Trash Collection Rules in Baltimore County
- 4410online.com
- Nov 18
- 4 min read
Navigating trash collection in Baltimore County can feel a little daunting, but knowing the county’s solid-waste rules can help you avoid missed pickups, fines, or unnecessary hassle. Below is a breakdown of the key rules, best practices, and useful resources for residential waste management in Baltimore County.
Collection Schedule
Each residence has a specific curbside collection schedule for trash, single-stream recycling, and yard materials.
You can check your collection day by entering your address on the County’s website.
For holiday weeks, scheduled trash/recycling pickups shift by one day later.
Set-Out Rules
When to put out your trash: Place materials at your curb or collection point after 6 p.m. the night before scheduled pickup.
Containers:
Must be watertight, rodent-resistant, and sturdy, with handles.
Must have a tight-fitting lid, but the lid cannot be fastened with rope, wire, or string.
Bag rules:
Trash must be contained in bags (not loose).
Each trash bag cannot exceed 30 pounds, and it must be tied securely.
Bags should not be colored red, pink, or yellow (these colors are associated with medical or hazardous waste).
Set-out location:
Place containers where the county designates (front curb, alley, etc.).
If collection happens in an alley: containers should be placed within 10 feet of the alley, or outside a fence/gateway.
Recycling Guidelines
Baltimore County uses single-stream recycling, meaning many materials go into the same bin.
Important rule: No plastic bags for recyclables. These can jam the sorting machines.
Acceptable recycling containers include:
Blue recycling bins or clearly marked recycling cans
Small cardboard boxes (you can set them out along with their contents)
Paper bags or bundles, tied with non-plastic string — for paper/cardboard only.
If you have a recycling container with a lid, the lid must not be fastened with wire/rope/etc.
Yard Waste Collection
Yard materials (like leaves, grass, branches) are collected separately on designated “Y” days for some routes.
On “Y” days, use heavy-duty (two-ply) paper lawn bags for leaves and grass.
Branches and limbs should be:
No larger than 3 inches in diameter
No longer than 3 feet
Tied together in bundles.
You are not allowed to mix yard waste with trash in regular trash containers.
Do not rake or blow yard waste into the street or storm drains — doing so is a violation of county code.
Limit: no more than 20 paper bags of yard waste per collection.
Bulk Items (Large Items)
Bulk item collection (for large items like furniture, appliances, mattresses) is scheduled — each single-family home or townhome gets two bulk pickups per year.
Limit of three bulk items per bulk collection.
Bulk items should be set out after 6 p.m. the night before the bulk collection day, at your regular trash/recycling spot.
Items accepted include:
Appliances (washers, stoves, etc.)
Furniture (tables, sofas, mattresses)
Electronics (TVs, computers)
Special preparation is required for some items:
Carpets/linoleum: roll up and tie.
Lawn mowers: remove gas tank and wheels.
Large metal structures (like playsets) must be dismantled.
Not accepted: pianos, boats, stumps/logs, tires, items with liquids, very large items (over 8 feet).
Prohibited / Special Materials
Some hazardous materials are not accepted curbside. These include (but are not limited to): acids, ammunition, petroleum products, liquid paint, firearms, and other dangerous materials.
For safe disposal of these items, residents should use the Accepted Materials Directory and drop-off facilities.
When dealing with glass (mirrors, window panes), it must be wrapped securely in paper, and labeled “Glass” so collectors know.
Animal waste should be double-bagged (or at least in a plastic bag) before placing into a trash container.
Trash Disposal Authorizations and Drop-Off Centers
As of January 1, 2025, residential refuse disposal authorizations (which were previously needed in some cases) are no longer issued.
However, residents may still need authorization if:
They use a non-standard vehicle to haul waste (bigger than 4×8 ft bed, or not a typical car/pickup)
They have more than 2 loads/week or more than 6 loads/year to drop off.
They are hauling “restricted waste” (e.g. certain building materials).
There are three county drop-off centers for residential waste: Eastern Sanitary Landfill, Central Acceptance Facility, and Western Acceptance Facility.
Residents can use these drop-offs up to 10 times per year (as of 2025) without a fee.
Beyond that, or for unauthorized loads, there may be a fee (for example, $125 per ton) for disposal.
Missed or Late Collection
If collection is missed due to inclement weather or other issues, the County may run make-up collections (often the next business day).
If materials are not collected, common reasons include:
Wrong set-out day
Containers not following requirements (e.g., lid tied with rope)
Recycling placed in plastic bags
Yard waste not properly bagged or bundled
If there’s an issue (you followed the rules but still didn’t get picked up), you can submit a complaint with the Bureau of Solid Waste Management or call 410-887-2000.
Why These Rules Matter
Health & Safety: Properly contained trash helps prevent rodents, pests, and unsanitary conditions.
Efficiency: Following set-out times and using approved containers streamlines pickup, reducing missed collections.
Environment: Separating recyclables and yard waste helps the County divert more material from landfills.
Fairness & Cost: Bulk item collection is limited; following the schedule ensures everyone gets equitable service.
Tips for Residents
Mark your schedule — Know when your trash, recycling, and yard days are, and keep a calendar or alert.
Get good containers — Use sturdy, outdoor-rated cans with tight-fitting lids.
Label recycling bins — Helps avoid mix-ups.
Bundle smart — Tie yard waste properly; don’t over-bag.
Use drop-off centers — For items that don’t belong in regular curbside trash.
Stay updated — Check the County’s website or call 410-887-2000 if there are weather delays or rule changes.
Trash collection might seem mundane, but following Baltimore County’s rules can make a big difference — for your neighborhood, the environment, and the efficiency of waste management. If you’re ever unsure about a certain item or how to set something out, the County’s website and drop-off centers are great resources.
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