DC Trash Pick Up: Find Your Residential Curbside Collection Schedule

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Efficient trash pickup is crucial for maintaining clean, healthy neighborhoods in Washington, DC. The District of Columbia’s Department of Public Works (DPW) provides comprehensive waste management services to help residents keep their communities clean and environmentally responsible.

References:

Trash Pick Up Schedule in Washington, DC

Most households in DC follow a once-a-week trash collection schedule. The specific collection day varies depending on your neighborhood and type of residential property.

Residential Trash Collection

DC provides trash collection services for:

  • Single-family homes
  • Apartment buildings with three or fewer units

Important collection details:

  • Most households use 96-gallon plastic rolling carts (Supercans)
  • Neighborhoods with narrow streets receive twice-weekly collections
  • Narrow street residents use smaller 32-gallon rolling carts (mini-Supercans)

Finding Your Collection Day

Residents can easily determine their trash pickup schedule using two methods:

  1. Trash and Recycling Collection Day App
  2. Calling 311 for specific information

Recycling Services

DC offers curbside recycling for residential properties:

  • Single-family homes
  • Apartments with three or fewer units
  • Businesses with four or more units must arrange private recycling services

Recycling Guidelines:

  • Do not bag recyclables in plastic bags
  • Paper bags are acceptable
  • Loose recyclables are preferred

Bulk & Large Item Pick Up

Residents can request bulk trash collection through:

  • Calling 311
  • Visiting 311.dc.gov

Bulk Pickup Rules:

  • Schedule an appointment
  • Place items out no earlier than 6:30 pm the day before
  • Place items no later than 6 am on appointment day

Yard Waste Collection

Yard waste collection requires a specific process:

  • Call 311 to schedule
  • DPW collects up to 20 paper bags of yard waste
  • Alternative drop-off at Fort Totten Transfer Station

Holiday Trash Pick Up Changes

During holidays, trash collection follows a “slide” schedule:

  • Collections move to the next day
  • Applies to the entire week following the holiday
  • Continues through Saturday
  • Twice-weekly collection routes adjust accordingly

How to Request Services

Residents can access DC waste management services through:

  • 311 phone number
  • 311.dc.gov website
  • Trash and Recycling Collection Day App

Bin Management Tips

  • Place bins out no earlier than 6:30 pm before collection day
  • Return bins to property by 8 pm on collection day
  • Use bins with tightly fitting lids
  • Keep surrounding area litter-free

DC’s trash pickup services are designed to keep the city clean, sustainable, and environmentally responsible. By following guidelines and utilizing available resources, residents can contribute to a more efficient waste management system.

For the most up-to-date information, always check the official DC Department of Public Works website or contact 311.

https://dpw.dc.gov/service/find-your-collection-schedule

Most households follow a once-a-week trash collection schedule. Use our Trash and Recycling Collection Day App to find your collection day(s).

https://zerowaste.dc.gov/page/residential-collection-information-requests

Look up your collection day and set-out times, repair or request new recycling or trash bin, arrange a bulk pickup, or report a missed collection.

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