DC collects 50,000 pounds of compostable food waste in May

The District of Columbia Department of Public Works’ (DPW’s) public food waste smart bins collected nearly 50,000 pounds of compostable food waste in May.

DPW says the food waste smart bins have collected nearly 120,000 pounds of food waste and food-soiled paper since their installation in late February, with each month outperforming the last.

“This major sustainability milestone not only shows how far we’ve come, but also how much more we can achieve to divert waste from landfills and incinerators,” Interim DPW Director Anthony Crispino says. “The demand for convenient food waste drop-off options has been amazing. We’re seeing an incredible response from residents who are eager to do their part, and with new investments in the Mayor’s FY26 Budget: Grow D.C., we’re excited to continue growing the program toward its full potential.”

The smart bins have increased access points to public composting across the district from 12 to 43 food waste drop-off locations. With 31 smart bins open, DPW says Washington now operates the second largest food waste smart bin program in the country, surpassed only by New York.

In addition to DPW’s Food Waste Drop Off Program, the agency also offers a residential food waste collection service, currently in its second year of operation. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser’s FY26 Budget: Grow D.C. provides $2.3 million to expand DPW’s weekly residential food waste collection from 9,000 households to 12,000 in fiscal year 2026, with plans to expand further in future fiscal years.

Food waste collected through DPW’s food waste diversion programs is sent to a commercial composting facility in Maryland, which turns food and yard waste into soil for local farms and gardens.