Recycling & Solid Waste

Recycling is the most universally accepted green activity that area residents do every day. It establishes a strong connection between personal action and environmental benefit and it provides an opportunity to explore other behavior changes that may make the region more sustainable.

Studies have found that recycling contributes a significant reduction to greenhouse gas emissions in the United States and can contribute more savings if expanded.  Most area residents have access to recycling at home and a work. 

COG helps promote recycling through its Go Recycle media campaign.  It also serves as the regional coordinator each year for America Recycles Day.  Additionally, COG in conjunction with Fairfax County has created a new Builders’ Recycling Guide to Reuse and Recycling as a searchable on-line database. Visit the Go Recycle site to find recycling information for the metropolitan Washington region.

COG offers programs on waste management for its members through the Recycling Committee, Solid Waste Managers Group, and the ad hoc Organic Recycling Task Force, which focuses on the emerging opportunities in grass, leaf, and food composting.