Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Catonsville
Trash Day
Collection days vary across Catonsville neighborhoods. Residential trash is collected weekly (or twice-weekly in select areas) on assigned collection routes. Enter your street address into the Baltimore County collection schedule tool to view your designated pickup days.
Recycling
Single-stream recycling is collected on your designated weekday on an alternating or regular schedule depending on your neighborhood route.
Yard Waste
Curbside yard materials are collected on designated 'Y' schedule weeks from April 1 through mid-December. Outside of this period, yard waste is collected with regular trash.
Set Out Time
After 6:00 PM the night before your scheduled collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential trash, recycling, and bulk collection services are funded through Baltimore County property taxes, so single-family households do not receive a separate monthly trash utility bill.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, Phone, In Person
Resident-provided (dark colors typical) Bin (Trash)
Must be a sturdy, water-tight, rodent-resistant container with handles and a tight-fitting cover. Lids cannot be fastened with ropes or wire. Hinged toters are accepted.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable packaging
Blue bin, or any resident-provided container marked with an 'X' or 'RECYCLE' Bin (Recycling)
Place recyclables loose in the container. Never use plastic bags. Free 'RECYCLE' stickers are available by calling 410-887-2000.
Accepted Items
- ✓Paper
- ✓Cardboard
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, cords)
- ✕Food-soiled materials
Yard Waste Bin
Place in heavy-duty (two-ply) paper lawn bags or tie branches in bundles no longer than 3 feet. Do not use plastic bags or mix with normal trash.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small brush
- ✓Branches (under 3 inches in diameter)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Two pre-scheduled bulk collections per year
Placement
Place items at your normal collection point after 6:00 PM the night before your scheduled collection day.
Accepted
- ✓ Appliances (washers, dryers, refrigerators)
- ✓ Household furniture (sofas, mattresses, tables)
- ✓ Electronics (TVs, computers)
- ✓ Carpets (rolled and tied)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Pianos
- ✕ Boats
- ✕ Stumps and logs
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Items containing liquids
- ✕ Hazardous waste
Free residential service for up to 3 items on your two assigned county bulk days.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Baltimore County uses a 'slide' schedule for major holidays. If a holiday falls on a weekday, collections for that day and the remainder of the week typically shift to the next day.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste collections are subject to the same holiday slide delays as regular trash and recycling.
Always verify your address-specific online calendar, as Baltimore County no longer mails printed schedules to residents.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
January - FebruaryEnsure your trash and recycling bins are accessible during snowstorms and avoid overfilling containers, as freezing weather can make plastic brittle and prone to cracking during collection.
Spring
March - MayWhen clearing out spring growth, remember that branches must be cut to three feet or less and securely tied in bundles. Loose yard waste left outside of paper bags will not be collected.
Fall
October - NovemberCatonsville sees heavy leaf drops. Bag your autumn leaves in two-ply paper yard bags rather than raking them into the street. The county will reject any yard materials placed in plastic bags.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Your Junk into Cash: Catonsville's Scrap & Recycling Hotspots
Hey Catonsville neighbors! Did you know you can actually get paid for some of your recyclables? While the state of Maryland doesn't have a universal bottle and can redemption program like some other places, it's still worth checking out local scrap metal yards. For those big metal items that aren't regular trash, like old appliances or scrap metal, you'll want to contact Baltimore County's Bureau of Solid Waste Management at 410-887-2000. They can guide you on how to schedule pickup for these items, and sometimes, what's considered scrap metal can be taken to specialized yards where you might get a little cash back for it. Keep an eye out for announcements from the county for any special scrap metal collection days too – it's a great way to clear out clutter and make a few bucks!
Giving Gently Used Items a Second Life in the Catonsville Area
Before tossing perfectly good items, think about donating! Catonsville is lucky to have some fantastic spots. The Goodwill on Baltimore National Pike is a go-to for clothing, household goods, and electronics. If you've got furniture or home décor, consider the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Baltimore. They accept a wide range of items and the proceeds help build homes right here in our community. Even smaller charities and churches often have donation drives for clothing and household essentials. A quick search for 'local charities accepting donations Catonsville' will often point you to places that could really use what you're no longer using.
Keeping Catonsville Clean: Tackling Trash & Illegal Dumping
We all want a beautiful Catonsville, and that means staying on top of litter and illegal dumping. While the county has regular trash and recycling pickups, sometimes things slip through the cracks or unfortunately, people choose to dump waste illegally. If you spot illegal dumping, the best thing to do is report it immediately. You can contact Baltimore County’s Department of Public Works & Transportation at 410-887-5000. They handle these situations and are working hard to keep our neighborhoods clean. Also, keep an ear out for community clean-up events – these are often organized by local civic groups and are a perfect way to pitch in and make a real difference in our area.
Drop-off Facilities
Western Acceptance Facility
3310 Transway Road, Halethorpe, MD 21227
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
When is bulk trash collected in Catonsville?
Baltimore County provides Catonsville residents with two pre-scheduled bulk collection dates each year. You do not need to call to schedule; instead, you look up your exact assigned dates on the county's Solid Waste Management website. Up to three bulk items are allowed per collection.
Can I use plastic bags for my yard waste?
No. Baltimore County strictly prohibits plastic bags for yard materials. You must use heavy-duty, two-ply paper lawn bags or tie your branches into bundles (maximum 3 feet long and 3 inches in diameter).
Does my trash or recycling pickup change on holidays in Baltimore County?
Yes. Baltimore County observes several major holidays like New Year's Day, Memorial Day, and Thanksgiving. When a holiday falls on a weekday, collections for that day and the rest of the week typically 'slide' to the following day.
What color recycling bin should I use in Catonsville?
Residents must provide their own recycling bins. You can use a standard blue bin, a bin marked with a recycling symbol, or any trash container clearly marked with a large 'X' or the word 'RECYCLE'. Free stickers are available by calling the Bureau of Solid Waste Management at 410-887-2000.