at Union Market
Thanks to Alex for sending:
“DC has rolled out more smart compost bins after their successful trial at GW. I used it! Very easy.”
“DC’s Department of Public Works now offers residents two options for food waste drop-off citywide:
1. (New!) Food Waste Smart Bins: These are available 24/7 and can be unlocked using the metroKEY app or an access code.
MetroKey App icon – it is orange and depicts a round global network of sitesTo download the metroKEY app, find the app on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or visit https://qr1.be/458A. See below for trouble shooting tips.
For keypad access to the smart bins in 2025, use code 2-0-2-5-#. (Note: The bin at George Washington University’s Kogan Plaza does not have a keypad at this time.)
2. Staffed Food Waste Drop-off Sites at designated farmers markets and community locations on Saturdays & Sundays
There are 12 staffed weekend food waste drop-off sites citywide in all eight wards (♿)
In case of a holiday or inclement weather, a staffed drop-off location may close if the associated farmers market also closes; please check the markets’ websites for updates.
Find the Location Nearest You
Residents can drop off food waste at designated community sites and food waste bins in all eight wards through the Food Waste Drop-Off Program. The food waste collected from the smart bins and staffed weekend drop-off sites is taken to nearby composting facilities in the DC area, such as the Prince George’s County Organics Composting facility in Upper Marlboro, MD.
Food Waste Smart Bin Locations (24/7 availability)
(Note: As new smart bin sites are added, this list will be updated)
Northeast DC:
Alethia Tanner Park: 227 Harry Thomas Way NE (Ward 5)
Edgewood Recreation Center: 300 Everts Street NE (Ward 5)
Union Market: 1251 6th Street NE (Ward 5)
Swampoodle Playground: 1102 3rd Street NE (Ward 6)
East Capitol Street NE & Benning Road (Ward 7)
Kenilworth Recreation Center: 4321 Ord Street NE (Ward 7)
Northwest DC:
Kogan Plaza at George Washington University (GWU): 2121 H Street NW (Ward 2)
Bloomingdale: 102 R Street NW (Ward 5)
Northwest One Library: 155 L Street NW (Ward 6)
Southeast DC:
Twining Square: 2324 Pennsylvania Ave SE (Ward 7)
Anacostia Library: 1800 Marion Barry Ave SE (Ward 8)
Covenant House: 2001 Mississippi Ave SE (Ward 8)
Skyland Town Center: 2728 Marion Barry Ave SE (Ward 8)
Southwest DC:
Bellvue Library: 115 Atlantic Ave SW (Ward 8)
Staffed Food Waste Drop-off Sites (available on Saturdays or Sundays)
(Note: All sites listed below are open every weekend of the year unless noted as seasonal.)
Northeast DC:
Monroe Street Farmers Market ♿ (Ward 5)
Saturdays, Apr-Dec: 9 AM – 1 PM; Jan-Mar: 10 AM – 1 PM
716 Monroe Street NE
First Baptist Church of Deanwood ♿ (Ward 7)
Saturdays, 9 AM – 1 PM
4408 Sheriff Road NE
Northwest DC:
Columbia Heights Farmers Market ♿ (Ward 1)
Saturdays, Apr-Dec: 9 AM – 1 PM; Jan-Mar: 10 AM – 1 PM
14th Street NW & Kenyon Street NW
Mount Pleasant Farmers Market (Ward 1)
Saturdays, 9 AM – 1 PM
3200 Mt Pleasant Street NW
Dupont Circle Farmers Market ♿ (Ward 2)
Sundays, 8:30am – 1:30pm
Hillyer Pl NW & Connecticut Ave NW
Cleveland Park Farmers Market ♿ (Ward 3)
Saturdays (Seasonal, Apr to Dec), 9 AM – 1 PM
3430 Connecticut Ave NW
Univ. of District of Columbia (UDC) Farmers Market ♿ (Ward 3)
Saturdays, 9 AM – 1 PM
4340 Connecticut Ave NW
Palisades Farmers Market ♿ (Ward 3)
Saturdays, 9 AM – 1 PM
U Street NW & MacArthur Blvd NW
Uptown Farmers Market ♿ (Ward 4)
Saturdays, 9 AM – 1 PM
14th Street NW & Kennedy Street NW
Southeast DC:
Eastern Market, near Rumsey Aquatic Center ♿ (Ward 6)
Saturdays, 9 AM – 1 PM
635 North Carolina Ave SE
Sycamore & Oak ♿ (Ward 8)
Saturdays, 10 AM – 2 PM
1110 Oak Drive SE
Southwest DC:
Farmers Market SW ♿ (Ward 6)
Saturdays, 9 AM – 1 PM
425 M Street SW”