October 24, 2025
Dear Washingtonians,
No matter what is happening in our city – whether it’s hot or cold, raining or snowing – the men and women of the Department of Public Works are always out, keeping DC safe and clean. And now, with more than 200 seasonal employees, they’re getting ready to start leaf season on Monday, November 3.
Here is what you need to know to help DPW make leaf season a success:
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Know your collection section. Go to dpw.dc.gov/leaf to find out which section you're in. Every week, DPW will update the site to announce which sections will receive collections next.
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Sign up for notifications from DPW to know when your neighborhood is next.
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Rake your leaves. When it’s your turn, rake leaves into the tree box or to the curb in front of your home. You can use paper bags if you’d like, but remember, plastic bags can’t be used for composting.
So, that’s it: know your collection section, pay attention to updates from DPW, and get your leaves out to the tree box or curbside. And remember that you can compost your pumpkins – and other food waste – at any of the 31 food waste bins throughout all eight wards or at one of our 12 community food waste drop-off sites.
If you’re in Section A, please have your leaves raked by Sunday, November 2!
Sincerely,
  Find photos from this week on Facebook.
On Saturday, October 25, which is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, the District will host drop-off sites across the city where residents can safely dispose of unwanted, unneeded, or expired prescription medications that could increase the risk of misuse.
If residents are unable to visit a drop-off site on Saturday, year-round collection sites are available throughout the community. Residents can also safely dispose unneeded medication using this guidance from the DEA.
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When: Saturday, October 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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Where: Sites across DC (find a list of sites here)
Prevention of drug misuse is a key strategy in the District’s comprehensive plan to combat the opioid crisis. If you or someone you know is at risk of an opioid overdose, DBH urges you to get and keep naloxone, a lifesaving medication. Text “LiveLongDC” to 888-811 to get a free naloxone kit by mail, delivery, or at pickup locations across the District.
Every year, the Annual 17th Street High Heel Race celebrates DC’s LGBTQIA+ community, drawing thousands of spectators to cheer on participants as they race down 17th Street NW. Over the past four decades, the race has become a symbol of the city's strong LGBTQIA+ culture and continues to grow each year.
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When: Tuesday, October 28
- Check-in starts at 7:30 p.m.
- Race begins at 9:00 p.m.
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Where: 17th Street, between R and P Streets NW
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RSVP: tinyurl.com/2025HighHeelRace
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On Saturday, October 25, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library is hosting District Arcade, a free celebration of video games and game makers from DC and the DMV area.
District Arcade is a family-friendly event where you can play locally-crafted games and chat with their creators. There will be 20-30 local developers showcasing games of different genres and levels of completion, ranging from prototypes to complete games.
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When: Saturday, October 25 at 1:00 p.m.
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Where: Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
- More information here
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