Struggling to recycle your old electronics now that Benning Road Transfer Station is closed? You’re not alone! With the Benning facility undergoing modernization, many residents are left wondering where to turn for responsible e-waste disposal. But here’s the good news: the Fort Totten Transfer Station has officially reopened, offering a solution for those in need. However, if you’re looking for more convenient options or want to avoid fees (like the ones charged by Best Buy), this is where it gets interesting. The DC Department of Public Works (DPW) is stepping in with a series of Special Waste Collection Events that could be your e-cycling lifeline—and they’re completely free! But here’s where it gets controversial: Are these events enough to fill the gap left by Benning’s closure, or do we need more permanent solutions for electronics recycling? Let’s dive in.
The DPW has scheduled multiple events across the city, starting as early as November 2025, to help residents dispose of electronics and other special waste responsibly. Here’s the lineup:
- Saturday, November 29, 2025: RFK Parking Lot 8 (2500 Independence Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003)
- Thursday, December 4, 2025: RFK Parking Lot 8
- Thursday, February 5, 2026: RFK Parking Lot 8
- Saturday, March 14, 2026: RFK Parking Lot 8
- Thursday, April 23, 2026: Location TBD
- Saturday, May 2, 2026: Location TBD
- Thursday, August 27, 2026: Location TBD
- Saturday, September 12, 2026: Location TBD
Registration for these events is required but free, and you can sign up via Eventbrite once slots open. And this is the part most people miss: These events aren’t just for electronics—they also accept household hazardous waste and offer document shredding services, making them a one-stop shop for responsible disposal. But here’s the question: With Benning closed indefinitely, are these periodic events sufficient, or should the city invest in more accessible, year-round options? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear how you’re handling e-waste recycling in the meantime!
