(Washington, DC) The Fort Totten Trash Transfer Station, the city’s only solid waste facility open to the public, will change its weekday hours and extend its Saturday hours effective Monday, September 23, 2002. The trash transfer station, located at 4900 Bates Road, NE, will now be open to DC residents Monday – Friday from 1 pm to 5 pm and Saturdays from 8 am to 3 pm. The transfer station is closed on Sunday.

The Fort Totten Trash Transfer Station serves as a collection area for the District’s municipal waste, including residential trash, yard waste and bulk items, such as appliances, mattresses and furniture. Limited quantities of home renovation debris will be accepted for disposal. Lumber, cardboard and tree branches should be cut into four-foot lengths.

Fort Totten also accepts motor oil and antifreeze, but no hazardous wastes. The transfer station does not accept any waste generated from commercial operations – stores, apartment buildings, restaurants or businesses.

The transfer station processes 500 – 700 tons of municipal solid waste per day.

At Fort Totten, the District’s trash is dumped from the city’s trash packers into large cargo trucks and taken to the Fairfax County Disposal Facility. White goods (appliances), paper, and bulk metal are removed by private haulers. Organic waste, such as grass clippings, brush, tree branches and leaves are added to a compost pile.

Unlike many local jurisdictions, the District does not charge its residents a fee to use the Fort Totten facility. However, those bringing trash to the transfer station will be asked to provide proof of District residency. Call (202) 576-6803 for more information.

Note: DPW will hold its next Household Hazardous Waste Collection day on Saturday, November 2 from 9 am to 3 pm at the Carter Barron Amphitheater.