If you are looking for DC's Roll Off Days Events, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/RollOffDC
Some waste should not be disposed of in your recycling or trash bins. Below is a list of options for properly recycling or disposing of special waste.
Special Waste Residential Drop-Off
District residents can drop off many types of special waste at no cost. The location and dates for Special Waste Collection (including Household Hazardous Waste, Electronics, and documents to be shredded) are available on DPW's website. So that DPW can serve you safely and efficiently, pre-register for the events on Eventbrite.
Electronics
Covered electronic equipment is banned from trash.
- Drop off and recycling electronics at DPW's Special Waste Collection Events.
- Find additional recycling options through the District's electronics stewardship program, eCYCLE DC. Note that only covered electronic equipment is accepted at these events. See eCYCLE DC for more information.
Batteries
- Visit one of the many retail drop-off locations in the District for single-use and rechargeable batteries with The Battery Network.
- You can also drop off and recycle batteries at DPW's Special Waste Collection Events.
- To safely store all used rechargeable batteries, tape each battery terminal with non-metallic tape.
Textiles
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The Sustainable DC (SDC) Textiles Reuse & Recovery Initiative provides local residents and visitors with resources for decreasing the impact that their clothing (and other textiles) has on the environment.
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
- HHW materials should NOT be put in trash or recycling bins.
- Safely dispose of HHW at DPW's Special Waste Collection Events.
- Visit here for a list of accepted and prohibited HHW items at DPW's Special Waste Collections Events.
Paint
- The most convenient option for paint disposal and recycling is PaintCare. Find the nearest retail drop-off location on PaintCare’s website.
- Paint can also be dropped off at DPW's Special Waste Collection Events.
CFL Lamps
- Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulbs contain small amounts of mercury.
- Safely dispose of CFL bulbs at DPW's Special Waste Collection Events.
Needles & Sharps
- At this time, the District does not have a needle disposal program.
- Here is a step-by-step guidance sheet on the proper disposal of needles and sharps.
Prescription Drugs
- Do NOT flush or pour prescription drugs down the drain.
- Check the National Drug Take-Back Day website for upcoming events.
- Find permanent drug disposal sites using the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy’s locator or the US Department of Justice’s Controlled Substance Public Disposal Locator.
- If you cannot make it to a drop-off location or event, mix crushed pills or liquid with dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds, then put them in the trash. Recycle the empty bottle after removing any personal information and the label.
Secure Document Shredding
- Residents may bring up to 5 medium-sized boxes of secure, personal documents to the at DPW's Special Waste Collection Events. Please place documents such as junk mail, newspapers, and other materials that do not contain sensitive personal information in your household recycling bin.
- Local paper stores will offer shredding services for a small fee.
- Residents can purchase an at-home shredding machine and recycle shredded documents securely by placing them in a paper bag, stapling the bag shut, and putting it in their recycling bin.
Mattresses
- For safe disposal, mattresses must be wrapped in plastic for bulk collection.
- Call 311 to set up a bulk trash collection appointment.
- Place your bulk items out no earlier than 6:30 pm the day before or no later than 6 am on your appointment day.