Arlington recycling rates no change in 2007-10, except in residential houses, rebound expected in 2011
Arlington’s recycling rate has failed to increase despite renewed efforts at getting laging sectors like multifamily rental housing, the county government itself, and commercial stores to recycle more. In 2010 the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality indicated Arlington’s overall rate of recycling was slightly below 40 percent (39.7 percent). This is below the Virginia state-wide average of 40.5 percent; and below Fairfax County’s 41.7 percent and extremely below the City of Falls Church 60.4 percent.
The recycling rates for the past 5 years are shown below. There was a slight decrease between 2009-2010 for the multi-family/commercial sector as well as the overall countywide rate. However, the county government has compiled 2011 data, and expects to have a 40-percent increase in the recycling rate for the multi-family and commercial sector. This would add about 10-percentage points to multi-family and commercial recycling and boost the rate to 40 percent. This rate is still below single family residences.
Recycling Rate By Sector (In percent of total solid waste)
Sector CY06* CY07* CY08* CY09 CY10
Multi-Family/ Commercial 24 29 31 32 30
Residential housing 37 41 42 44 48
County Government/Schools 7 9 8 11 11
Countywide without credits 28 32 33 35 35
Credits received** 12 5 5 5 5
Total Countywide with credits 40 37 39 40 40
CY = Calendar Year *Adjusted for a double submission by a hauler **Credits capped at 5% in 2007
Credits are received for recycled yard waste like leaves and branches.
Source: Arlington County Dept. of Environmental Services, email May 17, 2012
