The DC Department of Public Works announced today that its trash and recycling crews will begin their collections one hour earlier, at 6 am, starting Friday, June 6, as a result of predictions of 90° and higher temperatures.  The crews will follow this schedule through Tuesday, June 10, and return to their normal start time of 7 am as of Wednesday, June 11.

“By starting at 6 am, our crews will be able to complete much of their work before the temperature becomes unbearable,” said DPW Director William O. Howland, Jr.  “In addition to considering our employees’ health, we also are reducing the amount of time garbage stays outside in the sun.”

Director Howland noted that residents may put their trash and recyclables out for pick-up starting at 6 pm the night before collections so they do not have to change their morning schedules to make sure these materials are collected. 

Throughout the spring and summer, when the temperature is predicted to be 90° or higher or the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments announces unhealthy air quality (Code Red day), DPW collection crews will begin their work at 6 am.