Organize a Community Cleanup with DC's Helping Hand Program

“DPW offers assistance to community groups that organize Saturday neighborhood clean-up projects through the Helping Hand Program. The program runs seasonally from March 1st to October 1st every year. The program can lend tool kits, which include 5 rakes and brooms, 2 shovels, and 20 trash bags, to the groups. However, a refundable deposit of $20 is required for all tool kits borrowed under the Helping Hand Program. Additionally, free compost can be picked up for use in neighborhood beautification projects.

DPW will send trucks to collect the bagged trash, and a SWEEP (Solid Waste Education and Enforcement Program) inspector will collect the tool kit. If you want to get an application for a Helping Hand tool kit for your neighborhood clean-up project, you need to call the Mayor’s Citywide Call Center at 311. Once your clean-up date is confirmed by a Helping Hand Coordinator, a control number will be assigned for tracking purposes. The event will be added to the Helping Hand calendar, and the tool kit will be delivered. Residents can pick up free compost between March and October, Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 AM to 2 PM, and Saturdays from 7 AM to 2 PM at the Fort Totten Transfer Station, located at 4900 John McCormack Rd NE. If you have any questions about the Helping Hand Program, please call us at (202) 645-7190.”