The Office of Administration manages many recycling activities at DOE Headquarters that significantly impact energy and the environment. The Department of Energy Headquarters has instituted several recycling programs, starting with standard, solid waste recycling in 1991, and has expanded to include carperting, batteries, and toner cartridges.
Waste Recycling
In FY 2015, DOE Headquarters recycled 120 tons of waste which earned over $4,460 in GSA credits that were provided to the Sheila Jo Watkins Memorial Child Development Centers. Since the recycling program began in 1991 over 7,300 tons of waste have been recycled earning over $371,000 for the Child Development Centers.
Carpet Recycling
In FY 2015, DOE Headquarters replaced and recycled over 7,200 square yards of carpeting - enough to cover a football field! All carpet installed is composed of 45% to 62% recycled content fibers, and 100% recycled content backing. We require that 100% of the carpet removed be recycled into carpet products and other by products and not be sent to landfills. The recycled carpeting is made into other carpeting, car parking blocks, flooring, and other consumer products, closing the loop in the recycling process and fulfilling the goal of reusing materials.
Battery Recycling
In FY 2015, DOE Headquarters collected over 500 pounds of batteries for recycling. Since the battery recycling program started in 2005 over 7,500 pounds of batteries have been collected and recycled. Battery recycling bins are located in the Forrestal and Germantown Paperclips Supply Stores. Batteries accepted for recycling are: Alkaline, Lithium Ion, Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel-Iron, and Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH).
Toner Recycling
In FY 2015, DOE Headquarters collected over 3,200 toner and fax cartridges for recycling. Since the program started in 2003 over 41,700 cartridges have been recycled. The Department partners with a Small Woman Minority Owned Business for the recycling, providing green jobs in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. In Forrestal, used toner cartridges may be dropped off at the Distribution Center room GL-084. Used cartridges may also be sent via internal mail to Forrestal Distribution, Room GL-084.
If you have any questions about the recycling program please call:
Forrestal (202) 586-6100
Germantown (301) 903-4005
Last updated 05/18/16