Holiday Trash and Recycling Collection Schedule in Westminster, MD

Residents of Westminster, MD need to pay special attention to the trash and recycling collection schedule around holidays. The normal collection schedule can change around major holidays, resulting in pickup days being shifted. Knowing the adjusted holiday schedule is crucial to ensure your trash and recycling is collected on time.

This article provides a breakdown of the holiday trash collection schedule in Westminster so you know exactly when to take out your garbage and recycling bins.

Background on Trash Collection in Westminster

The City of Westminster provides trash and recycling collection services to residents. Pickup days are either Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday depending on your assigned zone.

To find your pickup days and zone, refer to the trash collection map.

The regular pickup schedule is:

• Monday – Zone 1
• Tuesday – Zone 2
• Thursday – Zone 2
• Friday – Zone 1

Trash should be placed curbside by 6:30am on collection days, but no earlier than noon the day before. Recycling is collected biweekly.

For large item disposal and special waste removal, you must call 410-848-9077 at least 24 hours before your pickup day to schedule. More details can be found on the City’s trash collection guidelines.

Holiday Trash Schedule

The trash and recycling collection schedule in Westminster changes on these major holidays:

• New Year’s Day – January 1
• Memorial Day – Last Monday in May
• Independence Day – July 4
• Labor Day – First Monday in September
• Thanksgiving Day – Fourth Thursday in November
• Christmas Day – December 25

If the holiday falls on a Monday, pickup days that week will be shifted to one day later. For holidays falling mid-week or on Fridays, pickup continues as scheduled.

Below are the adjusted pickup schedules around each major holiday:

New Year’s Day

If January 1 falls on a Monday:

• Zone 1 – Monday pickup moves to Tuesday
• Zone 2 – Tuesday pickup moves to Wednesday
• Zone 2 – Thursday pickup moves to Friday
• Zone 1 – Friday pickup moves to Saturday

If January 1 falls on a Friday:

• No schedule change

Memorial Day

If Memorial Day falls on a Monday:

• Zone 1 – Monday pickup moves to Tuesday
• Zone 2 – Tuesday pickup moves to Wednesday
• Zone 2 – Thursday pickup moves to Friday
• Zone 1 – Friday pickup moves to Saturday

Independence Day

If July 4 falls on a Monday:

• Zone 1 – Monday pickup moves to Wednesday
• Zone 2 – Tuesday pickup moves to Thursday
• Zone 2 – Thursday pickup moves to Friday
• Zone 1 – Friday pickup moves to Saturday

If July 4 falls on a Friday:

• No schedule change

Labor Day

If Labor Day falls on a Monday:

• Zone 1 – Monday pickup moves to Tuesday
• Zone 2 – Tuesday pickup moves to Wednesday
• Zone 2 – Thursday pickup moves to Friday
• Zone 1 – Friday pickup moves to Saturday

Thanksgiving

If Thanksgiving falls on a Thursday:

• Thursday and Friday pickup moves to Saturday

Christmas Day

If Christmas falls on a Monday:

• Zone 1 – Monday pickup moves to Tuesday
• Zone 2 – Tuesday pickup moves to Wednesday
• Zone 2 – Thursday pickup moves to Friday
• Zone 1 – Friday pickup moves to Saturday

If Christmas falls on a Friday:

• No schedule change

The City of Westminster will update garbage collection services around holidays on their website and Facebook page. Check for any announcements on schedule changes.

You can also call the Westminster Bureau of Streets at 410-848-9001 to double check adjusted pickup days.

Tips for Holiday Trash Collection

Follow these tips around holidays to ensure your garbage and recycling is collected without issue:

• Mark your calendar with the adjusted pickup schedule so you remember to take bins out on the correct day.

• Don’t overfill bins or leave extra bags out on holidays. With shifted schedules, pickup may be later than usual.

• If pickup is moved to Saturday due to a holiday, place all trash and recycling out by 6:30am.

• Make sure lids on bins are closed tightly to keep contents secure if pickup is delayed.

• Avoid storing household hazardous waste like chemicals or batteries in bins during holidays when they may sit out longer before collection.

• Check the City website or call ahead if you are unsure of schedule changes. Don’t rely on regular pickup times.

• Leave enough space around trash bins and limit on-street parking so collection trucks can easily access.

• Report any missed collections following holidays promptly so they can dispatch trucks.

By planning accordingly for holidays, you can avoid having overflowing bins, scattered trash, or missed collections. Paying attention to the adjusted Westminster holiday trash and recycling schedule will help keep your pickup smooth. Reach out to the City’s waste management department if you have any other questions on trash collection.