Mayor Bowser Announces Start of 2026 Holiday Greenery Collection Curbside Collection for DPW-Serviced Households Occurs Jan 2-Feb 28

(Washington, DC)- The Bowser Administration, led by the Department of Public Works (DPW), announces that holiday trees and greenery will be collected curbside, from the front of residences that receive DPW sanitation collection services between January 2, 2026, and February 28, 2026. Items collected will be turned into compost and provided free to residents throughout the year.

"Last year, we collected nearly 300 tons of trees and holiday greenery, which provided compost for thousands of gardens and green spaces in the District," said DPW Interim Director Anthony Crispino. "By simply placing bare holiday trees at the front of their homes, residents are helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create a healthier environment and put those trees back in the earth, where they belong. What better way to celebrate the season of giving?"

Residents can also drop their holiday trees and/or greenery at the following locations from January 2, until February 28, 2026, Monday through Friday:

1. 201 Bryant Street NW (Roll off Box), 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
2. Guy Mason Recreation Center (3600 Calvert Street NW), 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
3. 2700 South Capitol St., SE (Roll off Box), 8 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

After February 28, holiday trees and greenery should be placed at the residents' point of sanitation collection and will be collected as trash.

Here are the highlights of the 2026 collection program:

• Collection for DPW-serviced households. Residents who receive collection services from DPW (single-family homes and apartment buildings containing three or fewer housing units) are eligible for holiday tree and greenery collection. Households not serviced by DPW (apartment buildings with more than three units) should consult with their landlord/property owner for collection procedures.

• Where to place trees and greenery. Residents should place their trees and greenery in the tree box area or curbside in front of their home.

• Remove decorations. When setting these items out for collection, residents should remove all ornaments and lights. Do not place trees and greenery in a bag.

• Trees become free compost for residents. Trees and greenery collected through February 28, 2026, 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 of holiday trees and greenery is not guaranteed after February 28. After that date, residents can place holiday trees and greenery at their normal point of collection for trash and recycling. The items will be picked up with the trash as space in DPW trucks permits.

• Steps if your holiday tree and/or greenery was not collected. Contact 311 to create a "Christmas Tree Removal - Seasonal" service request for trees that remain curbside for more than seven days between January 2 and February 28.

Residents are also asked to recycle cleaned seasonal food containers such as eggnog cartons, cans, and pie tins; nonmetallic wrapping paper; and empty, flattened gift and cardboard delivery boxes during the holidays. Holiday ribbon, tinsel and tissue paper are not recyclable and should be discarded. Electronic waste, such as string lights, can be recycled at DPW's Special Waste Collection Events. To register for the next special waste collection event or to learn more about how to "recycle right" this holiday season, visit zerowaste.dc.gov.

For more information about holiday tree and greenery collection, visit dpw.dc.gov.