By law, recycling is required in all commercial establishments including:

• Office buildings
• Churches
• Retailers
• Warehouses
• Apartment buildings with four or more units
• Service companies
• Cooperatives condominiums
• Bars and restaurants
• Museums
• Associations
• Nonprofit organizations
• Public and private schools
• Colleges and universities

Your company’s recycling efforts will save landfill space and conserve natural resources, which will improve the environment and help to contain escalating costs of garbage disposal. Violations of the District’s recycling laws are subject to tickets and fines ranging from $200 to $1500. Your commercial recycling inspector will explain the various infractions and how you can avoid them.

Since 1989, the District of Columbia has regulated the recycling of bottles, cans and paper in all businesses within its borders. Glass, metal, paper, corrugated cardboard and narrow-necked plastic bottles must be separated and containerized independently of other solid waste; and an inspection must be passed. This booklet covers the DC regulations and resources you need to know.

The recycling regulations have changed and businesses are no longer required to file a commercial recycling plan with DPW's Office of Recycling.