Do you live in or near Washington, DC? Are you looking for a solution to help reduce your family’s environmental footprint while also cutting down on landfill waste? If so, then there are plenty of options available to you!
From composting initiatives to recycling programs – there are numerous ways that residents in the Washington DC area can reduce their overall dependence upon landfills as a primary source for disposing without sacrificing convenience.
Let’s look at some of the most popular Washington DC landfill alternatives in this region, discussing the benefits they bring when you choose their approach. Furthermore, you may also opt for a junk pick-up service for a less hassle removal and hauling process where recycling and donating are their focus.
Top Washington DC Landfill Options
Here are some of the best DC landfill alternatives for you to consider:
Fort Totten Transfer Station
Transfer Stations are convenient and efficient. It’s where waste is sorted and staged before disposal. Recycling and waste-to-energy facilities are a huge part of this process, and Fort Totten is a great example.
Fort Totten is located at 4900 John McCormack Rd NE. Their solid waste disposal drop-off schedule is 10 am to 2 pm from Tuesday to Friday and am to 2 pm on Saturdays. Upon dropping off your trash and other waste, remember to bring your proof of identification to prove that you reside in the district.
If you don’t have an ID with a district address, you may show your ID from previous state and utility bills, which has to be within the last 30 days. You can also bring a copy of your residential lease or deed. Names must be the same on the ID and your utility bills, lease, or deed.
List of acceptable materials:
- Mattresses
- Books
- Rugs
- Water heaters
- Air conditioners with water and fluids drained
- Large toys
- Household furniture
- Major appliances
Special waste item collection was relocated at RFK station due to the temporary closure of Benning Road Transfer Station. It’s located at RFK Stadium Lot 3, 2400 E Capitol St NE, where you can bring the following special waste (including but not limited to):
- Antifreeze
- Compressed fluorescent lamps
- Flammable adhesives
- Household cleaning products
- Mercury thermometers
- Motor oil
- Pet flea control
- Photographic chemicals
- Propane tanks, no larger than 20 lbs.
- Stains, lacquers, varnishes
They won’t accept the following:
- Air conditioners
- Medicine
- Tires
- Explosives
- Ammunition
- Needles & Sharps
The Special Waste Events occur every month, once on Thursday and Saturday. They also have document shredding of personal documents of up to five boxes and credit cards. Business or commercial material and more than five boxes of personal documents aren’t allowed.
Hire a Local Junk Removal Company
Many companies offer removal and hauling services, ideal for those who don’t have a vehicle. For instance, Junk Force can quickly pick up your junk, no matter how big or heavy your load may be.
The removal process:
- Book an appointment
- Receive a free quote with no hidden charges
- Your junk is hauled away
- Clean up
- Payment once the job is done
Apart from Washington, DC, the service area also includes Maryland. This junk hauling service focuses on donating or recycling garbage. However, not everything can be saved, so proper and safe disposal is required. Local regulations are followed, and all operators are insured.
Anaerobic Digestion
For organic waste, you can try the anaerobic digestion process. It involves bacteria and other microorganisms breaking down organic waste, such as food, without needing oxygen and open air.
It’s also deemed a renewable energy process as it uses waste to create methane gas and other products. Although anaerobic digestion is a relatively new technology, it’s quickly becoming the go-to solution for reducing waste in large and urban areas.
Recycling
Stay away from landfills by recycling your garbage. Being conscious of your belongings and household items allow you to utilize them and maximize their potential. You won’t need to remove them immediately if you find a way to reuse or repurpose them.
Plastic bottles, newspapers, wood products, and metals are some examples of materials that can be recycled if you’re creative. Furthermore, buying sustainable products or recycled objects shows that you fully support this initiative.
Get Rid of Waste & Trash Without Getting the Landfill Involved
Landfills are the end of the line for waste, but you don’t have to reach this stage if you go for innovative practices and initiatives. Washington, DC, offers plenty of landfill options to explore, allowing you to avoid the landfill as much as possible.
Junk Force offers full-service junk removal services, a hassle-free solution for removing your junk at home. We do the donating and recycling part and find a way to safely dispose of your load if it can’t be repurposed anymore. Contact us today and book your appointment, and we’ll be there immediately.