Recycle, Repurpose Household Items After Holidays

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Before putting any items out with the trash after the holidays, consider whether your seasonal decorations and other household items are reusable, recyclable, or if they might come in handy for someone else. Here are some ideas on how to safely dispose or repurpose holiday trimmings and other household items:

  • Naturally-grown Christmas trees and fresh greenery – On Dec. 26, Newport News will collect and chip Christmas trees into mulch or compost that are used to beautify city and county public spaces. Remove all tinsel, ornaments, lights and stands or tree will not be accepted. You can also drop off Monday through Saturday 8 am to 4 pm (except for city observed holidays) at the Recovery Operations Center located at 520 Atkinson Way. Another option is to place the tree in a quiet corner of the yard, where it can provide a haven for birds and other wildlife.
  • Holiday cards, mail, packaging, wrapping – As long as holiday cards and envelopes do not have glitter or have metallic accents, these stationary items can go in the recycling container. This goes for non-coated, plain wrapping paper and plain gift bags too—without glitter or foil. Cardboard boxes are also recyclable.
  • Plastic bags – These should never go in the recycling container, but you can take plastic bags to most chain grocery stores for recycling (such as Target, Kroger, or Food Lion). Resolve to have reusable tote bags on hand when shopping in the future (if you don’t do this already).
  • Retired electronics – If a new PC, laptop, printer, or phone made your holiday bright, set aside the retired versions for donation or special collection. Some thrift stores accept electronics and resell them to support charitable causes. Best Buy will accept most older electronics for recycling. Batteries+ will accept most non-alkaline batteries for recycling.
  • Clothing and items for re-gifting – For gifts received that you would not or could not use, consider re-gifting these to someone who would!

For more guidelines and tips for keeping Hampton Roads clean and green, visit askHRgreen.org.

Practice Fire Safety this Holiday Season

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Festive celebrations, family dinners, and flickering lights make the holidays magical, but they also pose fire risks. The Newport News Fire Department and the Village Green community encourages everyone to stay safe this holiday season. Below are some tips from the Newport News Fire Department to ensure you and your family remain safe this holiday season.

Holiday Decorations

  • Select decorations that are flame-resistant or flame retardant.
  • Use flameless candles.
  • Ensure that lights can be used indoors or outdoors.
  • Replace broken or frayed lighting strands.
  • Use clips, not nails, to hang lights to prevent cord damage.
  • Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
  • Turn off all light decorations when leaving the home or going to bed.
  • Keep live trees well-watered!

Holiday Entertaining

  • Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and tell guests about your home escape plan.
  • Keep children and pets away from lit candles.
  • Keep matches and lighters locked away from children.
  • Stay in the kitchen when cooking.
  • Ask smokers to smoke outside. Smokers should use large, deep ashtrays and wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.
  • NEVER use water on an electric, grease, or gas fire.

Fall Prevention

  • Clean up spills immediately.
  • Install nightlights.
  • Use a slip mat for the bath.
  • Clear traffic areas of clutter.
  • Use tape to secure area rugs.

For more tips, visit the U.S. Fire Administration’s Holiday Fire Prevention webpage.

Airport Master Plan Public Information Session

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Newport News Williamsburg Airport (PHF) is in the process of developing an updated Airport Master Plan and Airport Layout Plan (ALP), which will help determine the future of the airport. There will be a public information session on Thursday, Dec. 14, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. at the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, 11850 Merchants Walk, Suite 110, in City Center at Oyster Point.

The Airport Master Plan is being developed in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidance and is principally funded by the FAA and Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV). This public information session will serve as an opportunity for the community to learn about the Airport Master Plan process, interact with the project team, and provide input. The Airport’s last Master Plan and ALP were completed in 2014.

Since 2014, the aviation industry has changed significantly, and this Master Plan will examine the facilities needed to accommodate these changes. This session will focus on the planning process, the existing airport inventory, and aviation forecasts.

Additional details including goals and timelines can be found at masterplan.newportnewsairport.com.

Garbage, Recycling, Bulk Waste Collection Schedule Adjusted for Thanksgiving

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The Newport News City offices and Libraries will close on Wednesday, Nov 22, at noon. On Thursday Nov 23 and Friday, Nov 24, Newport News City offices and most facilities will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Residential garbage, recycling and bulk waste collection services will be affected due to the holiday.

The normal collection schedule will be shifted a day for all garbage, recycling, & bulk waste services during the week of Nov 27. All services will return to normal on Monday, Dec 4.

Residents can find their specific collection day by visiting the Solid Waste News Flash or by calling 757-933-2311.

Trash, recycling, and bulk waste pickup will be modified as follows:

The Newport News office hours are as follows: