Washington, DC Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum weekly capacity
- 32 gallons per occupied residential unit
- Container preference
- Dumpsters over 32- or 64-gallon cans
- Security duty
- Secure containers against theft when not set out
- Repeat violation consequence
- Mandatory source separation plan filing
- Record retention
- Collection contracts kept 5 years
Summary
Private property owners in the District must secure trash and recycling containers against theft when they aren't set out for collection, and use dumpsters instead of 32- or 64-gallon cans wherever a dumpster is feasible. D.C. Code § 8-1031.04(a)(1) sets that container standard alongside a minimum weekly capacity requirement enforced by DPW.
(a) A private collection property owner shall provide adequate waste collection service, including: (1) Supplying waste containers to make source separation accessible for individuals discarding solid waste at the property; provided, that the containers shall: (A) Be capable of containing reasonably anticipated source-separated waste generated at the location, such that, taking into account frequency of service, the property owner is providing, at a minimum, capacity equivalent to 32 gallons of solid waste storage space per occupied residential unit on the property per week; ... (D) Be dumpsters, rather than 32-gallon or 64-gallon waste containers, where feasible, and where dumpsters are infeasible, waste containers shall be secured in such a manner so as to protect against theft of the container when not set out for collection.
Full Breakdown
C. ' Subsection (a)(1)(A) sets a floor on capacity: taking collection frequency into account, the property must provide at least 32 gallons of solid waste storage space per occupied residential unit per week. Subsection (a)(1)(D), the placement and security clause, tells owners to use dumpsters rather than 32-gallon or 64-gallon cans wherever a dumpster is feasible; where a dumpster isn't feasible, the smaller containers must be secured so they can't be stolen when they are sitting out but not yet set out for collection. Property owners also have to designate an agent responsible for implementing the chapter's requirements under subsection (a)(4), and provide annual training on the property's source-separation rules to any janitorial staff under subsection (a)(3).
Larger properties carry extra paperwork: multi-family buildings with 80 or more units, commercial buildings with 10 or more units, and businesses or nonprofits with 101 or more employees had to submit a source-separation plan to the Mayor by January 1, 2022, naming the designated agent, the collector's contact information and pickup schedule, and how the property will recycle or reduce waste headed for disposal. 14(e), and covered properties must keep collection contracts and invoices on file for five years for inspection.
Violations & Fines
A property owner found out of compliance with the container, capacity, or security requirements of § 8-1031.04 more than once within a six-month period must submit a source separation plan to the Mayor under § 8-1031.14(d). DPW inspectors can enter the property during normal business hours to check compliance under § 8-1031.14(e), and the Mayor may set additional civil fines for chapter violations under § 8-1031.14(c).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to lock up my trash cans in DC?
How much trash capacity does DC require per unit?
Who checks compliance with DC's container rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washington
Compare Washington to another location·View the District of Columbia trash & recycling overview
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