Where to Take
Trash, Garbage, & Recycling
And how to donate used, but serviceable, items
Unsecured garbage outdoors endangers Wintergreen's bears and other wildlife. Learn more here.
While each condominium complex at Wintergreen has its own private dumpsters for trash & garbage and cans for fireplace ashes, Nelson County provides the trash management and recycling for most Wintergreen homes.
The county provides two trash compactors on the mountain (see maps at the bottom of this page). Commercial enterprises, including construction contractors, are not allowed to use the county’s facilities on the mountain.
Most Wintergreen property owners use Nelson County's solid waste and recycling facilities as well. The Collection Center just off Route 151, north of Nellysford at the Rockfish Valley Community Center, is closest to Wintergreen. It's closed on Mondays and holidays.
Recycling
Trash that is to be recycled can be taken to Nelson County’s Collection Centers.
Nelson County recycles corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, metal food cans (aluminum, tin, steel, or bi-metal), and plastic containers. Most plastic containers from grocery stores can be recycled, such as water bottles, milk jugs, shampoo and detergent bottles, margarine tubs, plastic containers for cookies and strawberries, plastic plant pots, and containers up to the size of five-gallon plastic tubs. Containers must be empty. Remove and discard lids in the garbage.
Not acceptable for recycling: Styrofoam containers (such as meat trays and hot drink cups), containers for motor oil and hazardous chemicals, plastic items that are not containers, and plastic bags used by retailers. Put these into the garbage.
Nelson County does not recycle glass. "Glass is inert; it does not pollute air or water. Glass can be safely used as fill," the county website notes.
Other waste
For all construction waste, old furniture, electronics and other waste not appropriate for the trash collection centers, Nelson County operates one transfer station, this transfer station can be used by Wintergreen property owners, located off of Route 29, south of Lovington, Va., (972 Morse Lane, Arrington, VA 22922).
Go here for details on the Region 2000 household hazardous waste disposal and electronics recycling program as it applies to Nelson County.
For hours of operation and information on how to dispose of items such as paints and pesticides, see Nelson County's solid waste department's webpage or call 434-263-7097.
Useable items
Nelson County has a "re-use shed" at the Rockfish Transfer Station where useable items can be dropped off on weekdays. There is also a non-profit organization in Nelson County where many Wintergreen residents donate useable items. The Treasure Chest. This organization has volunteers from the Wintergreen community.
The Treasure Chest thrift store has been a source of financial support for Rockfish Valley Community Center since 2001. In addition to serving the many shoppers, store staff and volunteers serve a more quiet service. On a daily basis people’s needs are met whether or not they are able to pay.
The SPCA on Route 29 accepts some household items that help support their mission. Charlottesville Habitat Store, Goodwill, and Restore Staunton also accept items and some offer limited pick up service.
While all of these organizations try to reuse and recycle all of their donations, items that are stained, need cleaning, repairs, are missing parts, or are in bags or containers that may be mildewed, contain spiders or insects, or have kept company with mice or other critters, are not suitable. If it is gently used, in working condition, then chances are it is a good donation. If you are unsure whether an item fits these criteria, a good rule of thumb is to ask yourself, "Would I buy this item in this condition?"
Buy Nothing Nelson, WTG Stuff For Sale, and the Wintergreen Bulletin Board are great sources to advertise items for sale and to give away items.
About 10 miles from Wintergreen on the way to Waynesboro at 1865 Mt. Torrey Rd. (Route 664) is one of Augusta County’s solid waste and recycling intake centers. This location operates Monday through Saturday 7 am to 5:30 pm. It has recycling bins for mixed paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum, and steel (bi-metal). More details here
Recycling cardboard, paper, plastic and aluminum can be done at the Nelson County Rockfish Transfer Station, just off Route 151 (136 Rockfish School Lane). Hours are 7am to 7pm; Tuesdays -Sundays (closed Mondays & holidays). Also, Goodwill maintains bins here which accept clothing and shoes.
The two compactors on Wintergreen mountain are limited in what waste they can accept. They are not to be used by contractors. See here for alternatives.
Those putting their household waste in the compactors on Wintergreen Mountain should press the top button to compress the trash and garbage. There is a chain latch on the door to discourage bears.
Even "cold" ashes from fireplaces should be placed in the black ash barrels provided at the two trash compactors on the mountain. Coals covered in ash can remain dangerously hot for days.
One mountain trash compactor is at the intersection of Blackrock Drive and Tyro Lane…
…and the other mountain trash compactor is located just off of Wintergreen Drive is near the Wintergarden (on the north side of the parking lot close to the owners’ mail pavilion).
Nelson County's solid waste and recycling center nearest Wintergreen is north of Nellysford just off Route 151 (136 Rockfish School Lane). The center recycles corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, metal food cans and plastic containers. There is a re-use shed for useable household items. The center is open 7 am to 7 pm, closed on Mondays and holidays.