In accordance with the mandatory recycling ordinance passed by the City Council on July 1, 2006, all commercial businesses and multi-family properties within the City are required to maintain active recycling programs.

For Multi-Family Housing (Includes Apartments, Condos, and HOAs).
All multi-family properties must recycle the following materials:

• Mixed Paper
• Corrugated Cardboard
• Food & Beverage Containers (Plastic, aluminum, or metal)

For Commercial Businesses
All businesses are required to recycle the two (2) materials they generate in the largest quantities. These materials may include:

• Mixed Paper & Corrugated Cardboard
• Food & Beverage Containers (Aluminum, plastic, metal)
• Scrap Metal
• Used Motor Oil or Tires
• Clean Wood or Pallets
• Restaurant Grease and Oil

Note on Single-Stream Recycling:
Single-stream recycling is an acceptable substitute for source-separated recycling of two or more materials in all instances.

Need help getting started?
Visit alexandriava.gov/Recycling for more details on acceptable materials or for guidance on implementing a new recycling program at your facility.

Alexandria is committed to a sustainable future, and our property managers are the frontline heroes of that effort. Since July 1, 2006, the Alexandria City Council has required all multi-family residential areas and businesses to operate active recycling programs.

To keep our community green and compliant, property managers must submit a Recycling Implementation Plan (RIP) every two years. Here is everything you need to know to get your submission across the finish line.

Submission Deadline: January 30, 2027

Recycling Implementation Plan Form

What Materials Are Required?

For multi-family properties—including condos, apartments, and HOAs—you are required to provide recycling outlets for:  

• Mixed Paper: Newspaper, magazines, and office paper.  
• Cardboard: Corrugated boxes.  
• Containers: Glass, plastic, and metal food and beverage containers

How to Submit Your RIP Form

The City has streamlined the reporting process to be as painless as possible.

• Where to File: All forms are submitted through the Smartsheet's Form (No registration required).  Recycling Implementation Plan (RIP)
• Reporting Frequency: Forms must be updated every two years.  
• Timeline: You must complete your RIP form within 60 days of receiving your notification to avoid potential penalties.

Resident Engagement: The Key to Success

A great recycling program depends on informed residents. To meet City requirements, property managers must:

• Notify New Residents: Provide recycling information within 15 days of move-in.
• Bi-Annual Reminders: Re-notify all tenants at least twice per year.
• Clear Signage: Post signs in all designated recycling areas.

Your notifications must include:

• What materials to recycle and how to prepare them.
• The location of recycling containers.
• The collection schedule and a point of contact for questions.

Support for Your Property

We know managing a facility is a big job. To assist you, the City has launched the 2026 Multifamily Outreach Pilot. This initiative is designed to strengthen the partnership between managers and residents through better communication and shared feedback.  

Goal for 2026: Engaging with residents and encouraging correct material separation doesn't just fulfill a requirement—it builds a better, more connected community relationship.  

Need a hand with your application or resident outreach? Our team is ready to help you navigate the process.

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

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.

Begin Enrollment

For additional information or assistance, please contact the City’s recycling program staff.

The following resources are available to help you begin recycling at your location:

• Recycling Implementation Plan Brochure
• Recycling Yes/No Flyer for Multi-family and Non-Residential Properties
• Working with Janitorial Service Companies
• Sample Language for Janitorial Service Bid or Contract
• List of Permitted Solid Waste Haulers
• Additional information for apartment and condominium managers and residents: Recycling at Condos, Apartments and HOAs
• City staff can assist you by conducting a site visit to determine the types of recyclable materials you can recover; determining the appropriate size, location and frequency of collection containers; assist with appropriate informational signs; and suggesting strategies for reducing waste and informing your tenants about how to participate in the program. If you or someone you know needs assistance establishing a program, working with your service provider, or improving a program already in place, please contact the City's Resource Recovery Division at 703.746.4135.

All new non-residential and multi-family construction and large scale renovations are subject to the new special use permit solid waste and recyclable materials storage space requirements.  The applicant shall provide storage space for trash and recyclable materials containers as outlined in the City's  Solid Waste and Recyclables Materials Storage Space Guidelines, or to the satisfaction of the Director of Transportation & Environmental Services.  Please contact Planning and Zoning to find out more about permitting requirements.  Visit www.alexandriava.gov/Planning or call 703.746.4035.