Recycling is the process of collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be thrown away as trash and turning them into new products. The waste we generate in the workplace has a huge impact on our community and the environment.  First, it is best to reduce the amount of waste we generate and then reuse items as much as possible.  The next best step is to recycle materials to extend the life of those resources and reduce the amount of waste we send to our landfills.

We often have the best intentions when it comes to recycling and that is the first step.  Contrary to popular belief, it is not best to “just throw it in there and let them sort it out.” Not only is there a substantial cost to sorting out non-recyclable material, sometimes it cannot be done and everything in the load becomes trash. If you want to do your part regarding recycling, it is important to know what is and is not allowed as well as to properly clean out any food containers prior to recycling them. If this seems daunting, don’t worry, we are here to help! Below you will find information on what you can and cannot recycle, how recycling works in county facilities managed by General Services and how we can help with bulk recycling.

What can I recycle?

Before you recycle anything make sure that it meets the following parameters:  Is completely clean of all food particles? Is it dry?  If you answer “no” to either of these questions then it is trash.

Plastic

• Beverage Bottles (Replace plastic cap, after rinsing!)
• Clear Take-out Containers (NO Styrofoam)
• Plastic tubs (such as clean yogurt or sour cream tubs)

Paper

• Any office paper (without food contamination), including paper with tape or staples
• Newspaper
• Envelopes (including those with clear plastic windows)
• Junk Mail/Brochures/Magazines
• Cartons such as milk, juice, or soup cartons, rinsed and with cap replaced

Aluminum/Metal

• Aluminum beverage cans
• Food Cans

*Metal jar lids not accepted

Cardboard

• Flattened cardboard boxes
• File Folders
• Poster Board
• Frozen food boxes

Glass

• Bottles and Jars (the lids are NOT accepted)

What cannot be recycled?

These items are not accepted in county recycling containers: plastic bags (these can be recycled at retail or grocery stores); cords, wires, chains, hoses, and other “tanglers”; hazardous material containers; Styrofoam containers; and any item with food on it.

Where can I recycle?

Recycling Paper Products

All acceptable paper products can be placed in the small blue personal cans located at desks and in conference rooms, as well as in the larger blue toters located in office areas.  General Services staff empty the blue toters once a week (Wednesday or Thursday).  If you notice your blue toter is full please feel free to contact us at [email protected] and we can schedule additional pick-ups.

Cardboard Recycling

Please make sure all boxes are broken down as much as possible.  Small cardboard items can be placed in the blue toters or the large mixed cans.  If you have large boxes or a large amount, contact General Services at [email protected] with your location and the amount of cardboard that you have.  Make sure that your recycling is clearly identified and separated from anything that you wish to keep.

Metal/Glass/Plastic  Recycling

Make sure that everything is cleaned of any food and dried.  Metal/glass/plastic can be disposed of in the large mixed recycling cans located around County facilities in corridors and common areas.  Please make sure that items are individually placed in the container and not inside another bag of any sort.  Please do not recycle metal, glass, or plastic in the office area paper bins and toters.

Bulk Recycling

If you have or anticipate having a large amount of recycling please contact General Services at [email protected].  Additional cans or pickups can be arranged with proper notice.

Please note that the collection information is applicable to General Services managed facilities. For facilities not managed by General Services, please contact your facility coordinator for the process in your building.

If you have questions about recycling at home, please call CVWMA at 340-0900 or Keep Henrico Beautiful at 501-7277.

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Henrico County takes pride in offering a variety of attractive, affordable benefit plans and options to our employees. From offering four healthcare plan options to three dental coverage options and now additional voluntary benefits, we are committed to providing you and your family with high quality benefit options while giving you the best value possible.

Henrico County proudly offers employees best in class value when compared to our neighboring counties. For the first time in many years, our family plan is now the least expensive in the region. Our most popular family plan total cost is $1,927.18 per month. Of that cost, the County pays $1,271.36 and the employee only pays $655.82 per month. While most employers would easily push more of the cost to employees, our employees are paying less than 35% of the total cost in their premiums.   We work diligently to ensure our employees are getting the most value out of the plans we offer without overpriced premiums and heavy out-of-pocket expenses.  The following is a comparison of family plan costs in our region: 

In addition to our core benefits, Henrico County encourages, supports, and provides employees with an assortment of resources to lead a healthier and happier life. These resources include on-site gym facilities and discounted community gym opportunities, group exercise classes, individualized health counseling, tuition reimbursement, financial wellness opportunities and professional and personal development learning opportunities. We continuously strive to give employees an array of valuable, practical options to attain and manage their overall health and well-being. Check out Power Henrico for a one-stop goldmine of information on these services and more!

We appreciate and thank YOU for all your hard work, commitment, and dedication to enhancing the quality of life for all our residents!

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The way you think about your health and wellness plays a role in the action you take toward living a healthier lifestyle. If you prioritize your health, you’ll develop a “wellness state of mind.” You’ll think first about making the healthiest choices when it comes to food and physical activity.

Before you begin to make changes to your lifestyle, knowing where you are in your journey toward total health and wellness is important. Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Why do I want to make changes now? What is my goal?
2. How ready am I to make this change? If you can, quantify your readiness by rating yourself on a scale from 1 (not ready at all) to 5 (very ready).
3. Am I willing to try new, healthier foods?
4. Do I want to get more active or change my physical activity?
5. Do I understand that change is a gradual process that takes time, patience and daily action?

Your answers will tell you if you’re ready to change your lifestyle and create lasting changes. If so, you’re in the right state of mind to power forward. Your new wellness mindset will help you become more focused on and conscious of your choices.

Embracing a healthy way of living for permanent, lasting changes is vital for creating improved health and wellness. Adding beneficial foods, creating new behaviors and fostering a sense of responsibility to improve the quality of your life. Keep the following three principles in mind for achieving behavior change that can lead to renewed energy, balance and healthy body weight.

1. Balance your diet with foods from all food groups (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, plant and animal sources of lean protein, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products) to sustain health, energy and well-being.
2. Get active every day with enjoyable movement. A few examples include walking, jogging, running, biking, hiking, swimming, stair climbing, dance, Pilates, yoga, or tai chi.
3. Make your mental health a priority by fostering a positive attitude. Your mind plays a large role in your health and your relationship to what and how you eat and drink.

In April and continuing into May, employees can participant in the County’s Annual Wellness Screening in return for a $100 financial incentive. More information is available on the Power Henrico website with access to the on-line appointment scheduler.

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