If you don't find the information you need below, don't give up! Online technical assistance is at your fingertips. Use this online form to send your business recycling questions to the Recycle Guy. A reply will come to your e-mail inbox and you'll be on your way to recycling at work!
You can also call the Recycle Guy at 703-324-5230, TTY 711.
How to Recycle
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Why Recycle
In Fairfax County, two sources govern business recycling: Chapter 109.1 of the County Code and the Public Facilities Manual. In addition, federal law requires proper handling of toxics.
The county has both residential and nonresidential recycling requirements. Home-based businesses must follow residential requirements.
In accordance with Chapter 109.1 of the County Code, all nonresidential entities (businesses, schools, hospitals, etc.) in Fairfax County are now required to recycle mixed paper and cardboard.
In addition, nonresidential buildings or complexes that generate 100 tons of waste per year must also recycle their principal recyclable material. If county staff determines that the principal recyclable for the facility is cardboard and/or paper, no additional recycling will be required. It is the responsibility of the owners and/or managers of commercial buildings to provide the recycling system for employees or occupants.
For more information and assistance on
maintaining a recycling system, call 703-324-5230, TTY
711, or e-mail the Recycle Guy.
Remember: Recycling is a requirement, but it's also a right! Fairfax County law requires solid waste businesses to provide recycling systems to their customers, and to properly manage materials separated for recycling. For support, ask the Recycle Guy.
Chapter 109.1 of the County Code requires businesses and property owners/managers to report their solid waste generation and recycling information by March 1 for the prior calendar year. (NOTE: March 2, 2009 is the deadline for 2008 reports.) This information is used to generate and compile the annual recycling rate report for the county, a state requirement under Section 10.1-1411 of the Code of Virginia. For information on reporting your trash and recycling information, contact 703-324-5230, TTY 711. See also Recycling Program Requirements.
Paper accounts for the largest portion of recyclable material generated by most businesses. Recyclers often will pay you for some grades of waste office paper or at least collect it from you for no cost. Compare this to disposing of recyclable paper as trash, when you will pay a collector for its removal. Less material in the trash could mean less you have to pay for trash service. In addition, many potential office building tenants prefer a facility with a recycling program.
In Fairfax County, business waste amounts are greater than residential waste amounts. People often spend as many or more hours at their workplaces as they do waking hours in their homes. A simple recycling program for paper and beverage containers at the office can divert many tons of material from the waste stream each year.
Toxic and Hazardous Materials
When you think about businesses that generate toxic materials and hazardous wastes, several examples come to mind: photo finishing labs, dry cleaners, autos shops, etc. These businesses must employ special environmental systems to prevent pollution, but did you know that even a retail store or an office generates wastes that are potentially toxic or hazardous to our environment?
Rechargeable batteries can easily be recycled, and it's the law for businesses. Learn more on the battery page.
Fluorescent lamps contain mercury which can be toxic. In accordance with Virginia law, the Fairfax County Household Hazardous Waste facility cannot accept wastes generated by a business. To find a solid waste company that can manage fluorescent lamps and other hazardous waste, view our list on the Business Hazardous Waste page. Alternatively, Fairfax County hosts special Business Hazardous Waste events several times a year. Learn more online or call 703-324-5230, TTY 711 with any business hazardous waste questions.
Computer monitors and some other electronic equipment, which contain lead and other recyclable elements, can be recycled through the Fairfax County e-waste recycling program. You might even realize a tax deduction. See our electronics recycling page for a list of organizations that accept these materials.
Waste Reduction
Waste reduction is simply eliminating waste before it is created. It involves the design, manufacture, purchase, or use of materials and products to reduce the volume of materials that are thrown away and toxics that are exposed to the environment. Including waste reduction in your every day business decisions is easy once you know how. The change can be small, such as buying recycled-content products, or large, such as switching business processes to a paperless format. Waste reduction can also save you money!