The Department of Public Works (DPW) provides regularly scheduled trash and recycling collection to single family homes and small, multifamily buildings in the District. Collection is scheduled either once or twice a week, depending on one's location in the city.

Larger apartment buildings, condominiums, and co-ops do not receive municipal trash service and handle their trash and recycling somewhat differently. Consult your lease, rental agreement or apartment manager for information regarding trash disposal. Most buildings have a trash chute or dumpster, which they require be used. One should never leave trash or trash bags in common areas, including hallways.

Supercans
Supercans are new, 96-gallon containers that are constructed with wheels and handles for easy mobility and have attached, tight-fitting lids to deter rodents. Supercans are designed for both safety and cleanliness in the communities as well as for easier trash collection by the District. One Supercan was provided to each once-a-week household collection location in the District and should remain with the home. Residents may purchase additional Supercans for $62.50. Warranty repairs (replacement of wheels, replacement of tops) are done free of charge. Stolen Supercans will be replaced for a $20 delivery and handling fee. A police report is required. Here are some helpful hints for using your Supercan:

• Always put trash in plastic bags before placing in Supercan. (Tie bags closed.)
• Periodically wash out can to eliminate odors that can attract rats.
• Do not overload Supercans. Lids must be kept closed. When full, the Supercan must weigh no more than 250 pounds
• If your Supercan is damaged or needs repair, call (202) 727-1000

Bulk Trash
The Department of Public Works (DPW) collects large, bulky items--by appointment--from households that receive DPW trash collection service (not apartments, condominiums or co-op buildings). To arrange for a bulk collection appointment, call the Citywide Call Center at (202) 727-1000. Only seven items may be collected at a time. Customers with more than seven items will be given subsequent appointments. Bulk items (sofas, refrigerators, hot water heaters, mattresses and box springs) should be put in the alley or on the sidewalk where the collection team can identify your address.

DC residents not eligible for bulk trash collection may hire a private hauler to dispose of their item or transport the item to the Fort Totten Trash Transfer Station at 4900 Bates Road, NE. In order to dispose of bulk trash at Fort Totten, an individual must provide proof of District residency, such as a DC driver's permit and a valid vehicle registration. A third form of proof in the form of a utility bill or voter registration card may also be required.

Recycling
The Department of Public Works provides recycling services for residents of the District of Columbia whose trash is also collected by the Department. Residents with Supercans who receive once-a-week trash collection should put their recyclables out at the same site and on the same day as their regular trash collection. Residents who have twice-a-week service should put out their recyclables on the second collection day along side their trash container.

Put out trash and recyclables no earlier than 6:30 pm the evening before collection. To make sure that your stop is not missed, set out trash and recyclables by 6 am on collection day.

Litter
One of Mayor Anthony Williams' current programs is the Clean City Initiative, which is aimed at preserving the appearance of neighborhoods in the District of Columbia. A major component of this initiative pertains to litter, which is a violation of DC Municipal Regulations:

No person shall deposit, throw or place, or cause to be deposited, thrown or placed any solid waste in any alley, street, catch basin, or other public space, or into the Potomac River or other waters in the District, or onto any premise under the control of others. 21 D.C. Municipal Regulations S 700.4

A clean city is everybody's job! Do your part to take care of your community by cleaning up trash you see in your neighborhood and always disposing of your trash properly.