Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Clarksburg
Trash Day
Trash collection runs Monday through Friday depending on your neighborhood route or HOA contract. Use the Montgomery County DEP address lookup tool to confirm your exact collection day.
Recycling
Recycling is collected once per week on your designated county collection day (Monday through Friday).
Yard Waste
Yard trim (leaves, grass clippings, and bundled branches) is collected weekly on your scheduled recycling day.
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day (no earlier than 5:00 PM the evening before)
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
County-provided trash, recycling, and leaf collection services are billed as a Solid Waste Charge on your annual Montgomery County property tax bill.
Billing Cycle
Annual (included on property tax bill)
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, Phone, In Person
Pro Tip / Discount
No specific discounts listed for the solid waste charge.
Resident provided (or HOA provided) Bin (Trash)
Trash must be stored in airtight, waterproof, and rodent-proof containers with tight-fitting lids. Bins and bags must not exceed 45 pounds. Set out at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on collection day (no earlier than 5:00 p.m. the night before).
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics and packaging
- ✓Food waste
Blue bin or cart (County provided) Bin (Recycling)
Place all recyclables loose in the county-provided blue bin. Do not bag recyclables. Break down and flatten all cardboard boxes. Set out by 7:00 a.m.
Accepted Items
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Clean paper, cardboard, and cartons
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs (#1-7 except #6)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags, film, or wrap
- ✕Styrofoam (Foam #6)
- ✕Tanglers (cords, wires, hoses)
- ✕Food-soiled paper (e.g., greasy pizza box bottoms)
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in compostable paper yard bags or reusable containers (15-45 gallons) labeled with a 'Yard Trim' decal. Branches must be tied in bundles with twine. No plastic bags allowed. Max 45 lbs per bag/bundle.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Brush and branches (max 4 feet long, 4 inches in diameter)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Up to 5 collections per calendar year (for homes with County-provided trash service).
Placement
Place items at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled day. Do not block sidewalks or mailboxes. Metal items are collected on recycling day; non-metal items on trash day.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (sofas, mattresses, dressers)
- ✓ Large appliances (refrigerators, washers)
- ✓ Scrap metal
- ✓ Rolled rugs and carpets
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals)
- ✕ Vehicle parts and tires
- ✕ Items that fit in a standard trash bag
The 5 annual bulk collections are free for county-serviced homes. Additional pickups or bulk service for HOA-contracted homes may require contacting your private hauler directly.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Montgomery County uses a 'Holiday Slide' schedule. If an observed holiday falls on a weekday, collections on and after the holiday slide one day later for the rest of that week (e.g., Monday moves to Tuesday, Friday to Saturday).
Yard Waste Exception
Yard trim collections follow the exact same holiday slide schedule as trash and recycling.
If a county holiday falls on a weekend, your regular weekday collection schedule usually remains unchanged. Always verify via the county's digital schedule.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Fall
November to DecemberWhile yard trim is collected in paper bags year-round, the Montgomery County Division of Highway Services offers vacuum leaf collection in certain older neighborhoods. Check the county's leaf map to see if your street receives vacuum service.
Winter
December to FebruaryWinter snow and ice can delay collections. If roads are unsafe, the DEP will suspend service and typically enact a slide schedule, shifting pickups to the next safe day. Leave your bins out and check the MC311 portal for real-time updates.
Post-Holiday
JanuaryLive Christmas trees are accepted during regular yard trim collections. You must remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, wire, and tree stands. Trees must not be placed in plastic bags.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Your Bottles and Cans into Cash in Clarksburg!
Did you know Maryland has a program where you can get money back for certain beverage containers? While Clarksburg doesn't have a specific buyback center right in town, you can often redeem your empty cans and bottles at larger grocery stores or redemption centers throughout Montgomery County. Just look for the Maryland redemption logo on the packaging. It's a great way to earn a little extra cash and keep recyclables out of the landfill!
Giving Your Unwanted Stuff a Second Life Around Clarksburg
Before you toss that gently used furniture, clothing, or household goods, think about donating them! For those in Clarksburg, there are a few spots to consider. The Community Store at 9101 Gaither Road in Gaithersburg is a popular choice for clothing and household items. And don't forget about Habitat for Humanity ReStores; the one in Frederick (12133 W. Main Street) often accepts furniture, building materials, and home décor. It feels good to help out a neighbor and give your items a new purpose.
Keeping Clarksburg Clean: Tackling Bulky Items and Dumping
Clarksburg residents can have their bulky trash picked up, but it's always good to know the rules. For anything extra that doesn't fit in your regular bins, like old furniture or appliances, remember to check the specific guidelines for bulk trash collection. If you ever see or suspect illegal dumping, it's important to report it to Montgomery County's Department of Environmental Protection. They have a hotline or online form to help keep our community looking its best and prevent environmental harm.
Drop-off Facilities
Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station
16101 Frederick Road, Derwood, MD 20855
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a blue recycling bin in Clarksburg?
Montgomery County provides blue recycling carts and bins for free to all residents. You can request a new bin, order a replacement for a broken one, or get additional bins online through the county's DEP portal or by calling MC311.
Why wasn't my yard waste picked up?
The most common reasons yard waste is left behind are using plastic bags, exceeding the 45-pound weight limit per container, or placing yard trim in an unmarked trash can. Ensure you use paper lawn bags or a rigid container marked with a county 'Yard Trim' sticker.
What happens if I miss my scheduled bulk trash appointment?
If you schedule one of your five annual bulk pickups and fail to place the items out by 7:00 a.m., it may still count against your yearly limit. If you need to cancel, you must do so by 7:00 p.m. the business day before your scheduled collection.
Does my HOA provide my trash service, or does the county?
It depends on your exact address. Montgomery County manages all recycling and yard trim, but household trash in Clarksburg is split between county-serviced routes and private HOA contracts. Use the county's online 'Collection Day Lookup' tool to confirm who services your regular garbage.