Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Baltimore
Trash Day
Trash is collected once weekly, Monday through Friday, based on your neighborhood zone. Check the DPW address lookup tool or call 311 to confirm your specific pickup day.
Recycling
Recycling is collected once weekly on your neighborhood's designated collection day.
Yard Waste
Yard waste is collected on the same day as regular trash pickup (up to 5 paper bags or tied bundles per week; bulk seasonal leaf pickup is available by calling 311).
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day (or after 6:00 PM the evening before)
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Curbside trash and recycling collection services are covered through municipal property taxes, while water and wastewater services are billed separately on a monthly basis.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, Phone, In Person
Pro Tip / Discount
Property tax credits (including Homestead and Senior Tax Credits) and water assistance programs (such as the Baltimore Household Income Program) are available for qualifying low-income and senior residents.
Green City-Issued Cart (or any standard bin under 32 gallons) Bin (Trash)
Trash must be placed in a durable, watertight receptacle with a tight-fitting cover to deter rodents. Set out between 6 PM the night before and 6 AM on collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable packaging
Blue City-Issued Cart (or any bin marked 'Recycling') Bin (Recycling)
Items should be placed loosely in the bin. Cardboard must be flattened. DO NOT bag recyclables in plastic garbage bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard and paperboard boxes
- ✓Mixed paper, mail, and magazines
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs (#1-#7)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Styrofoam (polystyrene)
- ✕Food-soiled pizza boxes
- ✕Electronics
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, cords)
Yard Waste Bin
Limit of 5 bags per collection. Place in paper/clear bags or bundle it next to your regular trash. Branches cannot exceed 4 inches in diameter or 3 feet in length.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Brush and twigs
- ✓Small branches
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Once a month (up to 3 items)
Placement
Place approved items in your normal trash collection spot (front curb or rear alley) after 6 PM the night before your assigned, scheduled bulk pickup day.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Furniture (couches, chairs, tables)
- ✓ Large appliances (doors must be removed)
- ✓ Water heaters
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Propane tanks
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Liquid paints
- ✕ Auto parts
The 3-item monthly bulk pickup is a free service for Baltimore City residents.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Baltimore City DPW uses a Saturday make-up schedule. If your collection day falls on a city-observed holiday, your pickup is canceled for that day and will be collected on the Saturday of that same week.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste follows the exact same Saturday make-up rules as standard trash collection.
Citizen Convenience Centers and the Quarantine Road Landfill are also closed on these observed city holidays.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December - FebruaryDuring heavy snow events, DPW may suspend rear-alley collection to keep crews safe. If an alert is issued, you will be required to move your trash cans to the end of the alley or the front curb of your property [3.1.1].
Autumn
October - NovemberLeaf collection season means excess yard waste. Remember that DPW enforces a strict 5-bag limit per collection day. If you have a massive pile of leaves, you must spread the bags out over multiple weeks or take them to a Citizen Drop-Off Center.
Summer
June - AugustSummer brings major holidays like Independence Day and Labor Day. In Baltimore City, holidays do not push the schedule forward one day for everyone. Instead, the missed day's route is specifically made up on the Saturday of that week.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Some Metal to Sell in B'More? See Where You Can Cash In!
Hey Baltimore neighbors! If you've got old appliances, scrap metal, or even just a pile of cans and bottles gathering dust, don't just toss 'em. You might be able to get a little cash back! Places like Baltimore Scrap Processors or OmniSource often buy ferrous and non-ferrous metals. For those aluminum cans and plastic bottles, Maryland has a state program where you can redeem them for a few cents each at participating redemption centers. Check online for the closest one to you – it's a win-win for your wallet and the planet!
Giving Your Old Stuff a New Life in Charm City
Before you think about tossing perfectly good items, consider donating them right here in Baltimore. Organizations like the Helping Up Mission's thrift stores are always looking for clothes, furniture, and household goods to help support their programs. You can also check out the Habitat for Humanity ReStores – they have a few locations in the greater Baltimore area and take donations of building materials and gently used home goods. It’s a fantastic way to declutter and help out folks in our community.
Keeping Baltimore Beautiful: Tackling Junk and Joining Cleanups
Nobody likes seeing trash dumped illegally around our neighborhoods. If you spot illegal dumping in Baltimore City, you can report it by calling 311. The city also has special collection days for household hazardous waste, like old paint or electronics, so you can dispose of them safely instead of contributing to clutter. Keep an eye out for community clean-up events organized by local groups or the city – pitching in is a great way to meet neighbors and make a real difference in our city.
Drop-off Facilities
Northwest Citizens' Convenience Center
2840 Sisson St, Baltimore, MD 21211
Materials Accepted
Quarantine Road Landfill & Residential Drop-Off
6100 Quarantine Rd, Baltimore, MD 21226
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use plastic grocery bags in my blue recycling bin in Baltimore City?
No, plastic bags are strictly prohibited in Baltimore City's single-stream recycling [2.3.2]. They tangle the sorting machinery. Please place your paper, plastics, and metals loosely in the bin.
How do I throw away a mattress in Baltimore?
You can schedule a free bulk pickup by calling 311 or using the BALT311 portal online. Baltimore allows up to three bulk items (like a mattress) per household each month. Alternatively, you can drive it to a Citizen Drop-Off Center.
Does Baltimore DPW collect yard waste?
Yes, DPW collects yard waste on your normal trash day. You are limited to 5 bags per week. Branches must be bundled, no thicker than 4 inches in diameter, and no longer than 3 feet.
What happens if my trash day falls on Thanksgiving or another holiday?
Baltimore City does not push the entire week's schedule forward. Instead, the specific route that was canceled on the holiday will be serviced on the Saturday of that same week.