Multifamily Recycling
Hey neighbor! We know that recycling in an apartment or condo can sometimes feel like a puzzle. Between shared bins and different rules, it isn’t always clear what goes where.
That’s why we’re launching the ALXRecycles pilot program. We want to make it easier than ever for residents in multifamily buildings to recycle right and help Alexandria lead the way in sustainability.
Recycling Information for Tenants and HOA Residents
Generally accepted recyclable materials include:
- All plastic bottles and jugs
- All metal beverage and food cans
- Newspaper and inserts
- Magazines, catalogs, and phone books
- Junk mail including envelops with windows
- Paperboard (cereal & cracker boxes, paper towel rolls, egg cartons)
- Brown paper bags
- Cardboard boxes (flattened).
Remember to rinse containers. No need to remove labels or lids.
Please view the City's "Yes/No List" for more information on what is recyclable in most recycling collection programs.
Please contact your property manager or owner to find out what is specifically acceptable and how to recycle at your home.
The markets for recycled materials are constantly changing. As these markets change so does the recyclability of various commodities. Please review our Residential Yes/No List for changes to the currently acceptable recycled materials.
- Plastic Bags, Wrap, & Film - Disposable plastic shopping bags and other plastic films are best recycled in dedicated collection points such as grocery and department stores.
- Please do not put recyclables in plastic bags. Consider using a reusable bag or paper bags to store or carry materials to the recycling.
- Place your recyclables loosely in your City recycling bin or cart. This helps with the sorting of recyclables at our local processing facility.
- Small metal items - (i.e. metal blinds, pots & pans, door knobs, etc.) These items can be recycled at Reworld™ Alexandria:
- Address: 5301 Eisenhower Avenue Alexandria, VA
- Phone Number: 703-370-7722
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Alexandria residents only, valid City sticker on your car required. Learn more how to recycle your small metal items at Reworld™.
- Glass Bottles & Jars
- Note: Most single-stream recycling facilities in the region are unable to recycle glass. Glass can be recycled through the regional glass purple bin program. Learn more about the glass recycling and drop-off locations. All City residents can use these centers for free.
- Wax-coated paper (i.e. frozen food boxes, political signs, wax paper, etc.)
- Ceramic Cups and Glasses
- Styrofoam and Packing Peanuts
- Small/large propane tanks (i.e. camping propane tanks).
- Helium Tanks
- Other Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste: Please visit the City's permanent Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Center. All City residents can use this facility for free.
Simple Recycling Guidelines
- Place all recycled materials loosely into your recycling cart or bin. Do not use plastic bags for your recycling.
- Empty and rinse all beverage and food containers.
- Remove newspapers from plastic bags before recycling.
- Empty and flatten cardboard.
- Clearly set your recycling apart from your trash to avoid confusion at collection
Not enough space in your recycling container?
- Do not use plastic garbage or grocery bags to hold recyclable materials.
- Paper grocery bags or cardboard boxes may be used to hold temporary overflows of recycling for weekly collection.
- Use the free Recycling Drop-off Centers for large volumes of recycled materials.
The following Resource Recovery services are available for all residents in the City. These services below are free and accessible to City residents.
AlexRecycles: The Multifamily Pilot Program
Recycling in a multifamily community shouldn't be a guessing game. Whether you manage a high-rise or a small HOA, providing clear, convenient recycling is key to a sustainable property.
The Multifamily Recycling Outreach Pilot is a strategic partnership between the City, property managers, and residents. Our goal is simple: to reduce confusion at the bin and increase the quality of our recycled materials. By joining this pilot, you’re not just managing waste—you’re leading the way toward a cleaner, greener community. Participating properties will commit to implementing a standardized set of recycling interventions and supporting resident engagement. Pilot properties will receive a coordinated toolkit that includes standardized signage, resident communications, educational videos, and engagement tools.
What we aim to achieve:
- Cleaner Streams: Reducing contamination by 3% through better education.
- Higher Volume: Increasing recycling recovery by 10% across pilot facilities.
- Empowered Managers: Providing the tools and RIP (Recycling Implementation Plan) support you need to succeed.
Apply to Participate
Resident-Driven Enrollment
Residents may initiate interest in program participation by completing the recycling video and quiz and encouraging neighbors to participate. Residents are encouraged to:
- Notify their property manager of interest in joining the pilot program
- Promote participation among neighbors until the 15% participation threshold is achieved.
Property managers interested in participating in the Multifamily Recycling Outreach Pilot Program may begin the enrollment process by completing the required steps outlined above and submitting a Recycling Implementation Plan. To qualify for enrollment, the following requirements must be met:
- A minimum of 15% of residents complete the recycling video and quiz.
- The property manager submits a Recycling Implementation Plan (RIP)
Note: Final enrollment requires submission of a Recycling Implementation Plan (RIP) by the property manager.
For additional information or assistance, please contact the City’s recycling program staff.
Recycling Tips For Tenants
An estimated 60 percent of Alexandrians live in multi-family housing, and their participation in recycling collection is critical to reducing Alexandria’s waste stream and conserving valuable resources.
Skip Plastic Bags
Keep plastic bags out of your recycling bin. Instead, take them to participating retail drop-off locations. Recycle accepted items like plastic bottles, containers, paper, and cardboard at home.
Flatten Cardboard Boxes
Try flattening all large cardboard boxes to increase space in the shared residential spaces for your main recycling bin.
City Ordinance
Condominiums, apartments, and Homeowners Association's (HOAs) are required to provide recycling to residents. These entities are subject to the requirements described under Article H of Title 5.
If your property does not offer recycling, residents are encouraged to contact our office at CommercialRecycling@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.4135. for assistance and guidance on next steps.