Understanding Trash and Recycling Collection Schedules in Baltimore County

Baltimore County provides trash and recycling collection services to over 830,000 residents across 612 square miles. With such a large service area, the county has implemented an organized collection schedule to efficiently provide this essential service. This article explains how to find your specific collection schedule, holiday schedule changes, trash and recycling set-out guidelines, and more.

Finding Your Baltimore County Collection Schedule

To look up your trash, recycling, and yard waste collection schedule, visit the Baltimore County Collection Schedule Lookup page.

You’ll need to enter your specific property address, including street, city, zip code, and unit number if applicable. Once entered, select your address from the dropdown results. Your collection schedule will then display showing:

• Service type (trash, recycling, yard waste)
• Day of the week for collection
• Date of next scheduled pickup

If your address isn’t found, call 410-887-2000 to get your schedule.

Holiday Collection Schedule Changes

On the following holidays, all collection services shift to one day later that week:

• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• New Year’s Day

For example, if your normal pickup is Monday, it will shift to Tuesday. Friday collection moves to Saturday.

Trash and Recycling Set-Out Guidelines

To ensure your materials are collected on schedule, be sure to follow Baltimore County’s guidelines:

Trash Containers

• No lids attached with rope, wire, chains, etc.
• Must be sturdy, water-tight, and rodent resistant
• Lids should fit tightly but not be permanently fixed

Recycling Containers

• Use bins marked for recycling only
• Trash cans designated for recycling (marked with “X” or “RECYCLE”)
• Cardboard boxes
• Paper bags

Yard Waste

• Grass, leaves, brush in paper lawn/leaf bags
• Bundles of branches (under 3″ diameter, 3′ length)

All Materials

• Set out after 6pm the evening before pickup
• Avoid placing in plastic bags
• Don’t mix yard waste with trash

Improperly prepared materials may not be collected.

Reasons for Missed Collection

If your trash, recycling, or yard waste isn’t collected on your scheduled day, here are some potential reasons:

• Incorrect set-out: Materials not properly prepared per guidelines above
• Late set-out: Not placed curbside before 6am day of pickup
• Bad weather: Collection delayed due to storms, snow, etc.
• Blocked access: Vehicles blocking alley access prevent collection
• Holiday: Schedule shifted due to holiday as outlined above
• Bulk items: Furniture, mattresses require special pickup

If you followed guidelines and your materials weren’t collected, leave them curbside and contact Baltimore County for assistance.

Drop-Off Centers for Trash and Recycling

In addition to curbside pickup, Baltimore County has drop-off centers where residents can bring trash, recycling, yard waste, and other items. Materials are accepted at no charge for county residents.

Drop-off locations include:

• Eastern Sanitary Landfill
• Western Acceptance Facility
• Camp Small Area Drop-Off Center
• Halethorpe Area Drop-Off Center

Accepted materials include traditional curbside trash and recycling, as well as tires, scrap metal, concrete, clean fill dirt, propane tanks, cooking oil, automotive fluids, and more.

View the full directory of accepted materials.

Managing Trash and Recycling in Baltimore County

With over 200,000 households relying on these essential services, Baltimore County has implemented organized processes to collect and manage materials efficiently. Following the guidance around collection schedules, set-out guidelines, and drop-off options will help ensure your trash, recycling, and yard waste are handled properly.

Check your specific collection schedule, review set-out requirements, and learn about drop-off resources using the official Baltimore County website. For personalized assistance, contact the Bureau of Solid Waste Management at 410-887-2000 or [email protected]. Proper trash and recycling management keeps communities clean and reduces environmental impact across the county.