This StoryMap is here to walk you through the entire DPW-serviced residential recycling process from start to finish. The goal of this StoryMap is to inspire recycling participation through education and strong insights on how to recycle "the right way." You will also learn how the recycling you separate at-home is collected, screened, sorted, and transferred by DC DPW for processing into new products. ​

The District's first residential recycling program was started in March of 1989. At first, only newspapers were accepted. In 1991, additional materials, glass, plastic, metals were added to the list of acceptable items. In 2014, the Sustainable DC Plan was established outlining many of the District's sustainability goals, including the District's Zero Waste goal of diverting 80% of citywide waste away from landfill and incineration towards more beneficial use. Since then, the Inter-Agency Waste Reduction Working Group has been hard at work; to build a foundation for long-term success.

Many materials are accepted for curbside recycling in the District including paper, plastic, glass, and metal. Generally speaking, items must be at least 2" x 2" in diameter to be considered large enough to be properly sorted at recycling facilities. But all items must all also be clean, dry, and empty in order to be recycled.​ 

Learn more in this interactive story map.