5 Essential Facts About The Fort Totten Solid Waste Disposal Transfer Station: 2024–2025 Updates You Must Know

The Fort Totten Solid Waste Disposal Transfer Station, a critical component of Washington, D.C.'s infrastructure, is currently undergoing significant capital improvements, ensuring its continued role as the primary residential drop-off point for solid waste in the District. As of today, December 17, 2025, the facility is operational, but residents should be aware of ongoing projects and the specific services available, which are managed by the DC Department of Public Works (DPW).

Located at 4900 Bates Road NE in Ward 4, the Fort Totten Transfer Station is more than just a "dump"—it's a hub for the District’s ambitious Zero Waste DC Initiative, offering essential services like recycling, bulk trash disposal, and special waste collection. Understanding the current operating schedule and service rules is vital for all District residents looking to responsibly manage their waste and take advantage of the facility's comprehensive programs.

Fort Totten Transfer Station Profile and Current Operations

The Fort Totten facility is one of two major solid waste transfer stations operated by the DC Department of Public Works (DPW), the other being the Benning Road Transfer Station. It plays a pivotal role in the city's waste management system, serving as the central point where residential trash, recycling, and bulk items are consolidated before being transported out of the District for final processing or disposal. The site's location in Northeast D.C. makes it a key resource for the surrounding communities, including Riggs Park.

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The latest updates confirm that the facility is currently undergoing a major capital improvement project that will impact its long-term reliability. The Department of General Services (DGS) has initiated a Fort Totten Solid Waste Disposal Transfer Station Roof Replacement project. This significant undertaking, with a budget of approximately $1.8 million, began in Spring 2024 and is scheduled for completion in Spring 2025. While the work is ongoing, the facility remains open for most residential drop-off services, a testament to DPW's commitment to maintaining essential public services.

Key Operating Details and Rules for DC Residents

To use the Fort Totten Transfer Station, residents must adhere to strict guidelines, primarily proving residency within the District of Columbia. The facility is designed for non-commercial use, meaning it handles waste generated by households, not businesses or commercial haulers.

• Location: 4900 Bates Road NE, Washington, DC 20011 (Ward 4)
• Governing Body: DC Department of Public Works (DPW)
• Current Operating Hours (Residential Drop-Off): Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, excluding District holidays.
• Accepted Materials: General household trash, commingled recycling, bulk items (furniture, mattresses), yard waste, metal, tires, and appliances.
• Residency Requirement: Only DC residents are permitted to use the drop-off services.

It is important to note that the facility's recent past included a major six-month closure for a capital improvement project that concluded in 2023, which significantly upgraded the site. The current roof replacement project is the next phase of modernization, ensuring the facility's structural integrity for years to come.

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The Fort Totten Station’s Role in DC’s Zero Waste Initiative

The Fort Totten Transfer Station is central to Mayor Bowser's vision for a greener city, specifically through the "Zero Waste DC" plan. This initiative aims to divert a significant portion of the city's waste from landfills through enhanced recycling and composting efforts. The station facilitates this by offering specialized drop-off programs that go beyond standard trash disposal.

Special Waste and Collection Events

While the main facility handles everyday waste, the Fort Totten site is also the designated location for managing materials that cannot be placed in regular trash or recycling bins. These services are often provided through specific collection events or dedicated drop-off areas, which can sometimes be relocated to nearby sites like RFK Stadium during major facility work.

The services include:

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1. Household Hazardous Waste (HHW): This includes items like old paints, chemicals, automotive fluids, and certain cleaning products. HHW is collected during scheduled special waste collection events to ensure safe disposal and prevent environmental contamination.
2. Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling: Residents can drop off old electronics, such as computers, televisions, and other devices, which contain materials that are hazardous if landfilled but valuable if recycled.
3. Document Shredding: Free document shredding is frequently offered during special events, helping residents safely dispose of sensitive personal information.

Residents are strongly encouraged to check the official DPW website for the most current schedule of these special waste collection events, as the dates and locations for HHW and shredding can fluctuate throughout the year.

Composting, Yard Waste, and Community Impact

In addition to waste disposal, the Fort Totten Transfer Station supports the community's green efforts through its yard waste and composting programs. These initiatives are designed to reduce the volume of organic material sent to landfills, turning it instead into a valuable resource.

The Yard Waste and Compost Loop

Residents can drop off their yard waste—including leaves, grass clippings, and brush—at the Fort Totten facility. This material is then processed into compost. A major benefit to the community is the availability of free compost and mulch, which is periodically offered to DC residents for pickup at the transfer station. This closes the loop on organic waste, providing nutrient-rich soil amendments back to local gardens and landscapes, directly supporting the Zero Waste goals.

Addressing Environmental Equity

The presence and operation of the Fort Totten Transfer Station, along with the Benning Road facility, are part of a broader conversation in the District regarding environmental equity and justice. Historically, waste management facilities have often been sited in communities of color, leading to concerns about disproportionate impacts on air quality, traffic, and overall quality of life. The DPW's ongoing investment in modernizing the Fort Totten site, including the current $1.8M roof project, is a critical step towards mitigating these impacts and ensuring the facility operates efficiently and responsibly for the benefit of all surrounding residents in Ward 4 and Northeast D.C.

The DPW regularly engages with community leaders and organizations, such as the Sierra Club, to discuss the facility's operations and to outline strategies for improving waste-reduction efforts across the District. This dialogue is essential for balancing the necessary function of solid waste disposal with the health and well-being of the local community.

Future Outlook and Resident Action

With the roof replacement project scheduled to conclude in Spring 2025, the Fort Totten Solid Waste Disposal Transfer Station is set to be a fully modernized and robust facility. The focus remains on maximizing waste diversion and simplifying the process for residents to participate in recycling and special waste programs.

For DC residents, the most effective way to utilize the station and support the city's goals is to:

• Verify Hours: Always check the official DPW website before visiting, especially for special event schedules.
• Separate Waste: Clearly separate general trash, recycling, bulk items, and yard waste before arrival to expedite the drop-off process.
• Utilize Special Events: Take advantage of the Household Hazardous Waste and e-waste collection opportunities to responsibly dispose of problematic materials.

The Fort Totten Transfer Station is a vital public service, and its ongoing updates reflect a commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future for Washington, D.C. By staying informed about the operational details and utilizing the full range of services, residents can directly contribute to the success of the Zero Waste DC Initiative.