The Department of Public Works (DPW) collects trash once a week from single-family homes and apartment buildings with three or fewer living units. Use our Trash and Recycling Collection Day App to find your neighborhood collection day(s).
DPW does not collect from mixed-use residential/commercial buildings or residential buildings with four or more units. Apartment buildings with four or more units, mixed-use residential/commercial buildings, and commercial properties must contract for their own trash/recycling collection services. When a trash and recycling collection day falls on a holiday, collections will "slide" to the next day for the rest of the week after the holiday through Saturday. See the DPW Slide Guide for more information.
For a comprehensive list of what can be recycled in the District, please refer to the Mayor’s List of Recyclables and Compostables.
Visit zerowaste.dc.gov to learn what materials belong in the trash and recycling bins.
How to Avoid Sanitation Tickets
- Be sure to place trash and recycling containers out for collection no earlier than 6:30 pm the night before collection and no later than 6:00 am on your collection day.
- Be sure to remove your trash and recycling containers from public spaces by 8 pm on your collection day.
- Keep the public space around your property free of litter.
- You can pay your SWEEP violations (Sanitation Tickets) online through the payment portal.
How to Handle Medicine
- DO NOT FLUSH OR POUR MEDICINES IN THE TOILET!
- Residents can take old/expired medicine to the various drug take-back-site (check National Drug Take-Back Day.)
- Mix old/expired medicines with dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds, then put them in the trash.
- Recycle the empty bottles after marking out personal information or removing the identification label from the bottle.
Preventing Theft of Trash and Recycling Containers
Paint your address (including street name and number) on at least two sides of your containers using a bold, bright color that attracts attention and distinguishes your containers from your neighbors' containers.
Buying, Repairing, or Replacing Trash Containers
Repair requests can be made online at 311.dc.gov or by calling 311. DPW will continue to replace other size cans and repair lids, bars, and wheels free of charge on all recently distributed containers with serial numbers that start with a W# for trash and R# for recycling. Containers with serial numbers starting with a DC# will not be repaired. DPW does not provide free replacement containers.
Residents can pay for new containers by credit card, check or money order. Pay online with a credit card here. Payment via check or money order should be made payable to the “DC Treasurer” and mailed to: Department of Public Works, Attention: SWCD – Container Check Processing, 1725 15th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Residents requesting the senior discount must provide proof of age, such as a copy of the senior’s driver’s license, passport or non-driver identification issued by the DC Department of Motor Vehicles. When landlords make the request for their tenants who are senior citizens, proof of age of the tenant will be required. Please note that online payment does not allow you to submit proof of age. Mail this documentation to DPW, at the address provided above.
New Homeowner(s) in the District of Columbia
If you are a new homeowner in the District of Columbia, you are eligible for free containers if:
- You moved into your home within the previous 90 days.
- There are no containers at the home at the time of move-in; or
- Containers are damaged beyond repair.
If you meet the above criteria, please send a copy of your deed or settlement letter to [email protected], fax it to 202-645-3893, or you can mail a copy to:
Department of Public Works
Solid Waste Collections Division – Container Processing
1725 15th Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
Otherwise, residents and property owners may purchase trash and recycling containers from DPW, if we provide your collection services.
How to get a New Trash Container
Residents can pay for new containers by credit card, check, or money order. To pay online, with a credit card visit the DPW Trash/Recycling Container Payment Page. Payments via check or money order should be made payable to the “DC Treasurer” and mailed to:
Department of Public Works
Solid Waste Collections Division – Container Processing
1725 15th Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
Residents requesting the senior discount must provide proof of age, such as a copy of the senior’s driver’s license, passport, or non-driver identification issued by the DC Department of Motor Vehicles. When landlords request their tenants who are senior citizens, proof of age of the tenant will be required. Please note that online payment does not allow you to submit proof of age. Mail this documentation to DPW, at the address provided above.
Containers will be delivered within 7 business days after receiving payment. Once the container is delivered, residents should put their address (street name and number) on the side and top (a bright, garish paint will make the container stand out) and record the container’s serial number to help deter theft and assist in identifying the container if it does go missing.
|
Can Type |
Cost to Seniors (60 years or older) |
Cost to Non-Seniors |
|
48-gallon Recycling Can – Used in twice-a-week trash collection neighborhood |
$25.00 |
$50.00 |
|
64-gallon Recycling Can – Used in a once-a-week trash collection neighborhood |
$25.00 |
$55.00 |
Anyone can request trash services by calling 311 or using 311.dc.gov
