The Department of Public Works (DPW) collects recycling 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 our Slide Guide for more information.
Once-a-week collections occur in Wards 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, and parts of Wards 1 and 2. Homes in neighborhoods with narrow streets and alleys, in Wards 2 and 6 and parts of Ward 1, have collections twice a week.
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.
Residential Recycling Items
Acceptable Items to Recycle
- Clean and Empty Paper Items (Cups & Container, Flattened Cardboard, Food & Drink Cartons, Newspapers/Magazines, Books, Junk Mail & Office Paper)
- Plastics (Cups & Containers, Bottles & Lids, Bulky Items)
- Metal (Steel & Aluminum, Bottles, Cans, Containers)
- Glass (Glass Bottles & Jars)
Unacceptable Items to Recycle
- Tissues
- Plastic Bags
- Foam/Foam Polystyrene
- Straws or Utensils
- Paint Cans
- Window or Ceramic Glass
- Styrofoam
- Peanuts (foam packaging)
- Plastic Bags and Plastic Wraps: Plastic bags, wraps, and film of any color, size or shape.
Public Space Recycling
DPW, in partnership with the Capitol Hill and Downtown DC Business Improvement Districts (BID), began two public space recycling programs in 2008. Since then, the Golden Triangle, NOMA, Capital Riverfront, and Mount Vernon BIDs have joined. These initiatives target busy commercial areas where significant amounts of recyclable materials are being deposited in trash receptacles and entering the waste stream. The containers, which have signage indicating they are for recycling only, are for paper, aluminum cans, and plastic and glass bottles.
Recycling for Kids, Teachers, and Schools
Schools are essential in making recycling work in the District of Columbia. A school recycling program provides a great learning experience for everyone involved. Schools and recycling make a great partnership. By recycling, schools can make a significant contribution to the District’s recycling efforts while protecting the environment. To find resources for K–12 teachers to learn how to bring environmental lessons and practices into the classroom, please visit our Zero Waste DC Website: zerowaste.dc.gov
Buying, Repairing, or Replacing Recycling 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.
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 Recycling 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 the following services by calling 311 or using 311.dc.gov
-
Recycling - Commercial Only: Request recycling program information for your business or report a business without a recycling program.
-
Recycling - Information Request: Request to have recycling information mailed to your home.
-
Recycling Collection – Missed: Request a recycling pickup if yours was missed.
-
Recycling Container Delivery: Request a recycling bin or cart.
-
Recycling Container Repair: Request repairs to Recycling Container lids, lift bars, and wheels.