Environmental Services
Property Owner/Manager Recycling
Recycling Requirements
All business and commercial properties are required to recycle the following materials:
- Aluminum cans
- Cardboard
- Glass (bottles and jars)
- Metal household items (large household appliances, bicycles, cabinets, doors, grills, iron furniture, etc.)
- Metal cans
- Mixed paper (cardboard, magazines, newspapers, office paper, etc.)
- Plastics
Arlington County also suggests recycling the following materials through a private hauler:
- Clean wood/pallets
- Steel/tin cans
- Kitchen grease
- Scrap metal
- Used motor oil
- Anti-freeze
- Brush/leaves/grass
- Cloth
Recycling Plan and Reporting Requirements
Commercial properties are required by County Code to:
- Establish and maintain a recycling program for residents to recycle the required materials. Recycling collection must be separate from trash collection. Properties are encourage to include additional recyclable materials.
- Property owners/managers are also responsible for educating their residents, tenants and staff about the property’s recycling program upon occupancy and annually thereafter. View the Recycling Toolkit >>
- File a Commercial Recycling Plan form (PDF) upon receiving a Certificate of Occupancy (within 30 days).
- Submit an updated Commercial Recycling Plan form (PDF) by February 1 of every third year. Property owners/manager can also complete the 3-Year Recycling Plan Review online >>
Small Businesses
Small businesses should consider sharing expenses of trash and recycling collection with other nearby businesses.
Recycling Drop-Off Centers
Arlington County operates two recycling Drop-off Centers that are also available to small businesses 24/7:
- North Arlington at Quincy Park (N. Quincy Street and Washington Boulevard)
- South Arlington (corner of Columbia Pike and S. Four Mile Run), Note: The small metal recycling container will be relocated to the Earth Products Yard beginning Tuesday, Feb. 28
View Service Locations Map for more information >>
Drop-Off Guidelines
- Recycle only the materials specifically listed and place them in the appropriate bins. Placing other materials in the bins may make the entire load unmarketable, and might even cause the loss of a buyer for future loads.
- Make sure all containers are rinsed clean.
- Keep the recycling center litter-free.
- Please report any problems encountered while using the drop-off centers to (703) 228-6570.
Compactor Exemption
Commercial properties with a compactor now can apply for an exemption from the weekly compactor collection requirement. Read the Guidelines to Compactor Exemption to determine if you are eligible for the exemption and to apply. After you apply, an Arlington County inspector will visit your site, inspect the trash compactor, and either provide you with an annual exemption or let you know what further action is required to obtain the exemption if you do not qualify at that time.
Choosing a Hauler
Commercial property owners/managers should work with a private recycling hauler to set up a recycling program. Oftentimes, owners will use the same hauler for their trash and recycling services. Remember—you are the customer! It is your right to shop around for the best price on hauling services. View a current list of Arlington haulers (PDF) >>
Assist-Visit Fee
All commercial and multi-family properties located in Arlington County are now required to pay an annual $66 commercial recycling fee. The fee will provide an assist-visit from an inspector to every commercial property in Arlington. An inspector will evaluate your property's recycling program and provide technical assistance to improve its solid waste management system, increase recycling participation and evaluate cost effectiveness.
Properties found in violation are subject to civil penalties of up to $300 per day. If your property is not recycling the required materials, please contact the Solid Waste Bureau at (703) 228-6570 and ask for the Recycling Compliance Office. They will be able to supply you with more information to help you update your recycling program.
Payments Due
Properties will receive a letter and invoice requesting payment. Please return the enclosed invoice with a check payable to Arlington County Treasurer:
Solid Waste Bureau
4300 29th Street S.
Arlington, VA 22206
If you would prefer to pay by credit card or pay in person, payments are accepted at the Arlington County Treasurer’s window on the second floor of Courthouse Plaza, 2100 Clarendon Boulevard. For more information, please call (703) 228-4000.
Waste Reduction Programs
There are several voluntary waste reduction programs available to businesses. These programs encourage waste reduction, cost efficiency and environmental improvement. Arlington County businesses are encouraged to get more information about and participate in the following programs:
