Every August, we hear about school supply drives that help students begin the school year with much-needed items. As students start the second half of the school year, Newport News Councilman Marcellus Harris wants to make sure they have the supplies they need to finish successfully.

 

Councilman Harris is once again teaming up with Newport News School Board Member Marvin Harris and the Kids Wish Foundation to host a Re-Up School Supply Distribution. Newport News students are invited to a drive-thru event on Saturday, January 30 from noon until 2 p.m. at the Denbigh Community Center (15198 Warwick Boulevard). Registration is not required and supplies are first-come, first-served. The drive-thru event also includes free books by the Books on Bikes Organization, music and surprise giveaways. 

 

The community is asked to support this important event by donating new school items until January 23. This year’s list looks much different, as students continue to learn virtually during the pandemic. The items most needed included headphones, Chromebook cases/carriers, Kleenex, crayons, paper, pencils, masks and sanitizer. Drop items off at the City On My Chest store at Patrick Henry Mall (12300 Jefferson Avenue).

 

This school year is so different – please show our young learners that their city supports them! For more information on the collection or distribution events, call 757-274-1708.  

Recycling helps communities reduce energy consumption, save natural resources and decrease waste. It’s important that the right items are placed in the bin. To help residents understand which products can be recycled in their localities, askHRgreen.org is encouraging residents to “Start Smart, Recycle Right.”

       

The region’s 17 municipalities have joined with askHRgreen.org to encourage residents in the 757 to start smart by purchasing products that can be recycled. This is as easy as buying eggs that are in a cardboard carton instead of a plastic one and avoiding single-use plastic products (ex: plastic cutlery and straw). The next step is to recycle right. Make sure all items that are placed in the bin are clean, empty and accepted. Residents are encouraged to visit the askHRgreen.org website to watch a series of animated videos that take viewers through the recycling journey while highlighting what’s recyclable and what’s not and showing how non-recyclable items can compromise the recycling process.

So what’s recyclable in Hampton Roads? In short, only paper, plastic bottles and cans. Paper products and empty/flattened cardboard boxes, plastic bottles with a neck or spout and metal cans are accepted for recycling no matter where you live in the region. Then, it’s important to make sure the items are clean and dry. Clean and dry paper products are accepted, but paper containers with greasy food residue (like pizza boxes and paper takeout containers) are not recyclable. Personal care products such as paper towels, napkins, tissues, wipes and sanitary supplies are on the do-not-recycle list. In addition, plastic clamshell or foam containers, plastic bags, light bulbs and plastic tubs (such as those containing butter, yogurt or sour cream) are not accepted in any local municipal recycling program at this time. 

       

To see a comprehensive list of which items are accepted for recycling in our community, review the askHRgreen.org Recycling & Disposal Guide. You can also visit the askHRgreen website for information about items you can drop off at convenience centers, as well as specialty curbside services offered by some localities, such as bulk waste pickup and yard waste composting.