The Prince William Clean Community Council is a non-profit organization.  Its mission is to empower citizens and businesses to become self-sufficient stewards of the local environment through litter prevention, education and community involvement.

How long has the Council been in existence?
 
The Council has been in existence for 25 years.

Where are your offices located?

The Council is conveniently located off of the Prince William Parkway in the Ridgewood Center office complex.  The address is 4379 Ridgewood Center Drive, Suite 202, Prince William, VA 22192.

Does the Council have a website?

Yes, the Council’s web address is www.pwcleancouncil.org.

Is the Council a government agency?

The Council is one of Prince William County’s non-profit organizations.  It works closely with the county’s Neighborhood Services division but is not a government agency.

How is the Council funded?

The Council is funded by a variety of sources including the state of Virginia and Prince William County.  Financial support is also generated through fundraising and general contributions.

How many volunteer programs does the Council offer?

The Council currently offers four programs:  Adopt-Your-Neighborhood, Adopt-A-School, Adopt-A-Spot, Clean Shopping Center and Graffiti Spotters.

Are volunteers eligible to participate in more than one program?

Yes, volunteers are eligible to participate in as many programs as they choose.

What is the quarterly litter survey?

The survey is conducted by the members of the Council’s staff as well as county employees and volunteers to assess the county’s litter issues.  Predetermined areas are rated by the participants and an average score is calculated.  The survey is done during the week.  Transportation and lunch are provided.  Volunteers are eligible to participate in the survey.

How do I register to volunteer?

The Council is always accepting volunteers for its programs.  Interested citizens should contact the Council at 703-792-6272 to receive a volunteer registration form or more information about the Council’s programs.

Does the Council provide clean up supplies?
 
Yes, the Council provides gloves, trash bags and first aid kits to Adopt-A-School and Adopt-A-Spot participants.

Are groups (youth, civic, religious) eligible to volunteer?

Yes, groups are eligible to volunteer in any of the programs.

Do you have programs for children?

Children are eligible to participate in three of the Council’s four programs (Adopt-A-Spot, Adopt-A-School, Graffiti Spotters) when they are under the supervision of an adult and a waiver of liability has been signed and submitted.

Does the Council offer one time only volunteer opportunities?

Most of the Council’s programs require a commitment of at least one year however one time only opportunities do arise during the spring, summer and fall.  The Council also offers volunteers the opportunity to participate in quarterly litter surveys which require a minimal time commitment.  Potential volunteers should call the Council at 703-792-6272 to inquire about these opportunities.

How do I get trash bags removed after I have cleaned my designated Adopt-A-Spot area after I have cleaned?

Adopt-A-Spot volunteers should call the Litter Crew at 703-792-6666 or 703-792-5608 the week before the scheduled clean up to request that the litter crew pick up the bags after the clean up has been completed.

Does the Council staff perform community clean ups?

The Council staff facilitates the service of the volunteers; the staff does not perform the clean ups.  

Does the Council have a recycling program?

The Council does not have a recycling program.  The Solid Waste Division of Public Works coordinates the county’s recycling initiatives.  The recycling office is located at 4391 Ridgewood Center Drive, Prince William, Virginia and can be reached at 703-792-4670.

What is the Property Code Enforcement Office?

The Property Code Enforcement office is a division of Public Works.  Its staff is dedicated to helping communities become aware of and responsible for issues such as maintenance, development, overcrowding and general neighborhood appearance.  Property Code Enforcement can be reached by calling 703-792-7018.

What do I do if my property is tagged with graffiti?

If your property (business, house, car, etc.) is tagged with graffiti it is the property owner’s responsibility to remove the graffiti or arrange for the removal via a commercial service.  The Council provides complimentary bottles of graffiti removal solution which is effective on small surfaces.  A list of professional power washing companies is also available by calling the Council.

What should I do if I see graffiti in Manassas City or Manassas Park?
If you observe graffiti on public or private property in Manassas City, contact the police department at 703-257-8000.  If you observe graffiti on public or private property in Manassas Park, contact Lt. Karen Barton, 703-361-1136 or [ email ].

How much does it cost to remove graffiti?

The cost of graffiti removal depends on a number of factors including the surface that has been tagged and the size of the area. The Council is unable to give estimates of removal costs and most graffiti removal companies will not give an estimate over the phone.  A company representative will need to see the damage in order to assess the cost.

What do I do if someone litters on my property?

If someone litters on your property it becomes the responsibility of the property owner to remove the litter.  If the police or the county’s Property Code Enforcement is contacted, the property owner will be held responsible for removing the litter unless the perpetrator is caught in the act of littering.

What should I do if I see a dead animal in the roadway?

If you observe an animal that has been struck, call the Virginia Department of Transportation at 1-800-367-ROAD to arrange removal.

What should I do if I see a dead animal on the side of the road?

If you observe that a dead animal that has been struck but the animal is on the side of the road, contact the Prince William County Litter Crew at 703-792-6666 to arrange removal.

Does the Council provide service to the City of Manassas and Manassas Park?

Unfortunately, due to the lack of budget and human resources, the Council is unable to service the City of Manassas and Manassas Park.

Does the county remove unwanted items from residential property? (i.e.:  sofa, appliances)

The county does not remove these items.  It is the responsibility of the property owner to arrange for removal and proper disposal.

What can I do if I am receiving unsolicited mail?

If you receive unsolicited mail such as newspapers and flyers, you can contact the publication and ask to be removed from the circulation.  If you experience difficulty in getting your name removed, escalate the complaint through the publication’s chain of command.  The Council has no authority to become involved in this matter.  

How do I contact the landfill?

The landfill is located at 14811 Dumfries Road, Manassas, VA.  The staff can be reached at 703-792-5750.  For hours of operation and a list of accepted materials, contact the landfill directly or visit www.pwcgov.org.

Who should I contact if I there is trash, unwanted furniture, etc. in my neighborhood?

If you live in a neighborhood that has a homeowner’s association, contact the HOA first to report the incident.  If you live in an apartment complex, report the incident to the leasing office.  If your neighborhood does not have either, report the incident to the Council so that a staff member can contact the homeowner to request removal.  

Note:  The Council does not have the ability to enforce any of the county’s ordinances and laws, however the Council is able to request that the homeowner remove the debris.