The Department of Public Works (DPW) is pleased to announce that there will now be three locations open throughout the winter season for residents to bring their food waste to be composted. The food waste drop-off locations at Columbia Heights, Dupont Circle, and Eastern Market will now be open year-round.

“Since the District first launched our Food Waste Drop-Off program in the spring, we’ve seen residents’ interest continue to grow,” said DPW Director Christopher Shorter. “With locations now open throughout the winter months, we’re able to provide residents with an easy way to compost their leftover food scraps year-round.”

Earlier this year on Earth Day, Mayor Bowser kicked off DPW’s first citywide Food Waste Drop-Off program. Through the free service, residents are able to drop-off food waste at designated farmers markets in all eight city wards. The food waste collected at these drop-off locations is composted locally at District community composting sites and at the Prince George’s County Organics Compost facility.

As of December 2, the Food Waste Drop-Off program had collected more than 89,000 pounds (44.5+ tons) of organics from more than 10,000 participants in all eight wards.

Residents are encouraged to drop off the following types of food scraps: vegetables, fruits, grain, bread, pasta, and coffee grounds.

DPW will re-launch the food waste drop-off program for other wards in conjunction with the opening of the farmers market season in May 2018.

DPW provides essential city services in two distinct program areas: environmental services/solid waste management and parking enforcement. Both contribute to making District streets and public spaces clean, safe, attractive and accessible for all residents, businesses, commuters and visitors.