Recycling Centers in District of Columbia
Find local recycling drop-off locations across District of Columbia. Browse by city to see nearby facilities with hours and contact information.
Recycling in District of Columbia
Washington, D.C. has 22 recycling centers, all within the District itself, including municipal drop-off sites, electronics recyclers, scrap processors, and paper and cardboard facilities. The District does not currently have a beverage-container deposit, though a 10-cent 'Bottle Bill' has been proposed and is not yet in effect. Recycling is governed by the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) under the Zero Waste Omnibus Amendment Act and the Mayor's Zero Waste initiative. Since January 1, 2018, covered electronic equipment has been banned from the trash and must be recycled through the District's eCYCLE DC stewardship program.
Because the District is a single city, all 22 centers are located in Washington. These include DPW drop-off points, private electronics recyclers, and paper and scrap operations serving residents across the city's eight wards.
D.C. residents recycle through curbside blue-bin collection and DPW programs. Covered electronics must go to eCYCLE DC or DPW Special Waste collection events rather than the trash, and yard waste is collected year-round by appointment through 311 and must be set out in paper bags rather than plastic. The full list of city drop-off sites and electronics recyclers is on the Washington hub. DPW and DOEE oversee the District's recycling rules and Zero Waste programs.
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All Cities in District of Columbia
Recycling in District of Columbia — FAQ
Does Washington, D.C. have a bottle deposit?
No. The District does not currently have a beverage-container deposit. A 10-cent 'Bottle Bill' has been proposed by the D.C. Council but is not yet law, so there is no deposit refund on bottles and cans today. Containers are recycled through curbside collection instead.
How do I recycle in Washington, D.C.?
Use curbside blue-bin recycling for paper, cardboard, glass, plastics, and metal cans. Covered electronics must go to eCYCLE DC or a DPW Special Waste event, and yard waste is collected year-round by appointment via 311 in paper bags. The directory lists 22 centers in the District; hours and accepted materials vary, so confirm with the site first.
Is it illegal to throw away electronics in D.C.?
Yes. Since January 1, 2018, covered electronic equipment has been banned from the trash in the District. Residents must recycle electronics through the eCYCLE DC stewardship program or DPW Special Waste collection events rather than placing them with regular garbage.
Where can I recycle in Washington, D.C.?
All 22 listed centers are in the District itself, including DPW drop-off sites, private electronics recyclers, and paper and scrap operations. See the Washington hub for the full list of locations serving residents across the city.