In support of Mayor Bowser’s Zero Waste Initiative, DPW has updated its yard waste collection program.

Yard waste collection is now year-round. Residents must call 311 to make an appointment for yard waste collection. Residents can also visit 311.dc.gov to make an appointment or download and schedule an appointment using the 311 mobile app available at the Google Play and Apple App stores.

DPW only collects yard waste in paper bags, which is unlike previous years when plastic bags were acceptable for collection. Beginning August 16, 2021 yard waste will only be collected in paper bags. DPW will collect up to 20 paper bags of yard waste from residences that receive DPW’s trash and recycling collection services.

Scheduled yard waste collection is an enhancement to the yard waste program. Residents are still able to 1) leave their paper yard waste bags at the point of trash collection; 2) Resident may drop off their yard waste at Benning Road Transfer Station Wednesday – Friday 10:00 am -2:00 pm; or 3) take a home composting class and learn how to compost at home.

The program will now run year-round.

Yard waste composting is another step in the plan to help the District reach its zero waste goals. Scheduling for yard waste collection allows DPW to accurately keep track of the city’s waste diversion.

Yard waste scheduled for pick up in plastic bags or found to contain improper materials will be labeled with an Oops! sticker. If a resident has more than 20 paper bags, the additional bags will be labeled with an Oops! sticker as well. Bags with Oops stickers will need to be rebagged in paper bags, if in plastic, and a new collection request must be scheduled so that the material can be picked up.

What is Yard Waste

DPW collects yard waste from residences that receive DPW’s trash and recycling collection services. Yard waste consist of the following:

• Leaves
• Grass Clippings
• Weeds
• Bulbs
• Twigs
• Pinecones
• Uprooted Plants
• Bundled branches and limbs no more than 4 inches in diameter and that are tied in 4-footlengths

DPW will not collect yard waste that includes tree limbs and branches greater than 4 inches in diameter or 4 feet in length and stumps, dirt, stones, rocks, broken concrete, and broken pottery flowerpots. Please visit DPW’s What Goes Where Tool to learn how to recycle or dispose of these materials.

Acceptable Yard Trim Materials List:

• Grass – Bagged (paper bags)
• Leaves – Bagged (paper bags)
• Garden Plant Clippings
• Tree Limbs/Brush
• Green Woody Waste

Not – Accepted Materials List:

Loads containing the following materials will be rejected!

• Plastic Bags, Wrappers or Film
• Plastic Jugs
• Aluminum or Steel Cans, Utensils, Pans
• Tires
• Facial or Toilet Tissue
• Pet Waste, including Cat Litter
• Kitchen Pots or Pans
• Ceramic or Plastic Dishes
• Sod
• Bamboo
• Rubble/Construction Materials
• Household Trash
• Styrofoam Containers
• Plastic Bottles
• Aluminum Foil, Disposable Aluminum Pans
• Grease or Fats
• Diapers
• Household Trash/Litter
• Foil Backed or Plastic Backed Paper
• Glass of Any kind
• Dirt
• Treated Lumber
• Electronics
• Oil or Paints