The Purple Can: Easy Glass Recycling in Newport News

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Recycling glass is now easier and more efficient in Newport News with the Purple Can Glass Bottle and Jar Drop-Off Recycling Program. This initiative focuses exclusively on collecting glass bottles and jars, offering residents a simple way to help the environment.

Glass is 100% recyclable and can be reused endlessly without losing quality. However, when glass is mixed with other recyclables in curbside bins, it often breaks or gets contaminated, making it difficult to recycle. The Purple Can program solves this by collecting clean glass separately and sending it directly to O-I, a local glass manufacturer in Toano, Va. This direct approach eliminates processing fees and helps reduce costs for curbside recycling.

Participating is easy: rinse your bottles and jars, remove the caps, and drop them off—no need to sort by color or remove labels. Residents can bring glass to two convenient locations:

  • Main Street Library (110 Main St.) – open 24 hours
  • Recovery Operations Center (520 Atkinson Blvd.) – open Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

By using the Purple Can, residents support local recycling efforts, reduce waste, and help conserve valuable resources. The program is dedicated strictly to glass bottles and jars—no ceramics, porcelain, mirrors, windows, Pyrex, light bulbs, or lamps should be placed in the can.

This focused recycling program not only keeps usable glass out of landfills but also strengthens our local economy by supporting a nearby manufacturer. It’s a smart and easy way to make a positive impact—drop off your glass, and the rest is taken care of.

To learn more about the Purple Can program, visit nnva.gov/948 or call Newport News Public Works at (757) 933-2311.