District residents can drop-off food waste to be composted at designated farmers markets and community sites. The drop-off locations are open on the weekends in all eight wards. Food Waste Drop-Off sites may be closed if the hosting farmers market is closed; please check their website for specifics dates.
Seeking Community Input: 24/7 Food Waste Drop-Off Bins
The DC Department of Public Works is aiming to install smart food waste bins to give District residents the ability to drop off food scraps in lockable bins 24/7, creating greater access to food waste diversion opportunities. To help determine where these food waste bins could go, in August 2024, DPW is hosting community meetings in each ward to gather resident input. Want to help determine where smart food waste bins could go in your neighborhood? Visit tinyurl.com/smartbin2024 to register for the virtual community engagement meeting in your ward!
Where Can I Participate?
Download MetroKey App and register to use the bin
Through the free service, residents are able to drop off food waste at designated farmers markets and community sites in all eight city wards. The food waste collected at these drop-off locations is composted locally at District community composting sites and at the Prince George’s County Organics Compost facility.
Complete List of Items Accepted in the Food Waste Drop-Off Program
- Fruit, vegetable scraps, and salad
- Coffee grounds, paper tea bags, and loose tea
- Bread, grains, cereals, rice, and pasta
- Milk, cheese, or other dairy products
- Meat or seafood scraps (cooked or uncooked) and bones
- Egg shells
- Nutshells
- Corncobs
- Stale beans, flour, and spices
- Cut or dried flowers
- Pumpkins and Squash
- Fats, grease, or oil
- Plastic bags, wraps or film
- Coated or Uncoated Paper and Cardboard (Paper bags, plates, bowls)
- Non-compostable materials like plastic, metals, foil, glass, or Styrofoam
- Pet refuse
- Diseased or insect-infested houseplants and soil
- Biodegradable plastics & biodegradable or compostable packaging
How to Bring Your Food Waste to a Food Waste Drop-Off Site
Acceptable food scraps and organic materials can be collected in covered plastic containers, paper/plastic bags. When you arrive at the Food Waste Drop-Off location, you can empty your food waste from the container into the available bins. Paper towels, spatulas, and hand santizer are provided for your convenice. Please keep in mind that plastic bags are NOT recyclable in the District.
We recommend rinsing plastic containers holding the food waste between uses and lining the bottom with shredded newspapers for odor control. Another tip for controlling odors is to store food scraps in the freezer or refrigerator.
Can Businesses Drop Off Materials to Compost?
Commercial food scraps are not accepted. Businesses should contact a local hauler who can handle commercial organic waste.
