(WASHINGTON, DC) – The Department of Public Works (DPW) announced today that it will begin residential trash and recycling collections at 6:00 a.m., effective immediately through September 6, 2024, to mitigate the impact of high temperatures and unhealthy air quality during the summer’s hottest months. In the event the heat index reaches a code red level, collections will start at 5:30 a.m.

Heat and humidity can dramatically change the conditions of garbage and can also cause bags to leak and spread all kinds of debris inside the bins. It can also impact the health of sanitation workers as they complete their routes.

“This adjustment is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of our sanitation collections team, who play a vital role in city services,” said DPW Director Timothy Spriggs. “By starting an hour earlier, we aim to reduce their exposure to heat-related illnesses and uphold the quality of our residential collection service.”

Director Spriggs encourages residents to assist in maintaining service continuity by placing trash and recyclables out for collection no later than 6:00 p.m. on the evening before collection days. With this summer predicted to be hotter than average for this region, the agency asks the public to be aware of unexpected challenges that may occasionally impact regular collections service.

“Under extreme conditions, the weather can impact machinery or personnel, which may cause slight delays,” said Spriggs. “As always, whenever this occurs, our goal is to complete 100% of any missed routes by the following morning.”

For more information on DPW’s sanitation services and residential collection schedules, visit dpw.dc.gov/service/find-your-trash-and-recycling-collection-schedule.