SAVE THE DATE: The DC Department of Public Works, in partnership with the Department of Energy and the Environment, is hosting the Zero Waste DC Community Fair Saturday to celebrate the release of the Zero Waste DC Plan and highlight zero waste resources.

The Zero Waste DC Plan was released in February 2024 and outlines the District’s strategy to achieve a more sustainable future, maximize the benefits of renewable and reuseable resources, and minimize the amount of waste and greenhouse gas emissions generated by residents and government agencies by diverting 80% of solid waste away from landfills and incinerations.

The Zero Waste DC Community Fair will be open to the public and connect DC residents with resources offered by the DC Government and local zero-waste businesses and organizations to provide them with the tools to embrace best zero waste practices.

Featured activities:

• Cooking Scrappy Demonstration – Chef Bertrand Brown-Orleans will teach you delicious ways to incorporate typically wasted food scraps into your cooking. Stretch your food budget, get creative, and fight food waste!
• Bicycle Repair Clinic –The Bike House will offer bicycle maintenance resources and education, as well as provide access to professional tools and repair stands to help you fix your bike.
• Children’s Clothing Swap – Climate Classes DC will host a clothing swap for pre-owned children’s clothes (age 0-12). Bring clean clothing that your children have grown out of or no longer need and swap for new-to-you clothes. Any items remaining at the end of the event will be donated to local DC organizations.
• Small Battery and Cell Phone Recycling – Old or broken batteries can be a hazard in your home or in your household trash. Bring your broken cell phones and small single-use or rechargeable batteries to be recycled with Call2Recycle.

Other confirmed participants include Community Forklift, Compost Crew, Ward 8 Woods, The Rounds, PaintCare, Zero Waste in DC, DPW’s Solid Waste Education and Enforcement Program, and Food Rescue US. DPW will also provide information on residential and commercial recycling and composting. DOEE will provide information on Fix-It DC and Reuse DC, the District’s online hub for learning where to repair, donate, and shop secondhand.

DPW’s Food Waste Drop-Off will be occurring simultaneously at Eastern Market in front of Rumsey Aquatic Center (635 North Carolina Ave SE). DC residents can bring their food scraps to drop-off and be composted from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For a list of other Food Waste Drop-Off locations throughout the District and acceptable materials, visit zerowaste.dc.gov/foodwastedropoff.

For more information, email zero.waste@dc.gov.