Fort Totten Transfer Station: 5 Crucial Updates DC Residents MUST Know For 2025
Navigating the waste disposal landscape in Washington, DC, requires up-to-the-minute information, especially when it comes to essential infrastructure like the Fort Totten Transfer Station. As of December 2025, this facility remains a vital hub for the District's solid waste management, serving thousands of residents who need to dispose of bulk items, yard waste, and extra recycling.
The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) has implemented several key operational and infrastructural updates in the last two years, following a major overhaul. Understanding the current hours of operation, the specific materials accepted, and the strict rules for residential drop-off is essential to ensure a smooth, compliant, and efficient visit to the Fort Totten facility.
The Essential Guide: Location, Contact, and Current 2025 Hours
The Fort Totten Transfer Station is one of two solid waste disposal facilities operated by the DC Department of Public Works (DPW), the other being the Benning Road Transfer Station. It is the primary drop-off point for residents in the northern and eastern quadrants of the city, offering a critical service for managing waste that exceeds the standard weekly collection limits.
Official Facility Details
- Facility Name: Fort Totten Transfer Station
- Operator: DC Department of Public Works (DPW)
- Address: 4900 John F. McCormack Road NE, Washington, DC 20011 (Located near the Fort Totten Metro Station in Ward 5)
- Contact: Residents should use the DC 311 service for general inquiries or to schedule bulk collection.
- Official Website: The latest information is always available via the DPW website (dpw.dc.gov) and the Zero Waste DC initiative.
Current Public Drop-Off Hours (Effective 2025)
To accommodate the high volume of traffic, especially for bulk and yard waste disposal, the facility maintains a specific schedule tailored for residential use. These hours are strict and subject to change, particularly around federal holidays.
Solid Waste Disposal Drop-off Hours for DC Residents:
- Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Early hours are highly recommended to avoid long wait times)
- Closed: Sunday, Monday, and all District Government Holidays (e.g., Labor Day)
Residents must show proof of DC residency to use the facility. This is typically a valid DC driver's license or a government-issued ID alongside a current utility bill.
What You Can and CANNOT Drop Off: Fort Totten's New Rules
The Fort Totten Transfer Station is designed to handle general solid waste, bulk items, and recyclables, but it is crucial to understand the limitations, particularly concerning hazardous and electronic waste. Adhering to the accepted materials list is key to preventing operational slowdowns and environmental hazards.
Accepted Materials at the Transfer Station
The facility accepts four main categories of material from DC residents:
- Trash (Solid Waste): General household refuse that is not recyclable.
- Recyclables: All items accepted in the Blue Bin program (paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, metal). It also serves as a critical drop-off point for extra recycling materials, including excess packing waste from moves or deliveries.
- Bulk Items: Large, bulky items that cannot fit into a trash can, such as furniture (sofas, mattresses), appliances (washers, dryers), and oversized wood or metal items. Major appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners must have Freon removed before drop-off.
- Yard Waste: Grass clippings, leaves, small branches, and other organic yard debris.
Crucial Unacceptable Materials and Special Events
A major point of confusion for many residents involves specialized waste streams. The Fort Totten Transfer Station is not a permanent drop-off site for Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) or E-cycling. Attempting to drop off these items at the transfer station can result in refusal of service.
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and E-cycling
HHW materials—such as paint, chemicals, batteries, and fluorescent bulbs—and E-cycling items (computers, TVs, monitors, printers, and other electronics) must be disposed of at scheduled events.
- The HHW/E-cycling Program: DPW hosts dedicated Household Hazardous Waste and E-cycling Events, typically on the first Saturday of each month, at designated locations in the city.
- Document Shredding: Free document shredding is also often available at these monthly Saturday events.
Always check the Zero Waste DC or DPW website for the current schedule and locations of these specialized drop-off events before planning your trip.
The Latest 2024/2025 Updates: Reopening and Ongoing Improvements
The Fort Totten Transfer Station has undergone significant changes in recent years, ensuring it meets the modern demands of the District’s waste management strategy. These developments are critical for understanding the facility's current operational status and long-term reliability.
The Major 2023 Reopening
The most significant recent update was the facility's reopening on June 6, 2023, following a substantial six-month closure for necessary facility improvements. This closure, which began in April 2022, was part of the DPW's effort to modernize the infrastructure, ensuring better efficiency and safety for both the public and DPW personnel.
The improvements focused on the transfer station's core operations, which are vital for processing the massive volume of solid waste generated across the District before it is transported to regional disposal sites. The Benning Road Transfer Station served as the primary alternative drop-off location during this period.
Infrastructure Projects and Facility Modernization
Even after the major reopening, the Fort Totten site continues to see ongoing maintenance and infrastructure projects, demonstrating the DPW’s commitment to its longevity. These projects include:
- Drainage Improvement: DPW has sought contractors for projects focusing on drainage improvement and diverting water flow, which is essential for maintaining a clean and safe transfer operation, particularly during heavy rainfall.
- Roof Replacement: A significant roof replacement project at the Fort Totten Solid Waste Transfer Station was recently completed and "Closed out," ensuring the structural integrity and protection of the main transfer facility.
- Construction Site Safety: Public updates, such as one in September 2024, have reminded residents that for their safety, only authorized personnel are allowed to access the construction sites within the facility grounds.
These continuous upgrades are part of a broader strategy to enhance the District’s overall solid waste infrastructure, which also includes synergy with potential upgrades at the Benning Road Transfer Station.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Fort Totten Drop-Off
A visit to the Fort Totten Transfer Station can be quick and efficient with proper planning. Follow these tips to ensure a hassle-free experience:
1. Plan for Traffic: Saturday mornings, especially right at the 7:00 AM opening, are the busiest times. Consider visiting on a weekday morning (Tuesday-Friday) between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM for potentially shorter lines.
2. Separate Your Materials: Before arriving, separate your materials into different piles or containers: trash, recyclables, bulk items, and yard waste. This is a massive time-saver for you and helps the facility staff direct you to the correct drop-off areas (e.g., the recycling bay versus the trash pit).
3. Confirm HHW/E-Waste Events: Never assume you can drop off Household Hazardous Waste or electronics at the transfer station. Always check the Zero Waste DC calendar for the next scheduled HHW/E-cycling event date and location.
4. Bring Proof of Residency: Keep your DC ID or utility bill readily accessible. The facility is strictly for DC residents, and proof of residency is required upon entry.
5. Secure Your Load: All loads must be properly secured with ropes, tarps, or netting. Unsecured loads are a safety hazard and can result in a fine from the DC Department of Public Works.
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