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Leaf Collection

The first pass for leaf collection in Section A in Wards 1-8 is underway. Section B, you’re up next. The first pass for leaf collection in Section B will begin Monday, November 16, 2026.  Section B residents, please have your leaves at the tree box or curbside by Sunday, November 15, 2026.
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name that plow
DPW is putting fun into winter preparations with the launch of its “Name That Plow” contest, inviting District residents to put their creativity to the test and help name eight of the city’s snowplows—one representing each ward. Whether it’s a clever pun, a nod to DC history, a neighborhood inside joke, or a name that captures the unique spirit of the nation’s capital, DPW wants residents to let their imaginations run wild.
Submit Your Name

DPW Smart Bins Reaches 1 Million-Pound Collection Milestone

As District residents are increasingly dropping off their food waste in DPW's network of Food Waste Smart Bins, DPW has reached a major sustainability milestone, collecting 1 million pounds of compostable material.
Learn More About Food Waste
Trash and Recycling Collection Map Bannerr

Enter your address to see the status of your trash and recycling collection.

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Murals DC 250 Background

Celebrate DC’s story through public art!

The DC250 Mural Project will bring eight new murals to iconic locations across the District, with one mural in each ward. Created by DC-based artists, each piece will reflect the history, identity and spirit of the community it represents.
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DPW Special Waste Collection Events

The Department of Public Works (DPW) hosts Special Waste Collection Events, which are your chance to safely recycle electronics, dispose of hazardous waste, and shred documents. Residents can reserve their 15-minute spot for quick, easy drop-off! Open to DC residents only—bring proof of residency. No commercial waste allowed. Let’s keep DC clean together!
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Celebrate DC’s story through public art!

The DC250 Mural Project will bring eight new murals to iconic locations across the District, with one mural in each ward. Created by DC-based artists, each piece will reflect the history, identity and spirit of the community it represents.
Learn More

DPW Smart Bins Reaches 1 Million-Pound Collection Milestone

As District residents are increasingly dropping off their food waste in DPW's network of Food Waste Smart Bins, DPW has reached a major sustainability milestone, collecting 1 million pounds of compostable material.
Learn More About Food Waste

Enter your address to see the status of your trash and recycling collection.

Learn More

Leaf Collection

The first pass for leaf collection in Section A in Wards 1-8 is underway. Section B, you’re up next. The first pass for leaf collection in Section B will begin Monday, November 16, 2026.  Section B residents, please have your leaves at the tree box or curbside by Sunday, November 15, 2026.
Learn More

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Questions on How to Dispose of Something in DC? There’s an App for That

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It’s not always easy remembering which items are recyclable, which items require scheduling a bulk pick-up, and which items are considered household hazardous waste. To take the guesswork out of waste disposal and recycling, the Department of Public Works (DPW) has created a new web app that allows residents to type in almost any item they can think of, after which they will be provided with information on how that item should be properly disposed of, recycled, reused or composted in the District.

3 Steps to Trash and Recycle The Right Way

Disposing of trash and recyclables the right way helps keep our city clean, beautiful, and healthy. Litter creates a breeding ground for rats, pollutes our city and waterways, is unsightly, and can injure or kill pets when ingested. Taking the time to sort recyclables and prepare them for collection plays an important role in preserving our planet and city for generations to come. The District is the greatest city in the world, and we all have a role to play in keeping it that way.

DPW Celebrates Earth Month, Reopens Food Waste Drop-Off Locations

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In honor of Earth Month, the Department of Public Works (DPW) is pleased to announce the reopening of food waste drop-off’s throughout the city, and an array of other services. On Earth Day weekend (April 21-22), DPW will be giving away kitchen caddies to the first 50 participants at each open drop-off location to help residents compost their food waste.

DPW, DDOT Employees Prepare to Compete in Heavy Machinery “Roadeo”

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City employees who operate heavy machinery on the District’s streets may make it look easy, but doing so requires significant training and skill. This Friday, employees from the Department of Public Works (DPW), District Department of Transportation (DDOT), and other city agencies, will have the chance to show off their skills as they compete in the annual Professional Equipment Roadeo.

Mayor Bowser Directs DC Snow Team to Pretreat Roads in Advance of Forecasted Tuesday Night Snow

Date Released: 

The National Weather Service is forecasting a wintry mix of snow, sleet and rain overnight on Tuesday, continuing through Wednesday morning. The DC Snow Team will fully deploy with more than 200 heavy and light plows starting at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday to pretreat treat all National Highway System, primary, secondary and residential routes within the District. Residents and motorists can register to receive important weather alerts from the District on their devices by signing up for AlertDC at alertdc.dc.gov.

DPW Performance Oversight Hearing on Fiscal Years 2017

Date Released: 

Government of the District of Columbia, Department of Public Works
Testimony of Christopher J. Shorter, Director

Department of Public Works on: Performance Oversight Hearing on the Department of Public Works Fiscal Years 2017

Committee on Transportation and The Environment
Mary M. Cheh, Chairperson
John A. Wilson Building
Room 123
1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20004

 

Residential Mechanical Street Sweeping to Resume March 1

Date Released: 

(WASHINGTON, DC) The Department of Public Works (DPW) will resume residential mechanical street sweeping on Thursday, March 1. To ensure streets are swept thoroughly, motorists are asked to obey the signs posted with the days of the week and hours of the day when parking restrictions will be enforced. The fine for violating this restriction is $45. Signs posted along street sweeping routes indicate that the program runs from March 1 through October 31.

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Featured Services

DPW collects large, bulky items by appointment from eligible residential households.
The safe disposal of household hazardous waste (HHW), batteries, and unwanted electronic equipment…
Holidays may affect the date your trash and/or recycling is collected. 
The DC Department of Motor Vehicles allows you to pay tickets online.
Most households follow a once-a-week trash collection schedule. Use our Trash and…
DPW operates solid waste disposal at two transfer stations; Fort Totten Transfer Station and…

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