The Bowser Administration, through the Department of Public Works (DPW), will celebrate America Recycles Day on Friday, November 15, by renewing its commitment to work with other signatories to improve the nation’s recycling system. To thank residents for their commitment to reduce common contaminants in their recycling bins, DPW will be hosting a recycling magnet giveaway at eight metro stations in the District.
The District has a goal of diverting 80 percent of waste from going to landfills and waste-to-energy facilities by 2032. Last year, the District joined 44 other governments, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and trade associations that signed the America Recycles pledge, committing to work together to improve the nation's recycling system. From 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on November 15, District representatives will meet with signatories at the EPA America Recycles Summit. The summit will present the progress made over the last year and discuss future commitments. The event will be live streamed at epa.gov/live.
District residents have taken heed to a recent public education campaign on reducing contamination in residential recycling collections. Last week, DPW concluded a “Feet on the Street” campaign on routes reported by recycling collection crews to have high levels of contamination. Armed with “Oops” tags, DPW inspectors canvassed the routes and tagged bins containing non-recyclable items, with a focus on plastic bags, wraps and films. As a result of this effort, residents decreased the amount of contaminants in their recycling bins by 20 percent.
“The District’s waste diversion rate continues to go up and contamination in recycling continues to go down. Today, we want to say thank you to District residents and DPW employees for their commitment to helping improve and grow our recycling,” said DPW Director Chris Geldart.
On November 15 between 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m., personnel from DPW and the Department of the Environment (DOEE) will be stationed at eight metro stops giving away refrigerator magnets along with information on what can and cannot be recycled. The metro stops are: U Street - Cardozo, Tenleytown - AU, Stadium Armory, New York Ave. - Gallaudet U, Navy Yard, Georgia Ave - Petworth, Dupont Circle, and Anacostia.
For more information, please visit zerowaste.dc.gov.