DUPONT EAST CIVIC ACTION ASSOCIATION
www.keepdupontgreen.org

Citizens Call for Rodent-Proof Trash Cans!!!

The city currently provides trash cans that rats easily gnaw through, defeating the sanitary purpose of the containers and contributing to an explosion in the rat population in DC. Dupont East Civic Action Association (DECAA) is calling for an investigation of the procurement process and asking the DC Council for a hearing to determine immediate remedial action.  Over the years the District Department of Public Works (DPW) has provided DC homeowners with tens of thousands of defective trash containers, which present a health problem in neighborhoods throughout the city. Indeed, residents who hire exterminators, report that rats avoid their traps in favor of a ready source of food in trash cans.

Here is a photo of trash cans rats have chewed through in Dupont Circle. Literally thousands of such examples exist throughout DC. Attached is DECAA’s complaint to city officials with photos.

WHY COMPOST?

Less Food Waste = Less Rats

There are lots of other benefits to composting your food waste:
  • less to take to landfill
  • less greenhouse gases
How and where can I compost?It’s easier than ever. This link gives you all the details:
Other places to drop off your compostables
DAWSON’S MARKET (formerly Glen’s)
Zero Waste Initiatives zerowaste.dc.gov
New bill requiring restaurants to compost
Local business and restaurants that use sustainable practices
Fast casual restaurants committed to sustainability
Restaurants trying to reduce waste
Paid services
Some companies that provide composting service in DC. What they accept in the bins varies:
https://compostcab.com
Fatwormscompost

(this one provides a clean bin each time it picks up)

VERMIN CONTROL

Human observation and actions:

Call 311 or use the free DC 311 app which can let you send pictures to report rodent activity.

City services For complaints about rats in your neighborhood, call the Citywide Call Center at 311.

info on their website