THE LEAFLET

January 4, 2021 /
Jona Elwell

Holiday Greenery Collection in DC Starts January 11

DC’s Department of Public Works will start collecting holiday trees and greenery curbside starting January 11 and going through February 5. Even better news? Items collected during this period will be composted and in the spring, the mulch will be provided to residents at no cost! Perfect for mulching your trees – a necessary component of urban tree care.

More highlights from their press release: 

  • Collection for DPW-serviced households. Residents who receive curbside collection service from DPW should leave items where and when they set out their trash. Households not serviced by DPW (for example, apartment buildings) should consult with their landlord/property owner for collection procedures.
  • No appointments required. This year, DPW will collect holiday trees from the normal point of collection on trash day.
  • Remove decorations. When setting these items out for collection, residents should remove all ornaments and lights. Do not put the trees and greenery in a bag.
  • Trees become free compost for residents. Trees and greenery collected through February 5 will be composted. District residents can collect up to five 32-gallon bags of the free compost year-round while supplies last at the Fort Totten Transfer Station. Residents must bring their own bags.
  • Composting not guaranteed after February 5. After that date, residents can still place holiday trees and greenery where their trash is collected; however, composting is not guaranteed. The items will be picked up with the trash as space in DPW trucks permits.
  • To find out a neighborhood’s collection schedule, residents can go to dpw.dc.gov and click on the holiday tree banner to see DPW’s trash schedule.
  • If a holiday tree and/or greenery was not collected, call 311 to create a “Christmas Tree Removal – Seasonal” service request.
  • To help safeguard employees and the community, DPW crews will continue to wear masks, practice social distancing, hand wash and hand sanitize frequently. Vehicles and equipment will be cleaned and sanitized before and after every use.