DPW offers assistance to community groups that organize Saturday neighborhood clean-up projects through the Helping Hand Program. The program runs seasonally from March 1st to October 1st every year. The program can lend tool kits, which include 5 rakes and brooms, 2 shovels, and 20 trash bags, to the groups. However, a refundable deposit of $20 is required for all tool kits borrowed under the Helping Hand Program. Additionally, free compost can be picked up for use in neighborhood beautification projects.
DPW will send trucks to collect the bagged trash, and a SWEEP (Solid Waste Education and Enforcement Program) inspector will collect the tool kit. If you want to get an application for a Helping Hand tool kit for your neighborhood clean-up project, you need to call the Mayor’s Citywide Call Center at 311. Once your clean-up date is confirmed by a Helping Hand Coordinator, a control number will be assigned for tracking purposes. The event will be added to the Helping Hand calendar, and the tool kit will be delivered. Residents can pick up free compost between March and October, Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 AM to 2 PM, and Saturdays from 7 AM to 2 PM at the Fort Totten Transfer Station, located at 4900 John McCormack Rd NE. If you have any questions about the Helping Hand Program, please call us at (202) 645-7190.
DPW Helping Hand Neighborhood Cleanup Application
Please ensure the application forms for a scheduled clean-up event are received at least two (2) weeks in advance. There are no exceptions to this rule. You may send the application via email to [email protected], or by mail to the following address:
SWEEP Office, 250 E St SW, Suite 430, Washington, DC 20019.Please note that DPW will only provide services for an event that has been confirmed by the SWEEP office. The SWEEP staff will deliver tools, help organize the clean-up, and provide technical support.
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Designate Contact Person:
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Application forms must include the name, address, and phone number(s) of the designated contact person. The contact person is responsible for:
- Overall coordination of clean-up event and communication with DPW Helping Hands program staff,
- Receiving and retaining tools loaned by the Department of Public Works, as well as securing the $20.00 deposit for each tool kit(s).
- Ensuring that all trash generated at the event is placed at no more than three locations for collection by the Department of Public Works and,
- Informing the SWEEP office by calling (202) 645-7190 no later than 3 pm the day before your event. However, you may cancel your event after 3 pm by calling (202) 359-0635.
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Identify Locations for DPW Collection:
The bags of trash collected during the clean-up must be placed at no more than three (3) pre-designated pick-up points. All scheduled clean-ups should be completed by 1 pm the day of clean-up to ensure trash pick up for that day. Any scheduled clean-ups concluding after 2 pm will in most cases be picked up the next day. There will be no trash pick-up for unscheduled clean-ups on Saturday or Sunday. Uncollected trash will be picked up between Monday and Wednesday.
Tool Kits:
DPW can lend your group tools to help with your clean-up efforts. Each toolkit includes five (5) rakes, five (5) brooms, two (2) shovels, and twenty (20) trash bags. It’s important to note that the toolkits cannot be separated. To borrow one through the Helping Hand Program, a $20.00 deposit is required. Please make your checks or money orders payable to the DC Treasurer. You’ll receive your deposit back after all the tools are returned in good condition. If any of the equipment is lost, you will be responsible for paying for it or replacing it with articles of equal value.
What is collected by the Department of Public Works?
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1. Only trash in bags that have been provided by DPW or bundled debris at the designated point of collection.
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2. Wood and tree limbs must be cut into four foot lengths, no wider than 6" in diameter weighing no more than 60 lbs. each.
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3. Absolutely NO BULK will be collected (furniture, appliances, construction debris). For information on how to dispose of such materials, please call the Sanitation Information Center at (202) 727-1000.
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4. Trash pick-up for neighborhood clean-ups only. Special, major, or minor events (block parties, etc.) must be coordinated through Special Events Coordinator at (202) 727-6161.
