(Washington, DC)  The DC Department of Public Works announced today that starting Monday, May 13 senior citizens, age 60 and older, will be able to pay $30 for a Supercan (used in once-a-week trash collection neighborhoods), or $20 for the 32-gallon trash cans (used in twice-a-week collection neighborhoods) and $20 for the blue recycling cans that are used citywide.  Non-seniors will continue to pay $62.50 for a Supercan or $45 for a 32-gallon trash can or recycling can.

“We are restoring the senior citizen discount offered in the past for Supercans because our financial situation has improved since FY 2011 when DPW no longer could afford to offer the discount,” said DPW Director William O. Howland, Jr.  “In 2011, we began charging for the 32-gallon trash cans and recycling cans, which had been free.”

Director Howland testified April 12 that Mayor Gray has proposed a five-year, $10 million program to refresh the District’s entire stock of trash and recycling cans, starting in FY 2014 when $2 million each year will be available to begin to replace these containers.  The first two years (FY 2014 and FY 2015) of funding will be used for Supercan replacement ($4M).  The following two and one-half years (years 3, 4, and 5) of funding will be used to replace the existing single stream recycling containers with larger recycling containers ($5M).  The fifth year also will fund the replacement of the trash containers in twice-a-week collection areas ($1M).

The Department plans to use these funds to eventually replace more than 75,000 Supercans and 104,000 recycling carts at each eligible residence in DPW’s service population.  When Mayor Gray proposed the FY 2014 budget, he said that past sacrifices to ensure fiscal responsibility now allow the District government to make investments to boost the quality of life for all District residents.   

DPW will continue to replace for free lids, bars and wheels on Supercans and the 32-gallon containers.

Residents may pay for their containers by check or money order, made payable to the “DC Treasurer.” The address where the container is to be delivered should be written on the payment.  Mail payment to Department of Public Works, 2750 South Capitol Street, SE, Washington, DC 20032 along with 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 make the request for their tenants who are senior citizens, proof of age of the tenant should be provided.  Containers will be delivered within 10 business days after receiving payment.

For more information, call 311.