Recycling
District of Columbia
Why Recycle?
Trash AWAY, Inc. asks and urges our clients to recycle—not only because it is the law in the District of Columbia but also because recycling generally prevents the waste of potentially useful materials, reduces the consumption of raw materials and reduces energy usage, which also reduces greenhouse gas emissions when compared to virgin production. The District of Columbia enacted the “D.C. Solid Waste Management and Multi-Material Recycling Act of 1988”. The act became law on March 16, 1989 and represents an effective program for recycling throughout the District. Under this law any business located in D.C. must submit a recycling plan every two years to the DC Department of Public Works Office of Recycling and implement an ongoing recycling program. A recycling program includes the separation of recyclable materials from regular solid waste. In a commercial recycling plan adequate number of containers must be provided for the collection of recyclable materials and hiring a licensed registered recycling hauler for regular pick up of recyclables. Mandatory recyclable materials in D.C. include paper products; aluminum and steel cans; as well as brown, green and clear glass bottles and jars. Plastic food containers and beverage bottles are optional. Trash AWAY, Inc. will accept all beverage containers; plastic bottles and jugs; and cardboard and mixed paper, including but not limited to corrugated cardboard (must be flattened), magazines, newspaper, office paper and miscellaneous paper products.
Please visit these Web sites for more information on the District of Columbia’s recycling regulation:
District of Columbia Department of Public Works: www.recycle.dpw.dc.go
A District of Columbia Commercial Recycling Guide can found at:
http://recycle.dpw.dc.gov/recycle/frames.asp?doc=/recycle/lib/recycle/pdf/dc_commercial_recycling_winter_dec_2007.pdf
What to Recycle?
Mixed Paper
To be placed in recycling bin or clear plastic bags
- All office paper (copier paper, letterhead, stationary, computer paper, envelopes)
- Cardboard (flattened)
- Newspapers & Advertising Inserts
- Magazines
- Unwanted Mail
- Cereal (other food) Boxes (remove wax liner)
- Telephone Books
- All clean dry paper that tears
Do NOT recycle the following
- Food or soiled paper boxes; Styrofoam containers
- Takeout food boxes (i.e., pizza boxes)
- Paper towels, plates or napkins
- Gift wrap
Commingled Materials
Remove all food residue and place in clear plastic bags
- Plastic bottles and jugs (narrow necked only)
- Glass bottles and jars
- Bimetal (steel/tin) Cans
- Aluminum cans and foil products
- Clean ferrous metal (sticks to a magnet)
Do NOT recycle the following
- Food or soiled paper boxes; Styrofoam containers or pellets; Plastic takeout food containers; plastic cups, plates or utensils
- Paper towels, plates or napkins
- Scrap aluminum or non-ferrous metal
- Light bulbs
- Toxic containers (antifreeze, oil, etc.)
- Disposable diapers, diapers or rags
- Window glass or mirrors
- Ceramics, dishes and glassware
- Plastic bags
Appliances and Scrap metal
- Small and large appliances (refrigerators, stoves, washers, dryers, air conditioners, etc.)
- Other scrap metal (lawn chairs, grills, metal framing, etc.).
Some appliances contain ozone-depleting substances such as Freon. These substances if released into the environment destroy the protective ozone layer above the earth. More modern refrigerators and freezers manufactured since 1994 contain ozone-friendly replacement hydrofluorcarbons. By 2003 all new refrigerators and freezers were manufactured without ozone-depleting substances. However, the ozone-friendly refrigerants still need careful handling to ensure minimal damage to the atmosphere. Because of the special issues concerning appliance recycling it is important that you contact us or a certified appliance collector.
Computers and Electronic
Several major manufacturers participate in electronic recycling programs. Some even will come to your home and pick up your old computer, printer, etc. for FREE, when you purchase a new one from them. Contact your manufacturer for details.
Please consult the District of Columbia Web site for a list of organizations and for upcoming Computer Recycling Events: http://recycle.dpw.dc.gov/recycle/cwp/view,a,11,q,634595,recycleNav_GID,1730.asp
Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs)
Fluorescent lamps contain small quantities of mercury that may create potential adverse health effects if released into the environment. By recycling these lamps the mercury is removed and recovered for reuse while the balance of the materials are either recycled or disposed according to federal and state environmental regulations. Residents of the District are entitled to drop their Household Hazardous Waste and Home Electronics at semi-annual collection events. For upcoming events visit: http://recycle.dpw.dc.gov/recycle/cwp/view,a,11,q,634595,recycleNav_GID,1730.asp
As an alternative many retailers will take your used CFLs and recycle them properly. Please visit www.earth911.org for updated local information about CFL recycling opportunities in the commercial/retail sector. Other useful sites include: http://www.lamprecycling.com/, http://www.wmlamptracker.com/wmdefault.cfm and http://www.greencbre.com/easypak/.
Household Hazardous Waste
Household hazardous waste also is disposed separately and cannot be accepted by our collectors. Household hazardous waste is defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as hazardous material such as household cleaners, paint, paint thinners, motor oil gasoline and pesticides. You can refer to the EPA Web site for more details on this and other environmental issues at www.epa.gov/reg5rcra/wptdiv/p2pages/hhw.pdf.
Residents of the District can drop off their Household Hazardous Waste and Home Electronics at our semi-annual collection events. For upcoming events please visit: http://recycle.dpw.dc.gov/recycle/cwp/view,a,11,q,634595,recycleNav_GID,1730.asp This service is available to District of Columbia residents only.