The D.C. Department of Public Works got the reduction-in-services ball rolling on Friday by announcing a more limited schedule for hazardous household waste and electronics recycling services at the Ft. Totten Transfer Station. The 2011 fiscal year starts on Oct. 1, and many city agencies are facing significant budget cuts. Expect to see more such announcements in the coming weeks.

In 2008, in response to increased demand, the city significantly upped its hazardous residential waste collections, from only a couple times a year to once a week. Now, DPW is reducing that service to the first Saturday of each month, except holidays, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

This new schedule will not affect residents’ ability to drop off bulk items at the transfer station, or pick up compost between March and October. Ft. Totten will continue be open for those services weekdays between 1 and 5 p.m., and every Saturday, except holidays, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.