Purple glass recycling bin will be removed
Bring your glass bottles to the purple bin at the Mason Government Center before it’s taken away on March 23.
The bin is being removed because a large section of the parking lot has been taken over by temporary buildings and construction vehicles due to the renovation and expansion of the Mason Police Station.
“We have truly enjoyed hosting this bin and seeing so many residents take advantage of it to recycle responsibly. It’s been a great example of our community’s commitment to sustainability, which makes this change especially disappointing,” Supervisor Andres Jimenez wrote on Facebook. “Unfortunately, with construction underway and a reduced parking lot, it is no longer safe or feasible for us to continue hosting the bin at this site.”
“We looked at a number of alternative locations for the purple bin but weren’t able to find one,” said Catie Torgerson, the outreach coordinator in the Department of Public Works and Environmental Service’s Solid Waste Management program. “We’re still looking.”
She said Mason District Park was considered as a temporary location, but there were too many restrictions. The bins have to be on county-owned property with sufficient parking, lighting, and room for large trucks.
The art contest that called for the winning entry to be posted on the purple bin at the Mason Government Center is being extended to the summer, Torgerson said.
The contest, sponsored by the Solid Waste program and the Mason District Arts Council, calls for students in grades 6-12 to submit an original artwork focusing on the importance of glass recycling. The original goal was to have the winning artwork painted on the purple bin by Earth Day.
Related story: Art contest for kids focuses on glass recycling
The supervisor’s office suggests residents take their glass bottles to other nearby recycling centers at Wakefield Park, 8100 Braddock Road, in Annandale; Tower Court and Whiting Street, Alexandria, in the Landmark area; or 2800 S. Taylor St. in Shirlington.
The purple bin will be returned to the Mason District Government Center after the police station project is completed.
The project includes a new layout, an additional entry for the police, an upgrade to the public entry, a photovoltaic solar system on the roof, interior finishes, upgrades to the building systems, reconfiguration of the parking lot, and a façade refresh. The work is anticipated to be completed in fall 2027.