Section 10-A611. E-2.3 REDUCING SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL NEEDS

 

611.1In 1988, the District passed legislation requiring recycling in commercial buildings and setting targets for residential recycling. The legislation also contained provisions for District government to increase the use of recycled products through its procurement practices. Despite these mandates, recycling efforts were sporadic during the 1990s and it was not until the early 2000s that most of the current programs were initiated. DC still lags behind many U.S. cities in the percentage of waste it diverts from landfills; however, recent improvements have been significant. 611.1

 

611.2In 2002, the District began implementing a three-year timeline for all District agencies and facilities to achieve a recycling target of 45 percent (by weight) for the separation and collection of the total solid waste stream. Today, the District has a curbside recycling program and a number of programs to promote recycling and source reduction within the government (see “Greening the Government” at the end of this chapter). Additional waste diversion can be achieved through public education, recycling of construction and demolition debris, and expanded recycling in schools, offices, and other places of employment. Among the many benefits of recycling is the fact that it reduces demand on the city’s trash transfer stations, with attendant benefits to nearby neighborhoods. 611.2

 

See the Infrastructure Element for more information on solid waste disposal.

 

611.3Policy E-2.3.1: Solid Waste Source Reduction and Recycling

 

Actively promote the reduction of the solid waste stream through reduction, reuse, recycling, recovery, composting, and other measures. Use appropriate regulatory, management, and marketing strategies to inform residents and businesses about recycling and composting opportunities, and best practices for reducing the amount of waste requiring landfill disposal or incineration. 611.3

 

611.4Policy E-2.3.2: Construction and Demolition Recycling

 

Support the recycling of construction and demolition debris as a key strategy for reducing the volume of waste requiring landfill disposal. To carry out this policy, encourage the “deconstruction” of obsolete buildings rather than traditional demolition. Deconstruction dismantles buildings piece by piece and makes the components available for resale and reuse. 611.4

 

611.5Action E-2.3.A: Expanding District Recycling Programs

 

Continue implementation of the citywide recycling initiative started in 2002, which sets the long-term goal of recycling 45 percent of all waste generated in the District. Special efforts should be made to expand workplace recycling through a combined education and inspection/enforcement campaign, conduct “best practices” studies of successful recycling programs in other jurisdictions, and plan for the recycling of yard waste. 611.5

 

611.6Action E-2.3.B: Expand Recycling Efforts in District Institutions

 

Work with the DC Public Schools and Public Charter Schools to expand school recycling programs and activities. Encourage private schools, universities, colleges, hospitals, and other large institutional employers to do likewise. 611.6

 

611.7Action E-2.3.C: Revisions to Planning and Building Standards for Solid Waste

 

Review building code standards for solid waste collection to ensure that new structures are designed to encourage and accommodate recycling and convenient trash pickup. 611.7

 

611.8Action E-2.3.D: Installation of Sidewalk Recycling Receptacles

 

Install receptacles for sidewalk recycling in Downtown DC and other neighborhood commercial centers with high pedestrian volume as a way of increasing waste diversion and publicly reaffirming the District’s commitment to recycling. 611.8

 

611.9Action E-2.3.E: E-Cycling Program

 

Establish E-cycling programs and other measures to promote the recycling of computers and other electronic products in an environmentally sound manner. 611.9

 

611.10Action E-2.3.F: Commercial and Industrial Waste Reduction

 

Work with the commercial and industrial sectors to foster appropriate source reduction and waste minimization activities, such as the environmentally sound recycling and disposal of mercury-containing fluorescent lamps and electronic equipment. 611.10

 

notation

The provisions of Title 10, Part A of the DCMR accessible through this web interface are codification of the District Elements of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital. As such, they do not represent the organic provisions adopted by the Council of the District of Columbia. The official version of the District Elements only appears as a hard copy volume of Title 10, Part A published pursuant to section 9a of the District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1994, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; D.C. Official Code § 1 -301.66)) . In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions accessible through this site and the provisions contained in the published version of Title 10, Part A, the provisions contained in the published version govern. A copy of the published District Elements is available www.planning.dc.gov.