Trash and Recycling Collection in Charles County, Maryland

Charles County provides trash and recycling collection services to residents across its 485 square mile area in southern Maryland. This guide covers trash and recycling schedules, holiday changes, and how to look up your pickup days in Charles County.

Overview of Charles County

Charles County stretches along the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River in southern Maryland between Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties. It includes the incorporated towns of La Plata, Indian Head, and Port Tobacco.

Some fast facts about Charles County:

• Population of over 160,000 residents
• 485 square mile area
• County seat is La Plata
• Governed by a 5-member County Commission
• Provides municipal services to residents

Part of these services is trash and recycling collection for households in the unincorporated parts of the county. The county contracts with private haulers to provide curbside pickup.

Trash Collection Schedules

The regular trash collection schedule in Charles County is:

• Once per week pickup
• Specific day determined by location
• Trash must be at curb by 6 AM on collection day

The county provides online maps showing the different trash collection areas and days of the week. These are the general pickup days by area:

• Monday: Northern county area
• Tuesday: Central county around La Plata
• Wednesday: Western county area
• Thursday: Southern county area
• Friday: Eastern county along Mattawoman Creek

To find your exact pickup day, enter your address on the county’s Look Up My Trash Day tool.

Trash should be placed curbside in tied plastic bags by 6 AM on your scheduled day. Containerized trash service is also available for an additional monthly fee.

Curbside Recycling Schedules

Curbside recycling is collected every other week on the same day as your regular trash pickup. Recycling must be curbside by 6 AM.

The county provides 18-gallon bins for recycling. All recyclables can be mixed together in the bins – no need to separate. Accepted curbside recycling items include:

• Plastic bottles and containers
• Glass bottles and jars
• Metal food and drink cans
• Paper and cardboard
• Milk and juice cartons

Check the curbside recycling guide for full details on accepted materials.

Yard Waste Collection

Seasonal yard waste collection runs from the first full week in April through the second full week in December.

• Yard waste is collected weekly on your regular trash day.
• Place leaves, grass, brush in paper bags or open containers.
• Bundle branches under 4 feet long and 50 pounds.

Christmas tree collection is available during the first two full weeks in January.

Bulky Trash Pickup

Bulky trash includes large items like appliances, furniture, and mattresses. Options for disposing bulky trash:

• Request a special curbside bulky trash pickup for a $20 fee
• Take items to the county landfill or transfer station yourself
• Use the biannual free bulky trash drop off days

Holiday Collection Schedule

Trash and recycling pickup is delayed by one day if the holiday falls on a Monday.

• Memorial Day
• Labor Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day

On these holidays, there is no delay in service:

• July 4th
• Veterans Day
• Day after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Day

If the holiday falls on the weekend, there is no schedule change.

Municipal Collection Services

The incorporated towns of La Plata, Indian Head, and Port Tobacco handle their own trash and recycling collection. Contact your town office for information.

Charles County Drop-Off Locations

Charles County residents can drop off trash, recycling, and yard waste at these locations:

• Charles County Landfill – Trash, recycling, bulky items, scrap metal
• Pisgah Recycling Center – Recycling only
• Piney Church Mulch Facility – Yard waste drop-off

Contact Charles County

To manage your Charles County trash and recycling service:

• Call the Department of Public Works at 301-932-3599
• Email [email protected]
• Submit request forms on the trash and recycling website
• Use the “Charles County Recycles” app

Contact Charles County to report missed pickups, request new services, get recycling help, and more. Proper trash and recycling helps keep Charles County clean, healthy, and environmentally friendly.