(Washington, DC)  The DC Department of Public Works announced today that its trash and recycling crews will begin their collections one hour earlier, at 6 am, Tuesday and Wednesday, July 8 and 9, citing predictions of 90° temperatures and unhealthy air quality.

“By starting at 6 am, our crews will be able to complete much of their work before the temperature and air quality are at their worst,” said DPW Director William O. Howland, Jr.  “In addition to considering our employees’ health, we also are reducing the amount of time garbage stays outside in the sun.”

Director Howland noted that residents may put their trash and recyclables out for pick-up starting at 6 pm the night before collections so they do not have to change their morning schedules to make sure these materials are collected. 

Throughout the summer, when the temperature is predicted to be 90° or higher or the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments announces unhealthy air quality (Code Orange or Code Red days), DPW collection crews will begin their work at 6 am.