(Washington, DC) Thousands of students are pouring into the District this week, moving into new apartments and setting up group houses as they prepare for the start of fall term at any one of a half-dozen universities in the city. As new or returning residents, these students may not be aware of DC's basic trash and sanitation rules.

Residential Trash Collection - The District collects household trash and recyclables from single-family homes and from small, multi-family buildings with three or fewer dwelling units. Owners of larger apartment buildings must provide trash and recycling services for their tenants.

• Set out trash and recycling containers no earlier than 6:30 pm the night before collection. Residents must remove these containers from public space by 8 pm on collection day.
• All trash must be securely bagged and put inside a District-issued trash container. Bags outside of containers are allowed only for grass clippings and leaves.
• Most neighborhoods have once-a-week trash collection. However, a few areas receive twice-weekly service.
• Find out your trash collection day(s) here.

Recyclables Collection - The District collects recyclable paper, glass, plastics and metals. Recyclables are collected on the same day and in the same location as your trash.

• If your home receives twice-weekly trash pick-up, check the recycling map to find out which day recyclables are collected in your neighborhood.
• Also, find out what materials you can and cannot recycle.

Bulk Trash - The Department of Public Works (DPW) collects large, bulky items by appointment from households that receive city trash collection service. For a bulk pick-up, call the Mayor's Citywide Call Center at (202) 727-1000. Learn more about bulk trash collection online.