Resource Recovery

The Resource Recovery Division, part of the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services (T&ES), is committed to providing public services in a professional and courteous manner. It is our goal to provide services that protect the environment and respond to the needs of the community at the least possible cost. Accomplishing this goal requires a cooperative effort between Alexandria citizens, businesses, and City government.
Page updated on May 9, 2022 at 1:49 PM
Photo of person standing beside a trash truck as a residential trash cart is emptied

Refuse Collection

Learn more about residential trash collection, who is eligible, how to prepare items for collection, and how to request a service.
a photo of a blue, City-issues metal recycling can in an Alexandria park. "Eco-City Alexandria" sticker affixed to the front.

Recycling

Learn more about recycling at home, school, work and 'on the go', as well as, other environmentally friendly programs in the City.
A photo of a street sweeping vehicle used by City staff to keep Alexandria streets clean

Street Sweeping

Learn about the various street cleaning programs such as annual leaf collection and adopt-a-block programs.

What Goes Where

Updates

  • 2020 Recycling Rate Report - 52.1%
    The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality completed its review of the City's 2020 Recycling Rate Report. The City's annual recycling rate for 2020 was 52.1%, the first time the City surpassed 50%. This was a target identified in the City's Strategic Plan.
  • Hauler's Waste & Recycling Report
    The annual  Waste & Recycling Report for calendar year 2021 is underway. Haulers are required to submit the report by March 15, 2022. 
  • Plastic Bag Tax
    The City has adopted an ordinance to impose a five-cent tax for disposable plastic bags offered at grocery stores, convenience stores, and drug stores. This tax would be charged for every bag provided at checkout. The tax effective date is January 1, 2022. 
  • 2021 Guide to Recycling, Yard Waste, and Trash Collection Services
    This guide, designed for both new and longtime residents, will help you learn how the Resource Recovery Division converts waste into a resource, and shows the important role each of us plays in the process. The guide, arranged by material type, is color-coded for easy reference and includes all the information you need to know about our services, from recycling to yard waste to street cleaning, and more. This guide is also available in Spanish and Amharic. 
  • Recycling Implementation Plan Submissions Due
    All City businesses and multi-family property owners are required to update their Recycling Implementation Plans (RIP forms) every two years.
  • City Joins Region in Removing Glass from Curbside Collection to Ensure Recyclability

    Effective January 15, 2020, customers who receive City recycling service must bring glass containers to one of the region’s 25 “purple bin” drop-off locations to ensure the glass will be recycled.     

Reports and Documents

2021 GUIDE TO SERVICES

The Guide to Services details the City's Resource Recovery services including recycling, yard waste, and trash collection. This guide is also available in  Spanish and  Amharic. 

WASTESMART STRATEGIC PLAN

The WasteSmart Plan is a 20-year strategic plan that guides the City's sustainable resource recovery management. This plan was adopted by City Council on January 12, 2019.

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN (SWMP)

The SWMP was developed in response to regulations adopted by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality in 2001 that require all local Virginia jurisdictions to submit updated twenty-year plans by July 1, 2004. The plan meets the state requirements and lays the groundwork for the future expansion of the City's solid waste programs.

SUBSCRIBE TO RESOURCE RECOVERY ENEWS ALERTS

Would you like to receive more information about recycling and solid waste programs? Need a quick reminder when refuse service will be delayed due to a holiday? With the Alexandria eNews service you can receive updates about recycling and solid waste plus over 80 additional topics that interest you.

Facility Monitoring Group (FMG)

The Facility Monitoring Group was established in January 2013 by the City of Alexandria and Arlington County to be the single point of contact for Covanta, the owner and operator of the Waste-to-Energy facility; handling the routine operational monitoring, financial management and maintenance of the facility. Learn more about FMG

Covanta Waste-to-Energy Facility 

The Alexandria/Arlington Waste-to-Energy Facility located at  5301 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, VA  was jointly developed by the City of Alexandria and Arlington County to handle waste disposal.

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.