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Department of Public Works
 

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Trash Container Repair and Purchase

If I need a repair to my can, what should I do?

For households serviced by DPW, repair requests may be made online at 311.dc.gov or by calling 311 (202-737-4404). We will continue to replace other size cans and repair lids, bars, and wheels free of charge on all recently distributed containers with serial numbers that start with a W# for trash and R# for recycling. Containers with serial numbers starting with a DC# are old and cannot be repaired. 

 

How do I know if my residence is serviced by DPW?

DPW serves single-family homes and apartment buildings with three or fewer living units. We do not provide free replacement containers. Residents in buildings with four or more living units, mixed-use residential/commercial buildings, and commercial properties must have service arrangements with a commercial/private hauler and obtain trash and recycling containers themselves or from their hauler.

If you are a new homeowner in the District of Columbia, you are eligible for free containers if:

  • You moved into your home within the previous 90 days;
  • There are no containers at the home at the time of move-in; or
  • Containers are damaged beyond repair.

If you meet the above criteria, please send a copy of your deed or settlement letter to [email protected], or fax it to 202-645-3893. You can also mail a copy to:

Department of Public Works
Solid Waste Collections Division – Container Processing
1725 15th Street NE
Washington, DC 20002

Otherwise, residents and property owners may purchase trash and recycling containers from DPW, if we provide your collection services.

DPW serves single-family homes and apartment buildings with three or fewer living units. We do not provide free replacement containers. Residents in buildings with four or more living units, mixed-use residential/commercial buildings and commercial properties must have service arrangements with a commercial/private hauler and obtain trash and recycling containers themselves or from their hauler.

For households serviced by DPW, we will continue to replace and repair lids, bars and wheels free of charge on all recently distributed containers with serial numbers that start with a W# for trash and R# for recycling. Containers with serial numbers starting with a DC# are old and cannot be repaired. Repair requests may be made online at 311.dc.gov or by calling 311 (202-737-4404).

Residents can pay for new containers by credit card, check or money order. Pay online with a credit card here. Payment via check or money order should be made payable to the “DC Treasurer” and mailed to: Department of Public Works, Attention: SWCD – Container Check Processing, 1725 15th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Residents requesting the senior discount must provide 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 will be required. Please note that online payment does not allow you to submit proof of age. Mail this documentation to DPW, at the address provided above.

Containers will be delivered within 20 business days after receiving payment. Once the container is delivered, residents should put their address (street name and number) on the side and top (a bright, garish paint will make the container stand out) and record the container’s serial number to help deter theft and assist in identifying the container if it does go missing.

Container costs

Can Type Cost to Seniors (60 years or older) Cost to Non-Seniors
32-gallon Trash Can – Used in twice-a-week trash collection neighborhoods $27.00 $45.00
48-gallon Recycling Can – Used in twice-a-week trash collection neighborhood $25.00 $50.00
64-gallon Recycling Can – Used in once-a-week trash collection neighborhood $25.00 $55.00
96-gallon Supercan – Used in once-a-week trash collection neighborhoods $30.00 $62.50

Most households follow a once-a-week trash collection schedule and use the 96-gallon cart, or Supercan, for their trash. Homes in these neighborhoods use the 64-gallon recycling cart for once-a-week recycling collection. Neighborhoods with narrow streets and alleys receive twice-weekly trash collection and use the smaller 32-gallon carts (mini-Supercan) for their trash. These neighborhoods receive once-a-week recycling collection and use the 48-gallon recycling carts.

For more information, call 311 or (202) 737-4404, if the area code on your phone is outside the District.

Contact Email: 
Office Hours: 
Monday to Friday 8:15 am - 4:45 pm
Service Location: 

2235 Shannon Place SE, Suite 3040

GIS Address: 
2235 Shannon Place SE, Suite 3040
City: 
Washington
State: 
DC
Zip: 
20020