District of Columbia, DC Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

DCMR Title 21 section 707 and the DC Property Maintenance Code set specific placement and storage rules for DPW-issued Supercans and blue recycling bins. On collection day, containers must be placed within 4 feet of the curb for street-side collection routes or at the alley edge for alley collection routes, with handles facing the house and lids fully closed. Bins must not block sidewalks, crosswalks, curb ramps, fire hydrants, or parked vehicles. In ADA-sensitive corridors, inspectors pay close attention to sidewalk clearance. Between collections, Supercans must be stored behind the front building line, typically in a side yard, rear yard, or alley-facing area, out of view from the public right of way. This side-yard storage requirement is heavily enforced in historic districts and in Advisory Neighborhood Commissions that emphasize streetscape aesthetics. For row houses without side yards (much of Capitol Hill, LeDroit Park, Shaw, Dupont), cans are stored in the rear yard or alley. DOB's Property Maintenance Division issues notices for cans left at curb past 8:00 PM or visible from the public street between collection days, with progressive fines. The District's Sustainable DC Act (DC Law 20-127) encourages compact storage and composting that reduce curbside footprint.