​Empowering a Sustainable Washington D.C.

​DC poised to drastically reduce litter with innovative recycling legislation.

​The urgency of addressing plastic pollution and its intricate link to the climate crisis has never been more pronounced. Washington D.C.'s Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Amendment Act of 2025, also known as The Bottle Bill (B26-0058), offers a compelling solution to the pervasive beverage container litter problem in our nation's capital and its associated climate impacts. B26-0058 establishes a refundable deposit program projected to triple recycling rates and cut wasted containers fivefold, significantly reducing climate risks.

​Modeled after successful programs in other states, the DC Bottle Bill presents a proven strategy for climate change mitigation that will drastically reduce litter and enhance quality of life in our Washington D.C. communities. The legislation incentivizes high recycling rates by implementing the effective refundable deposit program. This will significantly reduce waste destined for landfills and incinerators, the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions from this waste stream. The bill also promotes cleaner, higher-quality recycled materials, fostering a circular economy. Register today and join Climate Reality Project DC online for a cleaner, more sustainable District.

​DC Bottle Bill Key Benefits

• ​Mitigates climate change by reducing the need for virgin resource extraction and energy-intensive manufacturing.

• ​Fosters a circular economy by keeping valuable materials in use.

• ​Saves the city money on waste management and cleanup.

​Speakers:

​Washington D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (Confirmed), Washington D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen (Confirmed), Maëva Ghonda, Susan Schorr, Jamoni Overby, Chris Weiss, Lora Nunn.

​Organizations:

​3RC for DC Bottle Bill Coalition (The Return, Refund, and Recycle Coalition for DC); Sierra Club DC; Clean Water Coalition DC; Nature Forward; Climate Reality Project DC.

​Key Points:

• ​The Act promotes a circular economy and conserves valuable resources.

• ​The program is managed by a nonprofit funded by beverage distributors and overseen by DOEE.

• ​Supporting this legislation is a crucial step towards a more sustainable and vibrant Washington, DC.

​Why This Matters:

​The pervasive litter problem in Washington DC negatively impacts the environment, public health, and the aesthetic appeal of our city. Beverage containers are a major component of this litter, polluting waterways like the Anacostia River and burdening our waste management system. The Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Amendment Act offers a sustainable and effective solution, drawing on the success of similar programs in other states, to create a cleaner, more environmentally responsible District.

​Consider this: 337 million plastic bottles are sold within the District each year, yet a mere 64 million find their way back into the recycling stream. This stark reality paints a vivid picture of a system struggling to cope, a landscape increasingly burdened by preventable waste. The consequences extend far beyond aesthetics. Plastic bottles alone constitute a staggering 60 percent of the weight of all trash retrieved from the Anacostia River. This constant influx of debris chokes our aquatic ecosystems, threatening the diverse array of life within and ultimately impacting the health of the Chesapeake Bay, a natural treasure of global significance.

​By registering for this event, you agree to share your registration information with the organizers of DC Climate Week.