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:
- Official DC Department of Public Works: https://dpw.dc.gov/service/find-your-collection-schedule
- Zero Waste DC Residential Collection: https://zerowaste.dc.gov/page/residential-collection-information-requests
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:
- Trash and Recycling Collection Day App
- 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.