District Compliance Hub: HazMat (Thu/Sat) & Bulk Drop-off — Washington, DC (Apartment “4+ Unit” Rule)

The “Apartment Gap” (4+ Units): In Washington, DC, residents in buildings with four (4) or more units are typically excluded from DPW’s curbside trash/recycling and bulk pickup services that apply to single-family homes and 1–3 unit buildings. [1][2]

Result: If your building is 4+ units, bulk items and special waste are handled through property management’s private hauler and/or approved drop-off facilities/events—not 311 curbside pickup. [2]

Fort Totten Transfer Station (Self-Haul Bulk & Trash Drop-off)

Bulk Waste (Self-Haul): Since many apartment residents (4+ units) cannot use DPW curbside bulk pickup, Fort Totten is a practical self-haul option for mattresses and furniture drop-off (per DPW rules and hours). [2][3]

Proof of Residency Required: DPW instructs residents to bring a DC driver’s license or (if out-of-state ID) a current utility bill or lease/deed showing a District address (names must match). [3]

  • Facility: Fort Totten Transfer Station[3]
  • Address: 4900 John McCormack Rd NE, Washington, DC 20011[3][4]
  • Resident Drop-off Hours: Tue–Fri: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM  |  Sat: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM (confirm holiday impacts)[3]
  • Who Can Use It: DC residents only with required proof of residency[3]

HazMat & Electronics (Critical Compliance): Special Waste Collection Events

Do not guess. Household Hazardous Waste (chemicals/pesticides/oil-based paint) and electronics are handled through DPW’s Special Waste Collection Events, which operate on specific dates/locations and require advance registration (Eventbrite) and proof of DC residency. [5]

The “Thu/Sat” Schedule Note: Special waste events are commonly offered on Thursdays and Saturdays, but they are not daily services and locations can change. Do not arrive on a random weekday for chemicals—you may be turned away if you are outside an event window. [5][6]

  • HHW/Electronics: Use DPW Special Waste Collection Events (registration required; DC residents only)[5]
  • Proof Required: Bring driver’s license or utility bill / lease as proof of DC residency (plus event registration)[5]
  • Electronics Ban: Electronics are legally restricted from disposal as trash in DC (use approved recycling programs/events)[7]

Document Shredding (Free): First Saturday Events

Document Shredding: DPW provides document shredding through Special Waste Collection Events, and resident-facing materials have historically promoted shredding on the first Saturday of the month. Always confirm the current month’s schedule and location on the DPW Special Waste page before driving. [5][6]

Crucial Warning: Bulk Trash (4+ Units) — No 311 Curbside Pickup

The Rule: DPW curbside bulk collection is limited to single-family homes and buildings with three (3) or fewer units. Buildings with four (4) or more units (and other commercial properties) must use a private, licensed hauler. [2]

Action: Do not leave furniture at the curb or in the alley. Ask property management for the approved bulky-item process, or self-haul to Fort Totten when appropriate. [2][3]

Food Waste Drop-Off (Compost): Smart Bins (24/7) & Farmers Markets

DC offers a citywide network of Food Waste Smart Bins (24/7) and staffed weekend drop-off events (often at farmers markets/community sites). Smart bins can be accessed using the metroKEY app (or keypad code where available). [8]

Examples of major weekend drop-off markets include: Columbia Heights Farmers Market and Dupont Circle Farmers Market (see the official drop-down lists by ward for the full, current set of locations). [8]

Glass Recycling (Accepted in DC Blue Bin)

Good news: DC’s residential recycling guidance lists glass bottles and jars as accepted in standard single-stream recycling (clean and empty; no ceramics). [9]

EEAT Sources: [1] DPW: Trash/Recycling Collections (DPW does not collect from 4+ unit buildings; must use private hauler)  |  [2] DPW: Bulk Trash Collection (eligible: single-family & 1–3 units; 4+ units excluded)  |  [3] DPW: Fort Totten Transfer Station (resident hours; proof-of-residency requirements)  |  [4] Zero Waste DC: “What Goes Where?” (Fort Totten location reference)  |  [5] DPW: HHW, E-cycling & Document Shredding (special waste events, registration, proof of residency)  |  [6] DPW PDF: Fort Totten guide (special waste schedule context; confirm current DPW events)  |  [7] DOEE: Electronics Disposal Ban (effective Jan 1, 2018 — electronics must go through approved recycling)  |  [8] Zero Waste DC: Food Waste Drop-Off (24/7 Smart Bins + farmers market drop-offs; includes Dupont & Columbia Heights)  |  [9] Zero Waste DC: Recycle (Residents) — glass bottles & jars accepted

 
National Doorstep - The Valet Trash Service Experts

District of Columbia property owners and community managers: simplify recycling compliance while boosting resident satisfaction. National Doorstep’s valet trash & recycling service aligns with District of Columbia source-separation requirements to reduce contamination and enhance NOI — all with a turnkey program.

In Washington, DC, source separation and adequate waste collection are mandatory for multifamily and commercial generators under the DC Code. DPW provides service to single-family and buildings with three (3) or fewer units; properties with four (4) or more units must arrange private recycling/trash service. Large “private collection properties,” including multifamily with 80+ units, must submit an annual Source Separation Plan and meet added requirements (container capacity, signage/education, recordkeeping).

At a Glance: Washington, DC

  • Jurisdiction: District of Columbia
  • Mandate Type: Mandatory Recycling / Source Separation and Mandatory Adequate Collection (DC Code Title 8, Ch. 10A)
  • Applicability Threshold:
    • Service Responsibility: DPW collects for ≤3 units; multifamily 4+ units must provide private recycling & trash service.
    • Large Sites: Multifamily with 80+ units are “private collection properties” that must file an annual Source Separation Plan (due April 1) and maintain records.
    • Container Capacity: Minimum of 32 gallons per occupied unit per week; provide equal volume access to recycling and trash; containers labeled and secured as required.
  • Accepted (typical): Paper, cardboard, metal cans, plastic bottles/jugs (#1–#2), glass bottles/jars (confirm current list with your hauler or DPW).
  • Not Accepted: Plastic bags/film, Styrofoam, hazardous waste, electronics, bulky items (special handling).
  • References: DC Code §8-1031.03 · DC Code §8-1031.04 · DPW — Source Separation Plans · Zero Waste DC — Residents · DPW Recycling Fines Schedule

Fines & Penalties Snapshot

  • Recycling Violations (21 DCMR § 700 et seq.): $200 for 1st offense; $600 for 2nd within 60 days; $1,500 for 3rd within 60 days. (DPW Recycling Regulations)
  • Collection & Contamination Surcharges: DC Code § 8-1031.11 imposes a minimum $13.38 per ton transfer fee and additional surcharges for recycling loads exceeding contamination thresholds.
  • Non-Compliance with §§ 8-1031.03 or 8-1031.04: The Mayor may assess civil penalties or double fees for continued violations. (DC Solid Waste Management Act)

Property Manager Compliance Checklist

Task Action / Requirement Resources / Links
☑ Provide Recycling & Trash Service For 4+ unit buildings, contract a licensed hauler for recycling and trash; ensure separate collection and compliant delivery. DPW — Service Overview
☑ Meet Capacity & Container Standards Provide at least 32 gal/unit/week capacity; co-locate recycling with trash; provide equal volume access; secure lids and clear labels. DC Code §8-1031.04(a)(1) · DPW One-Pager
☑ Annual Resident Education Provide move-in packets, bin-side signage, and annual communication on what to recycle and how to set out. §8-1031.04(a)(2)
☑ Annual Staff Training Train janitorial/operations staff on source separation and container management at least once per year. §8-1031.04(a)(3)
☑ Designate a Compliance Agent Appoint an individual to implement the program and coordinate with DPW and haulers. §8-1031.04(a)(4)
☑ File Source Separation Plan (80+ units) Multifamily 80+ units: submit Source Separation Plan by April 1 each year; include agent/contact, hauler info, generation data, education program, and diversion strategy. Maintain 5-year records. DPW — SSP · §8-1031.04(b)
☑ Monitor Hauler & Contamination Verify separate collection and proper delivery; track contamination and adjust resident education to avoid surcharges or fines. Fines Schedule

Washington, DC Recycling — Compliance Summary

  • ☑ Jurisdiction Type: District of Columbia
  • ☑ Mandate Type: Mandatory Recycling / Source Separation and Mandatory Adequate Collection
  • ☑ Applicability Thresholds: DPW serves ≤3 units; 4+ units must provide private service; 80+ units must file an annual Source Separation Plan
  • ☑ Key Specs: 32 gal/unit/week minimum capacity; equal volume recycling vs trash; annual resident education & staff training; labeled containers & signage
  • ☑ Penalties: Fines of $200 (1st), $600 (2nd within 60 days), $1,500 (3rd within 60 days); plus possible surcharges under § 8-1031.11

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