Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Cambridge
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.
Contractor-provided cart (typically dark-colored) Bin (Trash)
Carts must be placed at the curb no earlier than 3:00 p.m. the day before collection and no later than 6:00 a.m. on the scheduled collection date. Empty carts must be retrieved by 9:00 a.m. the following day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Bagged yard clippings
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
Designated county drop-off bins Bin (Recycling)
Cambridge residents primarily utilize Dorchester County recycling drop-off centers. Ensure all recyclables are loose, clean, and unbagged before depositing them in the designated commodity dumpsters.
Accepted Items
- ✓Flattened cardboard
- ✓Paper and newspaper
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food-soiled materials
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses)
Yard Waste Bin
Yard waste is accepted alongside regular trash provided it is properly bagged or bundled. Do not leave loose piles of vegetation at the curb.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged grass clippings
- ✓Bagged leaves
- ✓Bundled branches (under 4 feet in length and 4 inches in diameter)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly (On your last scheduled garbage day)
Placement
Place items at the curb between 3:00 p.m. the day before collection and 6:00 a.m. on the collection day. Limit is strictly 2 cubic yards.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (sofas, tables, chairs)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Bagged vegetation and bundled limbs
- ✓ White goods (requires special scheduled appointment)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Tenant cleanouts and eviction items
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Tires and auto parts
- ✕ Limbs larger than 4 inches in diameter
Standard bulk collection within the 2-cubic-yard limit is included. Items exceeding the limit or prohibited items must be hauled to the Beulah Landfill (tipping fees apply).
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a regularly scheduled collection day falls on an observed city holiday, your residential solid waste collection will be deferred to the next available regular collection day.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste follows the standard holiday deferment schedule.
Always check the choosecambridge.com homepage for specific holiday slide announcements, as the schedule shifts based on the specific day of the week the holiday lands.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December - FebruaryIn the event of severe snowstorms, the city may declare a snow emergency. If the government closes or roads become impassable, your scheduled trash collection will be deferred to the next scheduled collection day.
Post-Holiday
JanuaryReal Christmas trees are highly recyclable. Remove all lights, tinsel, ornaments, and stands. Do not place the tree in a plastic bag; check with the DPW for specialized mulch collection dates or drop-off guidelines in January.
Autumn
October - NovemberDuring peak leaf-fall season, remember that all leaves must be securely bagged if you want them collected with your residential trash. The street sweeper will not collect massive piles of loose leaves pushed into the roadway.
Drop-off Facilities
Dorchester County Beulah Landfill
6815 East New Market-Ellwood Road (MD Route 16), Hurlock, MD 21643
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the volume limit for trash collection in Cambridge, MD?
The City of Cambridge strictly enforces a 2-cubic-yard limit per collection [1.3.1]. This limit includes both your regular household garbage and any approved bulk items you place at the curb.
Do I need to call ahead to throw away a couch or mattress?
While bulk items are generally collected on your last garbage day of the week (Thursday or Friday), the Department of Public Services strongly encourages residents to call 410-228-1955 prior to placing large items like couches or mattresses out.
How do I dispose of a broken refrigerator or washing machine?
Large household appliances (white goods) are not picked up with standard bulk trash. You must contact the Cambridge DPW at 410-228-1955 to schedule a specific appointment for white goods collection.
Can I leave loose branches at the curb?
No. All tree limbs and brush must be tied and bundled. Limbs cannot exceed four (4) feet in length, nor can they be larger than four (4) inches in diameter. Bagged vegetation like leaves and grass clippings is also accepted within these limits.