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 Sep 11, 2019 at 10:30 AM

Refuse Collection Program thumbnailTrash Programs

Learn more about residential trash collection, who is eligible, how to prepare items for collection, and how to request a service.

Recycling Program thumbnailRecycling Programs

Learn more about recycling at home, school, work and 'on the go', as well as, other environmentally friendly programs in the City.

Street Cleaning Program thumbnailStreet Cleaning Programs

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

What's New

  • New! Recycle Right Alexandria Sorting Game
    Recycle_Right_Alexandria    As the new school year starts, the City of Alexandria is excited to share its new Recycle Right sorting game! Test your knowledge of sorting using City services and build your own digital Alexandria park. After completing all five levels of the game, players who snap a picture of themselves with their certificate of achievement and post it to social media using the hashtag #RecycleRightALEX will be entered to win their choice of either a brand new composting caddie, reusable tote bag, or reusable water bottle! Five selected winners will be announced in late September and notified via social media. Visit alexandriava.recycle.game to play!

  • Now Live - Alexandria's Glass Recovery Program
    The City is pleased to launch glass drop-off centers across Alexandria to provide an option to recover and recycle glass. This service is one of the first short-term action items to be implemented as part of the City’s Environmental Action Plan and WasteSmart Strategic Plan, a roadmap that will guide the city’s refuse, recycling and organics collection for the next 20 years. For more information including drop-off locations and what items are accepted and not accepted, please click here.
  • WasteSmart Strategic Plan
    The Resource Recovery Division has prepared a new strategic plan that will guide the City’s solid waste management for the next 20 years. On January 12, 2019, City Council unanimously voted to adopt the WasteSmart Strategic Plan. The WasteSmart Plan will ensure that Alexandria will continue to be a good steward of its waste, and prepare for, and take full advantage of, technological and environmental advancements that will align our waste management practices with Alexandria's commitment to being an exceptionally clean, safe, enjoyable place to live, work, and visit.
  • City Reports 49.8% Recycling Rate in 2017 – New Record
    The Resource Recovery Division reported a 49.8% recycling rate for 2017 to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.  This rate represents the City-wide recycling effort that includes residents, businesses, and schools combined.  Nearly half of what people throw away is recovered for reuse as a raw material rather than sent to the Waste-to-Energy facility for incineration. This rate is a record high for the City whose rate has been steadily improving for the past 5 years. The City’s Environmental Action Plan 2030 establishes the goal of achieving a City-wide recycling rate of 50% by 2020.
  • 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.  The guide's paper is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and contains 10% recycled fiber.

Reports & Documents 

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.

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.

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.

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