Washington, DC Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)

01, administers the Rodent Abatement Program that governs yard waste. 01(2) defines 'debris' to include three categories: construction or demolition waste not stored in a rodent-proof container and not removed within 14 days, at (A); yard waste and branches that are not bundled and set out for waste collection, excluding yard waste placed in a properly maintained compost pile, at (B); and firewood stored next to a building or left in loose piles rather than kept at least 18 inches off the ground or in a rodent-proof structure, at (C).

05(a) then makes it unlawful to cause or permit debris to accumulate on public or private property, or to let weeds or grass grow to 8 inches or more on private property you own. 05(b) adds a duty triggered at transfer or change of occupancy: the owner must inspect for signs of past or active rodent harborage, seal entryways with hardware cloth or similar material if signs are found, and abate any active infestation. 05(c) gives the property owner 14 days to abate the debris or harborage condition, and any abatement of an existing rodent population must be performed by a licensed, certified pest controller.