(Washington, DC) Effective immediately, residents making appointments for bulk trash collection will again be able to set out large or bulky items, such as mattresses and furniture, at the same place that their regular trash is collected.

For part of this year, the Department of Public Works (DPW) suspended alley collection due to resident complaints that the large trucks used to pick up bulk items often damaged their property. Only curbside collection was allowed from March 6 through early October.

“People didn’t like having their homes and fences damaged, but they also didn’t like having to put their bulk items out front if they normally have alley trash collection,” DPW’s Deputy Director of Operations Michael Carter said.
 
DPW has ordered several new lift-gate trucks for bulk collection. Until those arrive, the department will use older trash trucks with a narrower profile to fit through the alleys.

Bulk trash is collected by appointment from households that already receive DPW trash and recycling service. To make an appointment for a bulk trash pick up, residents should simply call the Citywide Call Center at (202) 727-1000. After taking your information, the Citywide Call Center service representative will give you a collection date and a confirmation number. Citywide Call Center representatives will also ask if callers have alley or curbside collection.

Up to seven items may be collected at a time. Customers with more than seven items will be given additional appointment dates. Bulk items such as appliances, furniture, mattresses and tires, should be set out at the point of regular trash collection no earlier than the day before your service date.

DPW does not remove bulk trash from commercial establishments, including multi-unit apartment buildings (more than three units). Additionally, be aware that renovation materials, plate glass, drywall and other construction debris cannot be collected.