District of Columbia property owners and community managers: simplify recycling compliance while boosting resident satisfaction. National Doorstep’s valet trash & recycling service aligns with District of Columbia source-separation requirements to reduce contamination and enhance NOI — all with a turnkey program.
In Washington, DC, source separation and adequate waste collection are mandatory for multifamily and commercial generators under the DC Code. DPW provides service to single-family and buildings with three (3) or fewer units; properties with four (4) or more units must arrange private recycling/trash service. Large “private collection properties,” including multifamily with 80+ units, must submit an annual Source Separation Plan and meet added requirements (container capacity, signage/education, recordkeeping).
- NOI & Property Value Lift: Increase ancillary income and retention with a visible sustainability amenity.
- Resident Convenience & Cleanliness: Doorstep recycling reduces overflow and contamination.
- Right-Sized Service: Meet DC’s minimum capacity of 32 gallons per occupied unit per week and ensure equal volume access to recycling vs. trash.
- Local Alignment: Compatible with DC Code §8-1031.03 (Source Separation), DC Code §8-1031.04 (Adequate Collection & Plans), DPW — Source Separation Plans, and Zero Waste DC — Residents.
At a Glance: Washington, DC
- Jurisdiction: District of Columbia
- Mandate Type: Mandatory Recycling / Source Separation and Mandatory Adequate Collection (DC Code Title 8, Ch. 10A).
- Applicability Threshold:
- Service Responsibility: DPW collects for ≤3 units; multifamily 4+ units must provide private recycling & trash service.
- Large Sites: Multifamily with 80+ units are “private collection properties” that must file an annual Source Separation Plan (due April 1) and maintain records.
- Container Capacity: Minimum of 32 gallons per occupied unit per week; provide equal volume access to recycling and trash; containers labeled and in secured/enclosed areas where required.
- Accepted (typical): Paper, cardboard, metal cans, plastic bottles/jugs (#1–#2 and locally accepted others), glass bottles/jars (confirm current list with your hauler/DPW guidance).
- Not Accepted: Plastic bags/film, Styrofoam foam packaging, HHW, electronics, bulky items (special handling).
- References: DC Code §8-1031.03 · DC Code §8-1031.04 · Source Separation Plans (DPW) · DPW/Zero Waste DC — Residents · Recycling Fines Schedule (DPW)
Property Manager Compliance Checklist
| Task | Action / Requirement | Resources / Links |
|---|---|---|
| ☑ Provide Recycling & Trash Service | For 4+ unit buildings, contract a licensed hauler for recycling and trash; ensure separate collection and compliant delivery. | DPW — Service Overview |
| ☑ Meet Capacity & Container Standards | Provide at least 32 gal/unit/week capacity; co-locate recycling with trash; provide equal volume access; secure lids; display clear labels/signage. | DC Code §8-1031.04(a)(1) · DPW One-Pager |
| ☑ Annual Resident Education | Provide move-in packets, bin-side signage, and annual communication on what to recycle and how to set out. | §8-1031.04(a)(2) |
| ☑ Annual Staff Training | Train janitorial/ops staff on source separation and container management at least once per year. | §8-1031.04(a)(3) |
| ☑ Designate a Compliance Agent | Name an individual to implement the program and liaise with DPW/haulers. | §8-1031.04(a)(4) |
| ☑ File Source Separation Plan (80+ units) | Multifamily 80+ units: submit Source Separation Plan by April 1 each year; include agent/contact, hauler details, current generation, education program, and diversion strategy. Maintain 5-year records. | DPW — SSP · §8-1031.04(b) |
| ☑ Monitor Hauler & Contamination | Verify separate collection and proper delivery; track contamination and adjust education/service to avoid surcharges/fines. | Fines Schedule |
Washington, DC Recycling — Compliance Summary
- ☑ Jurisdiction Type: District of Columbia
- ☑ Mandate Type: Mandatory Recycling / Source Separation and Mandatory Adequate Collection.
- ☑ Applicability Thresholds: DPW serves ≤3 units; 4+ units must provide private service; 80+ units must file an annual Source Separation Plan.
- ☑ Key Specs: 32 gal/unit/week minimum capacity; equal volume recycling vs. trash; annual resident education & staff training; labeled containers & signage.
- ☑ Penalties: Common violations carry fines of $200 (1st), $600 (2nd within 60 days), $1,500 (3rd within 60 days); additional civil infractions may apply.
- ☑ Local References: DC Code §§8-1031.03 & 8-1031.04; DPW Source Separation Plan; Zero Waste DC program pages.
Sources verified: DC Code §§8-1031.03 & 8-1031.04; DPW/Zero Waste DC — Source Separation Plans (annual due April 1) & service thresholds; DPW Recycling Fines Schedule; Zero Waste DC resident guidance.
Interested in talking about how we can work together? Here's our contact info.
