Recycle Right
It's not waste if it's in the right place.
Recycling in Arlington is a shared community effort. When we recycle correctly, we reduce waste, conserve natural resources, and keep valuable materials in use. With just a few simple steps, you can help keep Arlington’s recycling stream clean and effective—and move us closer to a more sustainable, waste-free future.
1. Know Arlington's Recycling Guidelines
Recycling rules can differ across Northern Virginia and the D.C. metropolitan area, so items accepted here in Arlington may be different than what is accepted in D.C., Fairfax, Alexandria, or wherever you live.
Focus on the basics: Cardboard; plastic bottles and containers; mixed paper; and aluminum and steel cans.
Not sure about something? Arlington’s Where Does It Go? tool is always available to help you look up specific items.
2. Prepare Your Recyclables
Properly preparing items makes a big difference. Materials should be placed in recycling bins and receptacles loose (i.e., not bagged). Items should be empty and clean so that materials are successfully processed.
Before you recycle:
- Rinse plastic and metal containers
- Make sure cardboard and paperboard boxes are empty and flattened
- Remove plastic packaging materials like bubble wrap and foam
3. Use the Correct Cart or Dumpster
Make sure recyclables end up where they belong—either in your blue curbside recycling cart, your multifamily building’s designated recycling dumpster, or one of Arlington’s Recycling Drop-Off Sites.
Remember:
- Do not bag recyclables—items should be loose
- Keep trash, plastic bags, food waste, and Styrofoam out of the recycling stream
- Break down boxes so there’s space for everyone’s cardboard
Proper placement helps keep collection efficient and reduces contamination.
4. Close the Loop: Buy Recycled and Reduce Waste
Recycling works best when we support products made from recycled materials. When shopping, look for labels like “made from post‑consumer recycled content.”
Choosing recycled-content products:
- Supports markets for materials Arlington residents recycle
- Strengthens the overall recycling system
- Reduces the need for new, raw materials
Whenever possible, choose reusable options and reduce single-use plastic waste to make an even bigger impact.
Are You Recycling Right? Let's Find Out!
Most Arlington residents care about recycling—and many are doing a great job. In fact, residents recycle thousands of tons of material correctly every year (check out the Zero Waste Dashboard to see the impact!).
But even with the best intentions, some items still end up in the recycling cart that don’t belong there. When the wrong items are placed in the recycling stream, it can cause safety issues, damage to equipment, and prevent recyclables from being processed.
Here are three of the most common items found in Arlington’s recycling stream that should go elsewhere—and what to do instead.
Plastic Bags & Bubble Mailers
Plastic bags and films are recyclable, but they DO NOT belong in the recycling cart or recycling dumpster. They can wrap around equipment at a recycling processing facility, putting both the workers and machinery at risk.
Many grocery stores and big-box retailers have dedicated plastic bag and film recycling bins near the entrance. These collection points are designed specifically for these materials—just be sure to check each store’s guidelines.
Glass Bottles and Jars
Glass is currently NOT accepted in Arlington’s curbside single-stream recycling system. For single-family residents, glass should be taken to one of Arlington’s glass drop-off centers . The glass drop-off centers only accept glass bottles and jars for recycling. If you cannot take your glass to a drop-off center, put your glass in the trash cart and not the recycling cart.
If you live in an apartment or condominium, please check with your building management about whether glass is accepted in your building’s single-stream recycling.
Batteries, Electronics & Cell Phones
Lithium-ion batteries, which are rechargeable batteries often used in laptops, mobile devices, vapes or e-cigarettes, electronics and toys, do NOT belong in the recycling carts or dumpsters (they also do not belong in the trash). They can cause dangerous fires in trucks and facilities, so recycling these items requires specialized equipment.
Use the County’s HHM and Electronic Drop-off site to recycle batteries, electronics, and cell phones.
Learn more about other Arlington County recycling programs see links below:
Regional Resource Guide
