Washington bulk trash pickup: schedule, rules & how to schedule
DC's Department of Public Works collects bulky items by appointment from households that receive DPW trash service (single-family homes and buildings with three or fewer units). You may set out up to seven items per appointment.
By appointmentFree or included
How pickup works
| Type | By appointment, up to 7 items |
| Schedule | Call 311 or use 311.dc.gov to set the appointment before you put items out. Appointments are often available within about 10–14 days, according to the official service page. Place items where regular trash is collected, between 6:30 p.m. the night before and 6:00 a.m. on collection day. |
| Limits | No more than seven items per appointment. |
| Cost | The official DPW bulk-collection page does not list a fee for eligible residential appointments. |
| Who is eligible | Residential households that receive DPW trash collection: single-family homes and buildings with three or fewer living units. Apartment buildings with four or more units, condominiums, co-ops and commercial properties must use a private licensed hauler. |
| How to set items out | Where your trash and recycling are collected, between 6:30 p.m. the night before and 6:00 a.m. on the appointment day. |
How to book
311 or 311.dc.gov — submit a Residential Bulk Trash Collection request.
DC DPW: Bulk Trash Collection →Phone: 311
What they accept
Usually accepted
- Furniture and similar bulky household items
- Major appliances, for example refrigerators (doors removed)
- Mattresses and box springs (must be wrapped in plastic), bed frames
- Rugs (must be rolled and tied)
- Toys such as kiddie pools, playhouses and disassembled swing sets
- Toilets (the official page requires the entire unit to be wrapped and sealed in plastic)
Usually not accepted
- Bagged waste (no plastic trash bags)
- Books (those go in the recycling cart)
- Bricks, ceiling tile, construction or demolition materials, and dirt — these are not accepted from residents in bulk collection
- Other renovation materials listed on the official page
Mattresses
Accepted if wrapped in plastic, along with box springs.
Appliances (including Freon)
Major appliances such as refrigerators are accepted; remove the doors.
Tires
Not listed as an accepted bulk item on the official page. Confirm with 311.
E-waste
Not highlighted as a standard bulk item on the official page. Confirm with 311.
If you would rather drop it off
Larger buildings must use a private hauler. Residents can also use official transfer or drop-off options; confirm with DPW.