Food Waste Drop-Off
DC's Department of Public Works now offers residents two options for food waste drop-off citywide:
1. (New!) Food Waste Smart Bins are available 24/7 and can be unlocked using the metroKEY app or a keypad access code.
- To download the metroKEY app, go to Google Play or the Apple App Store or visit https://qr1.be/458A.
- The keypad access code in 2025 is 2-0-2-5-#. (Note: The GWU - Kogan Plaza smart bin does not have a keypad.)
- For metroKEY app troubleshooting tips, see below.
2. Staffed Food Waste Drop-off Events at designated farmers markets and community sites on Saturdays & Sundays. The drop-off locations are open on the weekends in all eight wards. Food Waste Drop-Off sites may be closed if the hosting farmers market is closed; please check their website for specific dates.
- There are 12 staffed weekend food waste drop-off events citywide in all eight wards (♿)
- In case of holidays or inclement weather, a staffed drop-off site may close if the associated farmers market also closes; check the market's websites for updates.
Visit zerowaste.dc.gov for more information
Find the Drop-off Location Nearest You
Residents can drop off food waste and food-soiled paper for composting at 24/7-accessible Food Waste Smart Bins and weekend drop-off events in all eight wards. All collected food waste is taken to nearby composting facilities in the DC area, such as the Prince George’s County Organics Composting facility in Upper Marlboro, MD.
Where Can I Participate?
| Location | Address | Ward | Program Day | Drop-off Times |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Heights Farmers Market |
14th St. NW and Kenyon St. NW |
Ward 1 |
Sat - Year Round |
Apr-Dec: 9 AM - 1 PM; Jan-Mar: 10 AM - 1 PM
|
| Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market |
3200 Mt Pleasant St. NW |
Ward 1 |
Sat - Year Round |
9 am-1 pm |
| Dupont Circle Farmers Market |
Hillyer Pl NW & Connecticut Ave NW
|
Ward 2 |
Sun - Year Round |
8:30 am-1:30 pm |
| Cleveland Park Farmers Market | 3426 Connecticut Ave NW | Ward 3 | Sat - Closed Late Dec-Mar | Apr-Dec: 9 am - 1pm |
|
University of District of Columbia Farmers Market |
4340 Connecticut Ave. NW |
Ward 3 |
Sat - Year Round |
9 am - 1pm |
|
U Street NW & MacArthur Blvd NW |
Ward 3 |
Sun - Year Round |
9 am-1 pm |
|
|
14th St. NW and Kennedy St. NW |
Ward 4 | Sat - Year Round | 9 am - 1 pm | |
|
716 Monroe St. NE |
Ward 5 |
Sat - Year Round |
Apr-Dec: 9 AM - 1 PM; Jan-Mar: 10 AM - 1 PM
|
|
|
Eastern Market (in front of Rumsey Aquatic Center) |
635 North Carolina Avenue SE |
Ward 6 |
Sat - Year Round |
9 am-1 pm |
|
425 M Street SW |
Ward 6 |
Sat - Year Round |
9 am-1 pm |
|
|
First Baptist Church of Deanwood - Outreach Center |
4408 Sheriff Road NE
|
Ward 7 |
Sat - Year Round |
9 am-1 pm |
|
Sycamore & Oak (SOAK) |
1110 Oak Drive SE
|
Ward 8 | Sat - All year |
10am - 2pm |
