DC regulates trash bin placement and storage under DCMR 21-700 (Department of Public Works) and the Property Maintenance Code (DCMR 14-805). Bins must be stored in the rear yard or alley between collection days. Supercans and recycling bins may be placed for collection after 6:30 PM the night before and must be retrieved by 8:00 PM on collection day.
DC residential trash is collected by DPW for houses of 3 or fewer units under DCMR 21-700 et seq. Each address receives a 32- or 96-gallon Supercan for trash and a 32- or 65-gallon blue bin for recycling. Between collection days bins must be stored out of public view in the rear yard or behind the front building line; storage in the front yard, on the sidewalk, or tree box is prohibited under DCMR 14-805 and DCMR 21-701. Bins may be placed for collection after 6:30 PM the evening before and must be retrieved by 8:00 PM on collection day. Lids must be closed; overflowing bins trigger citations. Rowhouses with no rear alley access use curbside collection in front, and bins must still be stored off the public space between pickups. Properties with 4 or more units use private trash haulers and must contract for dumpster service that meets DCMR 21-707 standards (screening, pest-proofing). Illegal dumping and placing trash in someone else's bins are separately actionable under DC Code 8-901. Missed pickup requests are filed through 311.
Bin stored in front yard or on public space: $75 civil infraction under DCMR 14-805. Late placement or retrieval: $75 fine. Overflowing lid: $150. Illegal dumping in District bins: up to $1,000 under DC Code 8-901. Repeat violations: escalation.
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