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Arlington Public Library

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Recycling at the Library

Several Arlington Public Library locations offer recycling and safe disposal programs.

Visit Arlington County's Recycling, Trash and Related Services page for additional information, including a searchable Where Does It Go? directory which offers recycling and disposal options for specific items.

Books & More

A book sale in Arlington Public Library’s parking garage, with people browsing shelves filled with books. In the foreground, two young women look at books; one with wavy brown hair, wearing a white t-shirt and striped pants, holds an open book, while the other, wearing glasses and a silk-patterned top, holds a book with a black and gold cover. Shelves are stocked with colorful books, and a crowd of shoppers carrying bags moves through the space.

Books, board games and puzzles in sellable condition are accepted at all library locations. The Friends of the Arlington Public Library (FOAL) resell them to support library programs. Learn more about bulk donations and other accepted materials.

Cell Phones

A bin at Central Library with text "Cell Phone Donation Barrel" and images of several types of smartphones.

Working cell phones are accepted in Secure the Call donation bins at Central, Aurora Hills and Shirlington Libraries. The program redistributes donations to victims of domestic violence, senior citizen centers and other high-risk communities across the country.

Eyeglasses & Hearing Aids 

A senior wearing eyeglasses holds a hearing aid and smiles while giving a thumbs-up.

Usable eyeglasses and hearing aids are accepted in Lions Clubs International boxes at Central, Aurora Hills and Westover Libraries. The program redistributes donations to those in need.

Compact Fluorescent Bulbs

A compact fluorescent bulb lit against a green background.

Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are accepted at Central and Aurora Hills Libraries for safe disposal. Larger fluorescent tubes are not accepted and must be disposed of at a Household Hazardous Materials (HHM) facility.

Glass

A large recycling container outside of Aurora Hills Library with signs that read "Glass Only" and "No Illegal Dumping."

Recyclable glass can be dropped off in an outdoor container at Aurora Hills Library as part of Arlington County's glass recycling program. Drop-off centers at Quincy Park near Central Library and Trades Center near Shirlington Library also accept glass.

Compost

An app-operated compost bin outside of Aurora Hills Library. Text on the bin reads "What goes in this green bin? Food scraps & food-soiled paper. No pet waste. No plastic bags. Place loose items or items contained in paper or compostable bags into the bin." The Arlington Virginia logo is visible on the bin's side.

Food scraps and food-soiled paper are accepted at app-activated bins near Central and Aurora Hills Libraries as part of Arlington County's on-street food scraps collection program.



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