Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Bel Air
Maryland curbside collections typically run weekly (Monday-Friday). Your specific household collection day is determined by your local county or city zoning schedule.
State Mandate
Maryland MDE requires strict separation of yard trim from standard refuse, and mandates food scrap diversion under state law.
Resident's Choice Bin (Trash)
Containers must be between 20 and 32 gallons in volume. The total weight of a loaded trash can or individual bag cannot exceed 40 pounds.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard bagged household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable packaging materials
Resident's Choice (clearly marked as Recycling) Bin (Recycling)
Do not use plastic bags. Place recyclables loosely in an approved bin, a paper bag, or a cardboard box.
Accepted Items
- ✓Paper and flattened cardboard
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs (Plastics #1 - #7)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic trash bags
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses)
Yard Waste Bin
Brush must be properly sized for collection. Bagged leaves and grass have specific seasonal collection routes managed by the town.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Brush
- ✓Tree limbs
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Every other Wednesday (by appointment only)
Placement
Place scheduled items at the curb no earlier than 6:00 p.m. on the Tuesday evening prior to your Wednesday appointment.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Large household items too big for a regular trash can
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Large quantities of construction debris
- ✕ Automotive parts
- ✕ Tires
Basic bulk collection is typically included in town services, but excessive amounts may require renting a town roll-off dumpster. Call 410-638-4536 for clarification.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
When a holiday falls on a weekday, the Town of Bel Air typically shifts collection schedules. For example, Friday recycling routes may be moved to Thursday. Always check the town's official 'Holiday Trash & Recycling' bulletin for exact date changes.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste and bulk item schedules are frequently suspended or altered during holiday weeks to prioritize household refuse.
A comprehensive holiday collection calendar is posted on the Bel Air DPW website to confirm alternate days.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December to FebruaryDuring major snowstorms, the Town's Refuse Section employees are reassigned to snow removal operations, clearing sidewalks and town properties. This may cause delays or temporary suspensions in regular trash and recycling routes.
Fall
October to DecemberThe Town of Bel Air provides a dedicated loose leaf collection program during the autumn months. Residents are instructed to rake leaves to the curb (not into the street) for scheduled vacuum truck pickups.
Spring/Summer
April to NovemberFor excess yard trim, the nearby Harford County Tollgate Road drop-off site operates on an expanded schedule (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) to accommodate peak landscaping season.
Drop-off Facilities
Harford Waste Disposal Center (HWDC)
3241 Scarboro Road, Street, MD 21154
Materials Accepted
Tollgate Road Yard Trim Drop-Off Site
703 North Tollgate Road, Bel Air, MD 21014
Materials Accepted
Bel Air DPW Used Oil & Antifreeze Drop-Off
705 E. Churchville Road, Bel Air, MD 21014
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum size and weight for a trash can in Bel Air?
Town Code mandates that personal refuse containers must be between 20 and 32 gallons in volume. Furthermore, a fully loaded trash can or bag must not weigh more than 40 pounds to ensure the safety of sanitation crews.
Do I need to schedule a bulk trash pickup, or can I just leave it on the curb?
You must schedule an appointment. The Town of Bel Air collects bulk waste every other Wednesday. Unscheduled items left at the curb will not be collected, and you may face a code violation.
Can I put my recycling in a plastic garbage bag?
No. The town strictly prohibits placing curbside recyclables in plastic bags (including grocery bags and black trash bags). Items must be placed loosely in a marked bin, a paper bag, or a cardboard box.
Where can I drop off yard waste if I miss the town collection?
Harford County operates the Tollgate Road Yard Trim Drop-Off Site locally at 703 North Tollgate Road in Bel Air. It is open Thursday through Saturday during the warmer months, and on Saturdays only during the winter.