Trash Pickup Schedule Day • District of Columbia

Washington, D.C. Trash & Recycling Pickup Schedule (2026) — The Complete Guide

Complete guide for Washington, D.C.: once-a-week trash & recycling for most DPW-served homes,
holiday “slide” rules, bulk pickup by appointment (up to 7 items), leaf collection (seasonal),
food-waste options (program/drop-offs), HHW & e-cycling events, and how to report missed service.

Washington, D.C. in 10 seconds: Most DPW-served single-family homes and small buildings (≤3 units)
get once-a-week trash & recycling. Holidays follow a “slide” schedule.
Bulk pickup is by appointment through 311 (up to 7 items).

📍 Address lookup & collection calendar (official)

Check your exact trash & recycling day(s), holiday adjustments, and reminders using DPW’s official schedule tools.

  1. Open DPW’s schedule page.
  2. Enter your address to see your collection day(s).
  3. Use the same resources to confirm holiday “slide” weeks and service alerts.

🗓️ Weekly service & set-out rules

Collection is route-based. Keep containers accessible with lids closed, and follow your property’s placement rules.
Always confirm details by address in the official DPW tool.

Frequencies (typical)

  • Trash: once per week (most DPW-served homes)
  • Recycling: once per week (most DPW-served homes)
  • Some areas may have different patterns—verify in the schedule tool

Set-out basics

  • Place bins out on your collection day per property guidance
  • Keep lids closed and avoid overflow
  • Do not block sidewalks, cars, or access for crews

Bins & repairs

Need a new bin or a replacement? Use 311 (web/app/call) or the DPW residential services pages to request help.

♻️ Recycling — what goes where

Keep recyclables empty, dry & loose (no plastic bags).
For a simple explainer too, see:
Trash vs. Recycling (US).

  • Use the District’s official lookup to confirm if an item is recyclable, trash, HHW, or drop-off only.
  • When in doubt, search the official tool before tossing.

🌿 Food waste (compost) — program, drop-offs & smart bins

D.C. offers food-scrap options through the Food Waste Collection Program (availability can vary by neighborhood and enrollment).
Even if curbside enrollment is limited, residents can use drop-off locations and smart bins when available.

  • Check current program details, enrollment, and drop-off options on Zero Waste DC.
  • Keep contaminants out (plastic bags, packaging, etc.).

📦 Bulk items (by appointment) — up to 7 items

Bulk pickup is scheduled through 311/DPW. You must book an appointment before setting items out.

  • Schedule via 311 (web/app/call) before set-out.
  • Up to 7 items per appointment (confirm eligibility and item rules on the DPW page).
  • Typical set-out window for bulk is 6:30 p.m.–6:00 a.m. around your appointment date (follow DPW instructions).

🍂 Leaf collection (seasonal)

Leaf collection is seasonal (often late fall through winter). Each year, DPW publishes section maps and dates.
Check your section and rules using the official leaf page/tracker.

Official leaf info: dpw.dc.gov/leaf-collection

🧪 HHW, e-cycling & drop-offs

Household hazardous waste (HHW), electronics recycling, and shredding are typically handled through scheduled events.
Confirm current dates, rules, and locations on the official DPW pages.

HHW & e-cycling events

  • Event-based collections for HHW/e-cycling/shredding
  • Bring proof of D.C. residency when required

Transfer station info

  • Fort Totten Transfer Station status and guidance is published by DPW
  • Some sites/services may be limited to events—verify before visiting

🎉 Holiday “slide” schedule

On City-observed holidays, collections typically “slide” to the next day for the remainder of the week.
DPW publishes an annual guide with details (including twice-a-week areas).

🚚 Missed pickup — what to do

If your trash, recycling, or program pickup was missed:

  1. Recheck set-out: containers placed on time, lids closed, and accessible.
  2. Confirm holiday “slide” changes in the DPW guide.
  3. Report via 311 (web/app/call) and include photos if possible.

FAQ — Washington, D.C. trash & recycling

What day is trash pickup in Washington, D.C.?

Most DPW-served single-family homes and small buildings (≤3 units) get once-a-week trash and recycling.
Use DPW’s schedule lookup to see your exact day by address.

How do I schedule a bulk pickup in D.C.?

Make a 311 appointment online, in the app, or by phone. Bulk pickup is typically up to seven items per appointment.
Follow DPW’s set-out window instructions for your appointment date.

Does D.C. offer food-waste (compost) collection?

Yes. D.C.’s Food Waste Collection Program includes curbside service for enrolled households plus drop-off and smart-bin options in many areas.
Check Zero Waste DC for current availability and enrollment.

Do holidays delay collection in D.C.?

Yes. On City-observed holidays, collection usually “slides” to the next day for the rest of the week.
Use DPW’s annual slide guide for details.


☎️ Official links & contacts (Washington, D.C.)