, education, encouragement, and enforcement. The BFC accreditation-style program acknowledges municipalities that provide safe accommodations for cycling and encourage residents to ride for transportation and recreation.
The League of American Bicyclists designates awards at four levels: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. This year, the League recognizes 13 new Bicycle Friendly Communities and three Bicycle Friendly Community renewals. The application process to become a BFC is rigorous; currently only 108 of the 274 applicants have a BFC four-year designation. The renewal process and four levels of recognition provide a clear incentive for communities to continuously improve.
Other local municipal award recipients include Arlington County, Virginia, which received a Silver level designation, and Washington, D.C., which received a Bronze level designation.
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| Multi-Agency Permit Center Celebrates Grand Opening
On March 5, the Alexandria Fire Department’s Building and Fire Code Administration (BFCA) welcomed City officials, employees, residents, and business leaders to the grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony of its new Multi-Agency Permit Center, located on the fourth floor of City Hall. Mayor William D. Euille, Vice Mayor Redella S. “Del” Pepper, Councilman Paul Smedberg, Councilman Justin Wilson, and City Manager James K. Hartmann joined Fire Chief Adam Thiel and John Catlett, Director of Building and Fire Code Administration, in cutting the ribbon for the new center. The grand opening celebration marked the culmination of 16 months of planning by the Multi-Department Permit Center Committee, chaired by BFCA Deputy Director Jannine Pannell and Customer Services Manager Frank Ward.
The idea for the Multi-Agency Permit Center was brought forward by the City Council's Economic Sustainability Work Group in 2007. The Multi-Agency Permit Center was established to improve customer service to Alexandria’s residents and business owners by offering one central location for same-day processing, plan review, and issuance of required City permits and licenses. City departments represented at the center include the Fire Department’s Building and Fire Code Administration, Department of Planning and Zoning, Department of Transportation and Environmental Services (T&ES), and the Department of Finance.
The Permit Center provides a variety of services. Staff from BFCA, Planning and Zoning, and T&ES review construction and trade plans for compliance with the Uniform State Building Code, the City’s Zoning Ordinance and other codes. Many building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, signage and outdoor dining permits can be processed, reviewed and issued in one day. For the convenience of City businesses, the Permit Center also handles new business license applications and contractor renewals. Additionally, the Permit Center processes Fire Prevention and Fire Protection System permits, elevator permits and certificates, stocking permits, modification requests, vacant building registrations and Certificates of Occupancy.
“The Multi-Agency Permit Center is a great example of the collaborative effort among several City departments working together to deliver what our citizens and businesses have desired and deserve—quality customer service combined with code compliance and safety,” said Fire Chief Adam Thiel.
For more information on Alexandria’s Multi-Agency Permit Center, call 703.838.4360 or visit www.alexandriava.gov/fire/code
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| DASH Alexandria Transit Announces Launch of Web Site Redesign
The Alexandria Transit Company (ATC) today launched the first phase of a comprehensive redesign of its Web site (www.dashbus.com). The redesign offers a new look, simplified navigation, improved usability, updated graphics and layouts, and enhanced interactivity that will help visitors access information more quickly and easily. The site also includes an interactive trip planner powered by Google Transit.
The site is loaded with many new features and offers user-friendly access to all DASH route and schedule information. Visitors can also sign up for electronic DASH Service Alerts and DASH News. The colorful graphics are pleasing to the eye and a simplified interface makes navigation through the site a breeze.
In the second phase of the redesign, there will be increased interactivity, which will include a real-time bus information component so a customer can find out where their bus is and what time the bus is expected to be at their stop. DASH is testing a new real time system on seven buses and if the test is successful, the system will be installed on the entire fleet of buses as funding becomes available.
“The primary goal is to offer our visitors a Web site that is easier to navigate and to follow, while giving the site a fresh and dynamic look. We set out to design the site with a simple, yet contemporary feel, modernized graphics, and most importantly, enhancing the ease of locating information on the Web site. It is extremely important for both our customers and potential users of the DASH system to find route and schedule information quickly and be able to get from point A to point B in a convenient and easy manner,” said Sandy Modell, ATC General Manager.
With the debut of the new Web page, ATC also announces the launch of two new subscription choices within the Alexandria eNews service to keep riders informed about the latest DASH news and service alerts. These messages can be sent directly to an e-mail account, PDA, pager, cell phone, or BlackBerry device. To sign up for eNews, visit http://enews.alexandriava.gov
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| REAL ESTATE: Alexandria City Council to Consider Real Estate Tax Rate of Up to 90.5 Cents for 2009
Today, the Alexandria City Council authorized advertisement of the maximum possible real (residential and commercial) property tax rates it will consider for the 2009 calendar year. Based on Council’s actions, the base real estate tax rate could be raised by a maximum of six cents, from 84.5 cents to up to 90.5 cents per $100 assessed value. City Council will not consider an add-on real estate tax rate on non-residential commercial and industrial property, keeping that tax rate considerably lower than surrounding jurisdictions. The personal property tax rate on vehicles and business tangible property tax rates would remain unchanged.
“The City faces unprecedented fiscal challenges and must make difficult choices about our programs and services in the weeks ahead,” said Mayor William D. Euille. “Advertising higher tax rates than we may need gives us flexibility in balancing the budget. It will ensure that we have the necessary resources to continue maintaining key services and public safety, and protecting our most vulnerable populations during this difficult time.”
On February 10, Alexandria City Manager James K. Hartmann proposed a General Fund Operating Budget of $524.3 million for FY 2010 that reflected a decrease of 3.3% from the previously approved FY 2009 budget, the most dramatic decline in the City’s budget in more than 30 years.
City Council’s authorization of a potential change to the real property tax rate would result in the average residential tax bill increasing by up to $85 or 2% when compared to 2008 real estate tax rates. This compares to a decline in the average residential tax bill of $7 in 2008. The City’s real estate tax rates would be among the lowest in the Northern Virginia region, even if the maximum tax rate increase is approved.
Although the personal property tax rate on vehicles and business property tax rates would remain unchanged, vehicle owners can also expect to see their tax bills drop in 2009. A projected decline in average vehicle values this year will reduce the average household’s vehicle personal property tax bill by $66, or 23%, from last year.
The next public hearing on the budget will be held Monday, April 13 at 4 p.m. in City Council Chambers, City Hall, 301 King St. The effective real estate tax public hearing will be held on Saturday, April 18 at 9:30 a.m., also in City Council Chambers. The Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program are scheduled for adoption on Monday, April 27 at a special legislative meeting at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov and click on “FY 2010 Budget” under Quick Links on the home page.
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| Winter Weather Resources
The City of Alexandria will provide the most up-to-date emergency weather information possible. Here are some helpful resources:
• Up-to-date information about snow emergencies, scheduling changes, or cancellations in City programs will be posted on www.alexandriava.gov.
For general information during business hours, call the Office of Citizen Assistance at 703.838.4800.
• For snow removal information or to report a pothole, call Transportation & Environmental Services at 703.838.4488.
• To report a water main break, call the Virginia American Water Company at 703.549.7080 or 703.491.8814 after normal business hours.
• To report an electrical power outage, call Dominion Virginia at 1.888.667.3000.
For additional information on winter weather preparedness, visit http://alexandriava.gov/snow.
Website: alexandriava.gov/snow
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| “Build Your Own Rain Barrel” Tutorial Now Online
Want to save the environment, live “green,” and protect the Chesapeake Bay? Try building and installing your own rain barrel to collect and conserve water! A tutorial, developed by the City of Alexandria’s Office of Environmental Quality, can show you how.
Rain barrels can be placed under your downspouts to capture runoff from the roof. The rainwater you collect can help you save water for use in your yard and house plants, eliminate potential flooding in your basement, and reduce storm water management costs. The use of rain barrels also helps to decrease the volume of storm runoff, which in turn, helps to moderate stream erosion and the resulting pollution that is impairing the Chesapeake Bay.
To access the “Build Your Own Rain Barrel” tutorial, visit alexandriava.gov
For more information about rain barrels and water conservation, please contact Jesse Maines, Office of Environmental Quality, Department of Transportation and Environmental Services, at 703.519.3400, ext. 166.
Website: www.alexandriava.gov
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| VisitAlexandriaVA.com Adds Travelocity Booking Engine
The Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association, in collaboration with Travelocity, the online travel company, has added a booking engine to their Web site. The booking engine, powered by Travelocity, will allow Web site visitors to search for hotels, car rentals, flights and tickets in Alexandria from one location. To learn more, visit alexandriava.gov.
Website: visit alexandriava.gov
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| New Water Taxi Begins Service 1 April 2008
New Service Will Connect Old Town Alexandria and National Harbor
On April 1, the Alexandria-National Harbor Water Taxi, operated by Potomac Riverboat Company, will begin providing transportation between the waterfront in Old Town Alexandria and National Harbor. The water taxi service is one of a number of new amenities that the City of Alexandria, in partnership with the business community, has put in place to extend a warm Alexandria welcome to visitors from National Harbor. It is expected to bring hundreds of new tourists to Alexandria every day throughout the year, and will encourage National Harbor visitors to travel to Alexandria by boat, and not by car or bus—an earth-friendly strategy that benefits both the City's residents and the environment.
The Alexandria-National Harbor Water Taxi will operate seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. From April 1-4, the water taxi will depart Alexandria once each hour, on the hour, beginning at 10 a.m. and concluding at 10:00 p.m. It will depart Gaylord National Harbor once each hour, on the half hour, beginning at 10:30 a.m. and concluding at 10:30 p.m. After April 4, it will provide service every half hour from both locations from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. A one-way fare costs $7; round-trip fare, $14.
For more information about the Alexandria-National Harbor Water Taxi, call 703.684.0580 or visit www.potomacriverboatco.com.
Website: www.potomacriverboatco.com
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All Aboard the King Street Trolley!
Clang! Clang! On April 1, the distinctive sound of a brass bell will fill the streets of Old Town Alexandria as the King Street Trolley officially goes into service, transporting residents, visitors, and those who work in Old Town between the King Street Metrorail Station and the Old Town waterfront.
The free trolley will operate seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Approximately every 15 minutes, riders can board at the unit block of King Street near the Potomac River waterfront, the King Street Metrorail station, or at any of the signed stops along King Street, which are approximately 2 blocks apart. The new trolley service replaces the weekend DASH About bus service, which will be discontinued after Sunday, March 30. Typically, four trolley vehicles will circulate on King Street
in order to maintain the 15-minute intervals.
In addition to the bell, the trolley sports a black and red exterior, rubber tires for a smooth ride, and adjustable paned windows.
The Alexandria City Council approved and funded the trolley service as part of the City’s National Harbor initiatives. The trolley will complement the water taxi service from the National Harbor Development across the Potomac River in Prince George’s County, Maryland, also slated to open by April 1. It is expected that the water taxi service will bring hundreds of new tourists to Alexandria every day throughout the year. The trolley will also encourage Washington, D.C. area residents to visit Old Town to shop and dine. The trolley is also part of the City’s continuing efforts to manage congestion and reduce mobile emissions by encouraging residents, commuters, workers, and visitors to choose travel options outside of driving alone.
For more information about the King Street Trolley Service, contact Jim Maslanka at 703.838.3800, or e-mail jim.maslanka@alexandriava.gov.
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| New Transportation Program Provides Assistance For Medical Appointments
For people who need assistance getting to and from medical appointments, help is on the way. The new Door Thru Door transportation program provides trained aides to accompany adults to non-urgent medical appointments within 10 miles of their home. Eligible individuals must be age 18 and older and require assistance due to physical or cognitive limitations.
According to the Department of Human Services, Office of Aging and Adult Services, aides can help individuals get ready for the appointment, ride with them to and from the appointment, stay with them during the appointment and assist individuals in getting settled back at home. Aides can also carry pertinent medical information back to family caregivers or community service providers.
Individuals are responsible for scheduling transportation using existing programs such as DOT, Senior Taxi or Metro Access, as well as paying the cost of transportation for themselves and the aide. The cost of assistance provided by the aide is based on income, with a maximum cost of $30 per appointment. Access to this service will not be denied due to inability to contribute to cost.
Reservations for this program are now being accepted; the service began on February 4. To schedule an aide, or to get more information, call Home Care Partners at 202.638.0736. For information on transportation options, call the Office of Aging and Adult Services at 703.838.0920.
Door Thru Door was made possible by funding from a New Freedom Grant through the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. This program is in partnership with Arlington County and Home Care Partners, a nonprofit in-home service provider.
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| Alexandria Dog Parks
Alexandria is one of dog-friendliest cities in America. There is an off-leash dog park within a mile of virtually every residence in the City. City dog exercise areas are under the jurisdiction of the City's Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities. Please direct questions about the location and maintenance of dog exercise areas to RPCA. These are the only areas in the city where dogs may exercise off leash.
When using the dog parks, please follow these rules:
Dogs must be attended at all times (City Code Chapter7, Article C Section 6-2-2)
Only three dogs per person in these areas (City Code Chapter7, Article C Section 6-2-2)
Dogs must be 4 months or older (City Code Chapter7, Article C Section 6-2-2)
Dogs must have a current rabies vaccination (City Code Chapter7, Article C Section 5-7-38)
Dogs must be licensed (City Code Chapter7, Article C Section 5-7-47)
No female dogs in season (City Code Chapter7, Article C Section 5-7-42)
Owners must clean up feces (City Code Chapter7, Article C Section 5-7-42)
Off-leash exercise area locations:
Unfenced
Founder's Park - in the northwest corner at Union Street
Pommander Park - southwest corner of Gibbon and Union Streets
First and Payne Streets - city property at northeast corner
Braddock Road and Commonwealth - southeast corner
Hoof's Run - East of Commonwealth between Oak and Chapman Streets
Ft. Williams and New Ft. Williams Parkways - area between parkways
Tarleton Park - along Old Mill Run west of Gordon Street
Armistead and Beauregard Streets - southeast corner
Chambliss Street - south of tennis courts
Fort Ward Park - east side of entrance
Timberbranch Parkway - median between Braddock Road and Oakley Place
Chinquapin Park - east of loop
Monticello Park - east entrance
Edison Street - cul-de-sac
W&OD Railroad - 200ft. at Raymond Avenue
Fenced
Simpson Stadium Park - Monroe Street
Duke Street - 5000 block east of Beatley Library
Montgomery Park - corner of Fairfax and 1st Streets
Chetworth Park - at Chetworth Place
Ben Brenman Park - south of Backlick Run
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| City of Alexandria eNews Service Offers Several Subscription Options
The City of Alexandria encourages residents to register or update their eNews service to receive e-mails or text messages about the latest information regarding City services and emergency alerts. For the thousands of residents who already subscribe, now is a good time to update your subscriptions so that you will receive all of the pertinent information that eNews has to offer. eNews currently provides updates from more than 80 subscription categories, ranging from City news releases and department newsletters to public meeting dockets and property tax deadline reminders. Subscribers can select the categories of news items they wish to receive. eNews has also added important new categories such as school emergency alerts so subscribers can stay informed about the latest weather-related delays and closings.
There is no cost to sign up for eNews (although your wireless provider may charge you to receive e-mail or text messages on your mobile device). All messages can be sent directly to your e-mail account, PDA, pager, cell phone, or BlackBerry. Contact your wireless provider if you have any questions about the fees they may charge. To sign up or modify your eNews subscription, visit enews.alexandriava.gov.
Website: www.enews.alexandriava.gov
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| Home Purchase Assistance Funding Available
The City of Alexandria continues to offer assistance to first-time homebuyers through its Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP) and Moderate Income Homeownership Program (MIHP). These programs provide deferred payment, zero-interest loans to eligible buyers who live or work in the City of Alexandria. The HAP Program offers up to $50,000 in assistance, while the MIHP Program provides up to $30,000.
In addition to these resources, funding also remains available through the Virginia Housing Development Authority's (VHDA) Sponsoring Partnerships and Revitalizing Communities (SPARC) Program, the HomeStride Program, and FlexSPARC Program. SPARC provides up to 1% off VHDA's already low first-time homebuyer loan rate, while HomeStride can provide up to $25,000 as a deferred payment, deferred interest loan. FlexSPARC serves higher income households who may not be eligible for most other first-time homebuyer programs by providing a 1% discount off VHDA's FlexAlternative loan program rate.
Many of these funding sources can be combined to make homeownership surprising affordable. Funds in all programs are limited and are provided on an as-needed basis. For more information, contact the City of Alexandria Office of Housing at (703) 838-4622.
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| Monroe Avenue Bridge Replacement
To increase the safety & efficiency of the City's transportation network, the Potomac Yard development project is funding the $40 million Monroe Avenue replacement bridge and Route 1 widening. The new bridge is over 100 feet wide and is divided into 2 sections.
As many of you know, work is currently under way and by this fall, the new bridge section will open to 2-way traffic as the existing bridge is demolished.
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| Spring Showed Drop in Serious Crime
Chief of Police, David P. Baker, announced this spring that serious crime in Alexandria was at a 40-year low and dropped 7 percent in the last year!
Serious crime dropped more thatn 56% in the last 25 years while the population has increased by approximately 30%.
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| Curbside Recycling
Yellow Bin:
- Glass Bottles & Jars
- Aluminum & Steel Cans
- All Plastic Bottles & Jugs
In Extra Bin or Bag
- Junk Mail, Magazines, Mixed Paper & Catalogs
- Cardboard, flattened (no larger than 3'x3' & placed under bin)
- Newspapers
- Phone Books
- Cereal & Cracker Boxes
DO NOT RECYCLE
- Lids, caps and tops
- Buckets & Tubs
- Plastic Bags
- Take Out Containers, Pizza Boxes or Trays
- Aluminum Foil & Trays
- Prescription Vials
- Styrofoam Packing Materials
- Ceramics
- Hard Back Books
- Pots & Pans
Website: www.alexrecycles.org
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| Pet Friendly Community
Do you know where your 4 legged children are?
For the safety of our neighborhood and community, two legged and four legged alike, it is required by City code to have all cats and dogs vaccinated against rabies AND to be licensed in the City.
Licenses are available at the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, 4101 Eisenhower Avenue. For more information call 703.838.4774 or visit the website below.
Website: www.alexandriaanimals.org
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| Air Quality Action Days
Be proactive when Code Orange or Code Red days are forecasted and help improve our neighborhood's air quality with the following tips:
- Instead of driving, try walking, biking or taking advantage of the FREE BUS RIDE offered by DASH and other bus companies in the Northern Virginia region.
- Avoid mowing grass with gas powered mowers.
- Postpone painting.
- Avoid aerosol products.
- Fill up after 7:00 pm.
For more information contact the City's Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) at 703.838.4334.
Website: www.alexandriava.gov/tes
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| New Interactive Map Unveiled by the Department of Planning & Zoning
Are you interested in viewing the location of citywide development projects and planning studies? Now you can with the new interactive map available now on the Department of Planning and Zoning's web site!
It is a dynamic map viewer which is updated daily via the Department's Geographic Information System (GIS) and permitting systems. The map shows a macro view of all current development applications with the ability to zoom in to a specific site to get the basic information.
Furthermore, the map illustrates the scope of planning studies and enables you to visualize the relationship between planning and development via the integrated link to the planning initiatives page.
Website: gis.alexandriava.gov/development/viewer.htm
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| Alexandria City Council
Recently, the Council raised the real estate tax rate of 81.5 cents per $100 of assessed value by 1.5 cents to 83 cents. However, this tax rate remains the second lowest among major jurisdictions in Northern Virginia.
According to the FYI Alexandria, under the new tax rate, the average homeowner's taxes would decline $48 or 1.1 percent. Furthermore, the personal property tax rate remains unchanged at $4.75 per $100 of assessed value.
Website: www.alexandriava.gov
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| HOV Lane Rules
For I-95/I-395:
Between Prince William County, Virginia and Washington, D.C., there is a 30-mile long, 2-lane High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) facility in the highway median.
The direction of the lanes is changed, and HOV restrictions imposed and lifted, at set times as the volume of traffic in each direction changes.
During weekday rush hours, the lanes are restricted to vehicles with 3 or more people (HOV-3), northbound in the morning, southbound in the evening. The lanes are available on the weekends, without the HOV restrictions.
Weekdays:
6-9AM HOV-3 Northbound
9-11AM Northbound (no HOV restrictions)
11AM-1PM Closed while lanes are reversed
1-3:30PM Southbound (no HOV restrictions)
3:30-6PM HOV-3 Southbound
6-9PM Southbound (no HOV restrictions)
9-11PM Closed while lanes are reversed
11PM-6AM Northbound (no HOV restrictions)
Weekends:
6PM FRI-2PM SAT Southbound (no HOV restrictions)
2-4PM SAT Closed while lanes are reversed
4PM SAT - 6AM MON Northbound (no HOV restrictions)
For I-66:
Inside the Beltway (I-495), all lanes of I-66 are restricted to vehicles with 2 or more people (HOV-2) on weekdays, eastbound in the morning and westbound in the evening.
Outside the Beltway, there is one lane in each direction marked with diamonds; these lanes are restricted to HOV-2 eastbound in the morning and westbound in the evening.
Weekdays (Inside the Beltway):
6:30-9AM HOV-2 Eastbound
4-6:30PM HOV-2 Westbound
Weekdays (Outside the Beltway):
5:30-9:30AM HOV-2 Eastbound
3-7PM HOV-2 Westbound
Weekends & Other Times:
Open to All Traffic
Website: www.virginiadot.org
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| Your Help Is Needed
Alexandria's tourism and hospitality industry is experiencing exciting changes these days. In this time of great change, the City's convention and visitor's association, ACVA, needs your help to craft future marketing and planning efforts. Please visit www.myalexandriava.com to take a brief online survey about your perception of Alexandria as a travel destination. Your comments will ultimately help new people experience all that this great city has to offer.
Website: www.myalexandriava.com
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| Waste Reduction Tip #1:
If you are upgrading this season to a flat-screen HDTV, don't forget to bring your old TVs to the City's Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-off site for recycling. TV's cathode ray tubes contain lead, so recycling is always the best option! The site is located at 3600 Wheeler Avenue and open on Monday's (except for holidays), 7:30am - 3:30pm.
To find out more about what we accept at the HHW Drop-off site, visit: http://www.alexandriava.gov/tes/info/default.aspx?id=5322, or call the Solid Waste Division at: 703/519.32486.
Website: www.alexandriava.gov/tes/info/default.aspx?id=5322
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| Waste Reduction Tip #2
Do you have too much stuff? Need to make way for all those new gifts that you got this holiday season? Think REUSE!
The City of Alexandria supports the Reuse Network, a partnership of for-profit and non-profit organizations dedicated to re-distributing goods to those looking for a great deal, or those in need of life's basic necessities. If you need to unload some stuff, this is the season to be jolly and make someone else happy to reuse stuff you no longer need. So clean out your closets and donate gently used items to one of the organizations listed in the Reuse Directory, which can be found on the City's website at:
http://www.alexrecycles.org/pdf/reuse_brochure.pdf
And if you would like to find out more about the environmental and economic impact of your stuff, take a look at this short video! Share it with your children, you might save a penny or two on stuff this year!
http://www.storyofstuff.com
Website: www.alexrecycles.org/pdf/reuse_brochure.pdf
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| Waste Reduction Tip #3
People are always asking 'Why can't I put my recyclables in plastic bags?'. So here's the answer:
The reason we ask you to leave plastic bags out of the recycling system is because they contaminate the other recyclable materials that are recovered at the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) where our recyclables are processed. Using plastic bags requires more manual sorting (ie., workers having to tear open bags and dump out the recyclables for additional sorting), they get caught up in the sorting equipment, and they are too dirty by the end of the process to be recycled. Plastic bags instead end up as processing residue and are disposed of as trash.
Therefore, we recommend that you take them to your local grocery store where they will be bailed with other plastic, including shrink wrap and sent to a company like Trex (www.trex.com) in Winchester, VA, who will recycle them into decking material.
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