We are so fortunate to have excellent recycling and reuse programs in the Greater Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area. Some of these resources are available nationally as well.
Mom’s Organic Market
Mom’s Organic Market locations have recycling stations for wine corks, shoes, eyeglasses, batteries, compost, cell phones, and tablets. Annually, they offer a denim recycling drive and holiday lights recycling drive.
Best Buy
The team at Best Buy will take your electronics, appliances, gadgets, and ink cartridges for recycling at their stores, by mail, or through a pick-up service for larger items.
TerraCycle
TerraCycle recycles hard to recycle materials through its brigade programs. For example, I recycle my daily contact lens packaging through local Voorthuis Opticians locations which participate in this program. TerraCycle has a solution for almost every material under the sun. You can even order a zero waste box to collect and mail back certain materials at your home, office, or school.
Shady Grove Transfer Station
If you live in Montgomery County Maryland, you have to check out the Shady Grove Transfer Station. It is a fascinating place to visit and a go to spot for recycling appliances, batteries, building material, scrap metal, electronics, paint, clothing, rigid plastic, and more. They also offer the safe disposal of hazardous materials.
Additional Transfer Stations in the Greater Washington, D.C. area:
Alexandria County, Virginia: Alexandria Waste Recovery Facility
Arlington County, Virginia: Use this menu to find the right location for your material
Fairfax County, Virginia: I-66 Transfer Station
Washington, D.C.: Fort Totten Transfer Station
If you have resources to add to this list, please contact me.