October 23, 2026
Dear Washingtonians,
Leaf collection starts soon, and here's what residents should know:
- Beginning Monday, November 2 and continuing through February, DPW leaf crews will service residential streets that receive DPW trash and recycling collection.
- Every residential street that receives DPW trash and recycling collection services will receive at least two scheduled leaf collections during the season.
- Neighborhoods in Wards 1 through 8 are organized into Sections A, B, C, and D, allowing crews to coordinate collections across the District. Go to dpw.dc.gov/leaf to find out what section you live in.
- Crews will start in Section A, so residents in Section A should rake their leaves out by Sunday, November 1.
- Rake leaves into tree boxes or along the curb by the Sunday before your scheduled collection week.
- Use paper bags only when bagging leaves. Leaves in plastic bags cannot be composted and will be collected as trash.
- Keep vehicles away from leaf piles and curb lanes whenever possible to allow vacuum equipment to operate.
We also want to make it as easy as possible for residents to know when leaf crews are coming to your neighborhood.
- DPW-serviced households will receive a brochure in the mail with estimated collection dates.
- For the most up-to-date information, residents can call the DPW Leaf Line at 202-671-5323, follow DPW on social media, or download the MyDPW app.
Together, these resources should give you approximately 10 days to get ready for your collection.
Thank you to our DPW crews, including the 200 new and returning seasonal employees who are supporting fall and winter operations. Let's all work together to keep DC beautiful, the waste out of our waterways, and our streets and sidewalks clear.
Sincerely,
 On Saturday, the Mayor’s Office of Community Relations and Services is hosting a Roll Off Day to give residents an opportunity to discard large and bulky items.
Examples of items you can bring to Roll Off Day include: clothing, furniture, old toys, carpet, wrapped mattresses. Find a list of items that are NOT accepted here.
- When: Saturday, October 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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Where: Marie Reed Elementary School (2200 Champlain Street NW)
This event is open to residents from all eight wards. Together, we can keep our neighborhoods clean and work toward a trash-free DC!
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 On Saturday, October 24, which is recognized as National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, the District will host drop-off sites across the city where residents can safely dispose of unwanted, unneeded, or expired prescription medications that could increase the risk of misuse.
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When: Saturday, October 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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Where: Sites across DC (find a site near you here)
Prevention of drug misuse is a key strategy in the District’s comprehensive plan to combat the opioid crisis. If you or someone you know is at risk of an opioid overdose, the Department of Behavioral Health urges you to get and keep naloxone, a lifesaving medication. Text “LiveLongDC” to 888-811 to get a free naloxone kit by mail, delivery, or pickup locations across the District.
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This Saturday, the DC Public Library is bringing a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, seasonal treats, and more to the heart of Downtown DC at the MLK Library.
This is a free, family-friendly event so bring the kids, bring the grandparents, bring a friend — and come spend a beautiful fall day with us in Downtown.
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When: Saturday, October 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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Where: MLK Library (901 G Street NW)
- Learn more here.
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