Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Cockeysville
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-provided (No required color) Bin (Trash)
Must be a sturdy, water-tight, and rodent-resistant container. Lids must be tight-fitting but cannot be tied or fastened down with bungee cords. Toter-style hinged lids are permitted.
Accepted Items
- ✓Normal household refuse
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Styrofoam (foam packaging)
- ✓Empty pesticide cans
Blue bin or resident-provided marked with 'X' or 'RECYCLE' Bin (Recycling)
Do not bag recyclables; place them loosely in the bin. Baltimore County will provide free 'RECYCLE' stickers for resident-owned bins upon request.
Accepted Items
- ✓Paper, cardboard, and pizza box tops
- ✓Plastic bottles, jars, jugs, and tubs
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Metal food and beverage cans
- ✓Rigid plastics (buckets, lawn furniture, flower pots)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags of any kind
- ✕Styrofoam (foam packaging and clamshells)
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, cords, chains)
- ✕Shredded paper
- ✕Paper towels and napkins
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in two-ply paper lawn bags or tied in bundles. Plastic bags are strictly prohibited for yard material.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small brush
- ✓Branches under 3 inches in diameter and 3 feet in length
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Two assigned days per calendar year
Placement
Set items out after 6:00 p.m. the night before your scheduled date. Lawnmowers must have gas tanks and wheels removed. Do not block the alleyway.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and household furniture
- ✓ Washers, dryers, and refrigerators
- ✓ Rolled and tied carpets
- ✓ Televisions, monitors, and computers
- ✓ Dismantled metal swing sets
Not Accepted
- ✕ Any item over 8 feet in length
- ✕ Standard municipal solid waste (regular trash)
- ✕ Building and construction materials
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Undismantled heavy items (like full sheds)
These two scheduled pickups are included in standard county services. Alternatively, residents get up to 10 free visits per year to drop off bulk items at county facilities.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Baltimore County follows a 'slide' schedule for the seven major collection holidays. If your collection day falls on or after a holiday, your pickup will shift one day later for the rest of that week (e.g., Friday routes move to Saturday).
Yard Waste Exception
Yard material ('Y' days) and single-stream recycling follow the exact same slide schedule as regular trash during holiday weeks.
If a holiday falls on a weekend, slide rules may vary. Always double-check your address-specific county calendar online to verify.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring/Summer
April to OctoberSeparate 'Y' (Yard) material days officially begin on April 1st. Ensure you are exclusively using heavy-duty paper bags for grass and brush, as plastic bags will result in a skipped collection.
Autumn
October to DecemberDuring peak leaf-fall season, bundle branches and place leaves in paper bags for your specific 'Y' days. Separate yard material collections conclude for the year on the final 'Y' day listed on your property's calendar in December.
Winter
December to MarchAfter the final 'Y' day, any yard materials will be collected alongside regular trash. Prepare for schedule delays during snowstorms or ice by checking the county's Severe Weather Operational Status page.
Drop-off Facilities
Central Acceptance Facility (CAF)
201 West Warren Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030
Materials Accepted
Eastern Sanitary Landfill (ESL)
6259 Days Cove Road, White Marsh, MD 21162
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out my specific trash and recycling pickup days in Cockeysville?
Baltimore County does not use a universal collection schedule. You must enter your exact address into the county's online Collection Schedule tool to view your personalized T (Trash), R (Recycling), Y (Yard), and Bulk collection dates.
Does the county provide my trash and recycling bins?
No, residents are responsible for providing their own containers. Trash cans must be sturdy, rodent-resistant, and have a tight-fitting lid. For recycling, you can use a blue bin or any container marked with a large 'X' or 'RECYCLE' sticker (which the county provides for free if you call 410-887-2000).
What happens if I miss my two scheduled bulk collection days?
If you miss your two assigned annual bulk days or have more than three items, you can take your large items directly to the Central Acceptance Facility right in Cockeysville (201 West Warren Road). Residents are allowed up to 10 free drop-off visits per year.
Why didn't they collect my yard waste even though it was placed out on a 'Y' day?
The most common reason for a missed yard waste collection is improper packaging. Baltimore County strictly prohibits plastic bags. All grass, leaves, and brush must be placed in two-ply paper lawn bags or tied in bundles with non-plastic string.