Recycling - Business & Commercial

The State of Virginia requires all jurisdictions to achieve and maintain a 25% recycling rate. 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. As of July 2006, the City Council passed a mandatory recycling ordinance for all commercial businesses and multi-family properties.
Page updated on August 26, 2026 at 3:41 PM
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Recycling Resources for Businesses and Property Managers

Blue recycling bins outside an apartment building

Recycling Implementation Plan (RIP Forms)

City Council passed Article H of Title 5 requiring business and multi-family property owners to provide recycling and submit Recycling Implementation Form (RIP form) every two years. 

Garbage Containers with Recycling Only Sign

Multifamily Pilot Program

We know the challenge: residents want to recycle, but inconsistent rules and messy bins can get in the way. That’s why we’re launching a new pilot program designed to make recycling simple, clear, and convenient.

Alex Recycles Campaign - A person putting cardboard in the recycling dumpster.

Business and Property Manager Recycling Guide

Boost your program with our free Property Manager Toolkit! Access a janitorial guide, industry best practices, and resident tools designed to reduce contamination and improve efficiency. 

Business and Commercial Recycling Requirements

In accordance with the mandatory recycling ordinance passed by the City Council on July 1, 2006, all commercial businesses and multi-family properties within the City are required to maintain active recycling programs.

All multi-family properties must recycle the following materials:

  • Mixed Paper
  • Corrugated Cardboard
  • Food & Beverage Containers (Plastic, aluminum, or metal)

All businesses are required to recycle the two (2) materials they generate in the largest quantities. These materials may include:

  • Mixed Paper & Corrugated Cardboard
  • Food & Beverage Containers (Aluminum, plastic, metal)
  • Scrap Metal
  • Used Motor Oil or Tires
  • Clean Wood or Pallets
  • Restaurant Grease and Oil

Note on Single-Stream Recycling:
Single-stream recycling is an acceptable substitute for source-separated recycling of two or more materials in all instances.

Need help getting started?
Visit alexandriava.gov/Recycling for more details on acceptable materials or for guidance on implementing a new recycling program at your facility.

Recycling Implementation Plan (RIP) Forms

Alexandria is committed to a sustainable future, and our property managers are the frontline heroes of that effort. Since July 1, 2006, the Alexandria City Council has required all multi-family residential areas and businesses to operate active recycling programs.

To keep our community green and compliant, property managers must submit a Recycling Implementation Plan (RIP) every two years. Here is everything you need to know to get your submission across the finish line.

Submission Deadline: January 30, 2027

Recycling Implementation Plan Form - Apartment Buildings

Recycling Implementation Plan Form - Mixed Use

For multi-family properties—including condos, apartments, and HOAs—you are required to provide recycling outlets for:  

  • Mixed Paper: Newspaper, magazines, and office paper.  
  • Cardboard: Corrugated boxes.  
  • Containers: Glass, plastic, and metal food and beverage containers

The City has streamlined the reporting process to be as painless as possible.

  • Where to File: All forms are submitted through the Smartsheet's Form (No registration required).  Recycling Implementation Plan (RIP)
  • Reporting Frequency: Forms must be updated every two years.  
  • Timeline: You must complete your RIP form within 60 days of receiving your notification to avoid potential penalties.

ALXRecycles: The Multifamily Pilot Program

A person putting cardboard in the recycling dumpster.

Recycling in a multifamily community shouldn't be a guessing game. Whether you manage a high-rise or a small HOA, providing clear, convenient recycling is key to a sustainable property.

The Multifamily Recycling Outreach Pilot is a strategic partnership between the City, property managers, and residents. Our goal is simple: to reduce confusion at the bin and increase the quality of our recycled materials. By joining this pilot, you’re not just managing waste—you’re leading the way toward a cleaner, greener community.  Participating properties will commit to implementing a standardized set of recycling interventions and supporting resident engagement. Pilot properties will receive a coordinated toolkit that includes standardized signage, resident communications, educational videos, and engagement tools. 

What we aim to achieve:

  • Cleaner Streams: Reducing contamination by 3% through better education.
  • Higher Volume: Increasing recycling recovery by 10% across pilot facilities.
  • Empowered Managers: Providing the tools and RIP (Recycling Implementation Plan) support you need to succeed.

What Participating Properties Receive

When your building qualifies and completes enrollment, we provide a full suite of custom tools to make recycling effortless:

  • In-Unit Recycling Tote Bags for all residents to easily collect and carry recyclables to shared areas.
  • "What to Recycle" Magnets for every unit kitchen as a quick, everyday reference.
  • Custom Sign Templates for trash rooms and recycling centers to eliminate confusion at the bin.

Apply to Participate

Buildings qualify when 15% of residents participate through one of two pathways, and the Property Manager submits a Recycling Implementation Plan (RIP).

 

JOIN HERE!

Eligibility and Enrollment

Multifamily properties may enroll in the pilot program through one of the following pathways:

  • Request a Presentation: Property Managers can schedule a live recycling presentation hosted by our office for your building.
  • Automatic Qualification: If 15% or more of your residents attend the presentation, your building automatically meets the resident participation threshold!
  • Property managers may initiate resident participation by promoting the City’s recycling education video and quiz to residents.
     

Step 1: Complete an Activity & Get Your Certificate

Residents complete any one of the following to earn a completion certificate:

  1. Play the Waste Sorting Game
  2. Watch the Multifamily Recycling Video
  3. Take the Recycling Quiz

Step 2: Share Your Certificate

Send your certificate to your property manager to show your interest and help track your building's progress.

Step 3: Rally Your Neighbors

Once 15% of residents in your building share their certificates, your building meets the resident requirement.

Final Requirements for Property Managers

To finalize enrollment and receive your program materials, Property Managers agree to:

  1. Submit Proof & Plan: Submit their resident participation proof (certificates or presentation attendance) along with a Recycling Implementation Plan (RIP)
  2. Track Progress over 6 Months: To measure success and lower contamination, managers will complete three quick waste audits across the 6-month pilot period:
    1. Pre-Pilot Audit: At initial enrollment (baseline)
    2. Mid-Term Audit: 3 months
    3. Post-Pilot Audit: At 6 months (program completion)

Begin Enrollment

For additional information or assistance, please contact the City’s recycling program staff.

Resident Engagement: The Key to Success

A great recycling program depends on informed residents. To meet City requirements, property managers must:

  • Notify New Residents: Provide recycling information within 15 days of move-in.
  • Bi-Annual Reminders: Re-notify all tenants at least twice per year.
  • Clear Signage: Post signs in all designated recycling areas.

Your notifications must include:

  • What materials to recycle and how to prepare them.
  • The location of recycling containers.
  • The collection schedule and a point of contact for questions.

Tools to Set up a Recycling Program

The following resources are available to help you begin recycling at your location:

Support for Your Property

We know managing a facility is a big job. To assist you, the City has launched the 2026 Multifamily Outreach Pilot. This initiative is designed to strengthen the partnership between managers and residents through better communication and shared feedback.  

Goal for 2026: Engaging with residents and encouraging correct material separation doesn't just fulfill a requirement—it builds a better, more connected community relationship.  

Need a hand with your application or resident outreach? Our team is ready to help you navigate the process.

Special Use Permit Solid Waste and Recyclable Materials Storage Space Guidelines

All new non-residential and multi-family construction and large scale renovations are subject to the new special use permit solid waste and recyclable materials storage space requirements.  The applicant shall provide storage space for trash and recyclable materials containers as outlined in the City's  Solid Waste and Recyclables Materials Storage Space Guidelines, or to the satisfaction of the Director of Transportation & Environmental Services.  Please contact Planning and Zoning to find out more about permitting requirements.  Visit www.alexandriava.gov/Planning or call 703.746.4035.