Recycling at Condos, Apartments, and HOAs

Page updated on April 15, 2026 at 12:17 PM
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ALXRecycles

A person putting cardboard in the recycling dumpster.

Hey neighbor! We know that recycling in an apartment or condo can sometimes feel like a puzzle. Between shared bins and different rules, it isn’t always clear what goes where. 

That’s why we’re launching the ALXRecycles pilot program. We want to make it easier than ever for residents in multifamily buildings to recycle right and help Alexandria lead the way in sustainability.

Recycling Information for Tenants and HOA Residents

Acceptable Materials

Generally accepted recyclable materials include:

  • All plastic bottles and jugs
  • All metal beverage and food cans
  • Newspaper and inserts
  • Magazines, catalogs, and phone books
  • Junk mail including envelops with windows
  • Paperboard (cereal & cracker boxes, paper towel rolls, egg cartons)
  • Brown paper bags
  • Cardboard boxes (flattened).

Remember to rinse containers. No need to remove labels or lids.

Please view the City's "Yes/No List" for more information on what is recyclable in most recycling collection programs.

A photo of the Recycling Yes No List

Yes/No List - Spanish

Yes/No List - Amharic

Please contact your property manager or owner to find out what is specifically acceptable and how to recycle at your home.

The markets for recycled materials are constantly changing.  As these markets change so does the recyclability of various commodities.  Please review our Residential Yes/No List for changes to the currently acceptable recycled materials. 

Unacceptable Materials

  • Plastic Bags, Wrap, & Film -  Disposable plastic shopping bags and other plastic films are best recycled in dedicated collection points such as grocery and department stores.
    • Please do not put recyclables in plastic bags. Consider using a reusable bag or paper bags to store or carry materials to the recycling. 
    • Place your recyclables loosely in your City recycling bin or cart.  This helps with the sorting of recyclables at our local processing facility.
  • Small metal items - (i.e. metal blinds, pots & pans, door knobs, etc.)  These items can be recycled at Reworld™ Alexandria:
  • Glass Bottles & Jars  
    • Note:  Most single-stream recycling facilities in the region are unable to recycle glass. Glass can be recycled through the regional glass purple bin program. Learn more about the glass recycling and drop-off locations. All City residents can use these centers for free. 
  • Wax-coated paper (i.e. frozen food boxes, political signs, wax paper, etc.)
  • Ceramic Cups and Glasses
  • Styrofoam and Packing Peanuts 
  • Small/large propane tanks (i.e. camping propane tanks).
  • Helium Tanks
  • Other Hazardous Waste and Electronic Waste: Please visit the City's permanent Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Center. All City residents can use this facility for free. 

How to Prepare Recyclable Materials

Simple Recycling Guidelines 

  • Place all recycled materials loosely into your recycling cart or bin.  Do not use plastic bags for your recycling.
  • Empty and rinse all beverage and food containers.
  • Remove newspapers from plastic bags before recycling.
  • Empty and flatten cardboard.
  • Clearly set your recycling apart from your trash to avoid confusion at collection

Not enough space in your recycling container? 

  • Do not use plastic garbage or grocery bags to hold recyclable materials.
    • Paper grocery bags or cardboard boxes may be used to hold temporary overflows of recycling for weekly collection. 
  • Use the free Recycling Drop-off Centers for large volumes of recycled materials.

Resource Recovery Services Available for all City Residents

The following Resource Recovery services are available for all residents in the City. These services below are free and accessible to City residents.  

Recycling Tips For Tenants

An estimated 60 percent of Alexandrians live in multi-family housing, and their participation in recycling collection is critical to reducing Alexandria’s waste stream and conserving valuable resources.

A Person Sorting Plastic Wastes

Skip Plastic Bags

Make sure to always exclude plastic bags from your recyclables as plastic bags can damage sorting machinery. Consider a reusable tote bag or pager bags to secure and transport clean plastic items to your main recycling bin. The basics include plastic bottles, containers, and paper items.

A Person Holding a takeout container

Rinse Food Containers

Do not allow food residue to contaminate recycling bins. Leftover food and liquids can ruin clean and dry recyclable items. Consider composting food waste when possible. Always clean plastic containers for future use. Aluminum food trays are acceptable.

A pile of cardboard boxes.

Flatten Cardboard Boxes

Try flattening all large cardboard boxes to increase space in the shared residential spaces for your main recycling bin.

Image of reusable recycling tote bag.

Multifamily Outreach Pilot

Alexandria residents in condos, apartments, or HOAs can contact their property manager to join the Multifamily Outreach Pilot. Managers must submit a Recycling Implementation (RIP) form every two years to maintain clear, consistent recycling practices.

City Ordinance

Condominiums, apartments, and Homeowners Association's (HOAs) are required to provide recycling to residents. These entities are subject to the requirements described under Article H of Title 5.

If your property does not offer recycling, residents are encouraged to contact our office at CommercialRecycling@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.4135. for assistance and guidance on next steps.