Chloe Zhang
Washington DC has a single-stream recycling system, which means all recyclable items go in one bin. The District aims to divert 80% of its waste from landfills and waste-to-energy facilities. To achieve this, DC has expanded its list of recyclable items to include paper, plastic, metal, cartons, and glass, as well as foodservice packaging like pizza boxes, paper and plastic plates, cups, lids, and containers. Plastic bags, wraps, and films are not accepted in the District's recycling program due to safety hazards, but residents can recycle these items at local retailers. Plastic #7, which includes items like milk crates, plastic buckets, and toys, is also recyclable in DC.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic bags | Not accepted in DC's residential recycling program |
| Plastic wraps and films | Not accepted in DC's residential recycling program |
| Plastic #6 | Polystyrene or Styrofoam, not recyclable in DC |
| Plastic #7 | Milk/soda crates, plastic buckets with metal handles, plastic lawn furniture, plastic toys, etc. Recyclable in DC |
| Plastic #5 | Recyclable in DC |
| Plastic #1 and #2 | Recyclable in DC |
| Plastic produce containers | Recyclable in DC |
| Plastic plates, cups, lids, and to-go containers | Recyclable in DC |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags are not accepted by DC's residential recycling program
While plastic bags cannot be recycled through the residential program, they can be recycled at local retailers. Residents can enter their zip code to find the nearest participating location by visiting the Plastic Film Recycling Directory. Many supermarkets and large retailers have plastic shopping bag return/recycling bins in their stores.
For commercial properties, clear or non-pigmented plastic bin liners are accepted to collect recyclables in receptacles. However, recyclables are preferred to be unbagged, and these plastic liners are not recyclable themselves. DPW's transfer stations will accept clean and empty recyclables bagged in a clear bin liner from commercial entities.
To reduce plastic waste, DC's Department of Energy and Environment has launched a Share-A-Bag initiative in the NoMa DC Neighborhood. Participants can grab a free, reusable bag or leave one at the exchange kiosks.
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Plastic #6 (polystyrene/Styrofoam) is not recyclable in DC
In Washington, DC, residents benefit from the convenience of single-stream recycling, which means that all recyclable items can be placed in one blue bin. However, it is important to note that not all types of plastic are accepted by the District's recycling program.
While Plastic #6 cannot be recycled, there are other types of plastic that are accepted for recycling in DC. This includes Plastic #1 (polyethylene terephthalate or PET/PETE), Plastic #2 (high-density polyethylene or HDPE), and Plastic #5 (polypropylene). These plastics are commonly used in products such as soda bottles, milk jugs, yogurt cups, and containers for items like medicine and ketchup.
It is important to remember that all recyclable items must be clean and empty before placing them in the recycling bin. Additionally, plastic bags, wraps, and films are not accepted in DC's residential recycling program as they can clog the machinery at recycling facilities. However, many supermarkets and large retailers have plastic shopping bag return/recycling bins available for residents to use.
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Plastic #7 is recyclable in DC
Plastic #7 is recyclable in Washington, DC. This type of plastic is classified as "other plastics," which essentially includes any plastic that is not classified as types 1 through 6. Some common products made from plastic #7 include iPod and computer cases, baby bottles, food storage containers, milk and soda crates, plastic buckets with metal handles, plastic laundry baskets, plastic lawn furniture, plastic totes, plastic drums, plastic coolers, plastic flower pots, plastic drinking cups, plastic 5-gallon water bottles, plastic pallets, and plastic toys. All of these items are acceptable in DC's recycling program.
DC's recycling program is uniform across residential, commercial, and multi-family dwellings, as well as office buildings and schools. The program strives to achieve an 80% diversion rate of citywide waste from landfills and waste-to-energy facilities. To assist in achieving this goal, the District has expanded the list of acceptable recyclables to include foodservice packaging such as pizza boxes, paper and plastic plates, cups, lids, to-go containers, plastic produce, deli/bakery containers, and trays.
It's important to note that while plastic #7 is recyclable in DC, certain plastic items are not accepted. Plastic bags, wraps, and films, for example, should not be placed in the residential recycling bins as they can clog the recycling machinery and pose safety hazards. Residents are encouraged to recycle plastic bags at local retailers or supermarkets, many of which have plastic shopping bag return/recycling bins. Additionally, recyclables should be placed loosely in the bin rather than bagged, and all items must be clean and empty.
Other items that should be kept out of recycling bins include clothing, tanglers (cables and cords), electronics, batteries, and glass. For items that are not accepted in the recycling program, residents can refer to the Zero Waste DC's "What Goes Where?" tool to find the proper disposal method. This tool provides information on how to dispose of various items properly in the District.
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Plastic #5 is recyclable in DC
Plastic #5 is recyclable in Washington, DC. This type of plastic is known as polypropylene and is commonly used for yogurt cups, medicine bottles, ketchup bottles, syrup bottles, and straws.
In DC, plastics of all numbers except Plastic #6 (polystyrene or Styrofoam) are recyclable. Plastic #6 has been shown to leach potentially toxic chemicals, especially when heated, and therefore cannot be recycled in the District.
The District strives to achieve a goal of diverting 80% of citywide waste from landfills and waste-to-energy facilities. To assist in achieving this goal, the District has increased the number of recyclable items and focused on educating residents about proper recycling practices.
It's important to note that plastic bags, wraps, and films are not accepted in DC's residential recycling program. These items can clog recycling facility equipment, creating downtime and safety hazards for employees. However, many supermarkets and large retailers have plastic shopping bag return/recycling bins in their stores. Residents are asked to place recyclables into their blue bins loose or in paper bags.
Additionally, all recyclable items must be clean and empty. For items that are not accepted in residential recycling, such as electronics and batteries, the Department of Public Works (DPW) offers special waste drop-off services at the Fort Totten Transfer Station.
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Plastic bottles are recyclable in DC
The District strives to divert 80% of its waste from landfills and waste-to-energy facilities, and the expanded list of recyclable items, along with educational initiatives, helps achieve this goal. Plastic bottles, along with other plastic items such as cups, lids, containers, and trays, are accepted for recycling.
It is important to note that not all types of plastics are recyclable in DC. Plastic bags, wraps, and films, for example, are not accepted by the District's recycling program due to the risk of clogging facility equipment and creating safety hazards. These items can, however, be recycled at local retailers and supermarkets that have plastic bag return/recycling bins.
When recycling plastic bottles in DC, it is important to ensure that they are clean and empty. Additionally, all recyclable items should be placed loosely in the designated blue bins, without being enclosed in plastic bags or films.
The District's website, Zero Waste DC, provides residents with detailed information and resources on recycling, including a “What Goes Where?” tool to help determine the proper disposal method for various items.
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Frequently asked questions
Paper, plastic, metal, cartons, and glass are currently recycled in DC. Plastic #7, which includes milk/soda crates, plastic buckets with metal handles, plastic lawn furniture, and plastic toys, is also recyclable in DC.
Plastic bags, wraps, and films are not accepted in DC's residential recycling programs.
Many supermarkets and large retailers have plastic shopping bag return/recycling bins in their stores.
Plastic #5 can be recycled in DC, but the source does not specify where.
If they are styrofoam p-nuts for packaging, you can drop them off at a Mailbox Etc store for recycling.
