The District of Columbia requires recycling in all commercial establishments. Commercial properties are required to recycle the materials on this expanded recycling list and the District has developed a series of tools and resources, including printable signs, fact sheets, and recorded webinars. A commercial recycling program includes the separation of recyclables from other solid waste, ensuring an adequate number of containers for separated recyclables, and hiring a licensed, registered recycling hauler to regularly pick up recyclables.
Commercial property can be fined for failing to comply with the recycling regulations. The fines range from $200 for a first offense to $1500 for the third violation of the same regulation within 60 days. To report a commercial property that does not recycle, call the Recycling Hotline at (202) 645-8245.
For more information on how residents can get involved in waste reduction and diversion, please visit our Zero Waste DC website: zerowaste.dc.gov
Types of commercial properties that are required to recycle
- 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
