To request the installation of litter cans, you can submit your request through the 311 online portal. However, please note that not all requests are guaranteed to be fulfilled. Before submitting a request, the local ANC must approve the installation. Once received a Solid Waste Education and Enforcement Program (SWEEP) Inspector will investigate to ensure that the locations and requests meet DPW standards.
Please keep in mind that requests for new litter cans are for public spaces only and not for household trash or recycling containers. Public spaces include areas like major roads, commercial buildings, bus stops, churches, retail areas, restaurants, laundromats, public schools, and hospitals. If you need a repair, please use the Public Space Litter Can Repair request. If you want a litter can removed, please use the Public Space Litter Can Removal request.
Public Litter Can Frequently Asked Questions
What are public litter cans?
- Public litter cans are receptacles that are intended for small litter like non-recyclable food wrappers and other trash acquired while in transit in the District.
- Public litter cans are not for household trash.
What type of trash should be placed in public litter cans?
- Public litter cans are ONLY for small trash acquired while in transit. No household or commercial trash should be placed in public litter cans.
Where can public litter cans be found?
- Public litter cans are primarily along the District’s commercial streets. Public litter can collections are noisy, which is why litter cans are not placed in residential neighborhoods. There are approximately 7,000 litter cans throughout the District.
How often are public litter cans emptied?
- Public litter cans are emptied at night, following a daily to three times per week schedule, based on how much trash they receive. Public litter cans that are overflowing likely are being used for litter other than small trash acquired in transit.
Are their fines associated with improper use of public litter cans?
- Public litter cans are solely for the purpose of small quantities of waste for persons passing by the public litter can. All household or commercial waste is prohibited in public litter cans. Violators may be subject to the following fines:
1st Offense - $75,
2nd Offense - $150,
3rd Offense - $300, and
4th Offense - $1,000
How do you report an overflowing public litter can?
Report a public trash can that is full/overflowing and needs to be emptied by calling 311 or using https://311.dc.gov/citizen/home.
Litter Can Installation/Removal/Repair (30 Business Day SLA): DC 311 - Service request location
Litter Can Collection (2 Business Day SLA): DC 311 - Service request location
