Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Damascus
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 Container (15-45 gallons) Bin (Trash)
Residents must provide their own rigid metal or plastic trash containers with tight-fitting lids, or heavy-duty waterproof trash bags. Containers cannot exceed 45 gallons or 45 pounds, and must be at the curb by 7:00 AM.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Polystyrene/Styrofoam (No. 6 plastic)
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics and wrappers
Blue Bin and Blue Paper Cart (Dual Stream) Bin (Recycling)
Montgomery County utilizes dual-stream recycling. Commingled containers go in the blue bin; paper products go in the blue paper cart or must be neatly bundled. Never bag recyclables in plastic.
Accepted Items
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Plastic bottles, tubs, and lids (Nos. 1-5, 7)
- ✓Paper, mail, and flattened cardboard
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film packaging
- ✕Styrofoam (No. 6 plastic)
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses, wires)
- ✕Paper towels and tissues
- ✕Hazardous waste and electronics
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in compostable paper yard bags or reusable rigid containers. Tree branches must be tied in bundles under 4 feet long and 12 inches in diameter. Plastic bags are strictly prohibited.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Brush, twigs, and garden waste
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
5 collections per calendar year (by appointment)
Placement
Items must be placed curbside by 7:00 AM on your scheduled collection day, only after confirmation from MC311.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Sofas and upholstered furniture
- ✓ Rolled carpet and padding
- ✓ Large rigid plastic items
Not Accepted
- ✕ Items composed of 51% or more metal (use scrap metal service)
- ✕ Construction, drywall, and demolition materials
- ✕ Concrete, dirt, rocks, and sod
- ✕ Automotive parts and tires
- ✕ Household hazardous waste
The 5 bulk pickups are built into county property tax assessments for eligible residences. Excess quantities or heavy construction loads require a paid trip to the transfer station.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your collection day falls on or after an observed weekday holiday, service is delayed by one day for the remainder of that week (the 'Holiday Slide'). Friday pickups shift to Saturday.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard trim collections and scheduled bulk appointments follow the exact same holiday slide schedule as standard trash and recycling.
Holidays falling strictly on weekends generally do not cause shifts to the Monday through Friday weekday collection schedules.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Fall
October, November, DecemberAutumn leaf accumulation is heavy in Damascus. Pack leaves securely into paper yard waste bags or reusable containers for your normal weekly collection day; loose leaf piles in the street are not vacuumed by county crews here.
Winter
JanuaryNatural holiday trees are accepted year-round on your regular yard trim day. Ensure all lights, ornaments, tinsel, and metal stands are completely removed before setting the tree curbside.
Summer
June, July, AugustDuring extreme heat advisories or severe summer thunderstorms, collection crews may start routes earlier than usual. Ensure all bins are out promptly by 7:00 AM.
Drop-off Facilities
Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station
16101 Frederick Road, Derwood, MD 20855
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bulk trash pickups are included per year in Damascus?
Montgomery County allows eligible single-family households up to 5 scheduled bulk trash collections per calendar year. You must book these ahead of time through MC311 before midnight prior to your collection day.
Can I use plastic garbage bags for my yard trim?
No. Montgomery County strictly bans plastic bags for yard waste. All leaves, grass clippings, and garden trimmings must go into compostable paper yard bags or rigid, reusable containers.
How should I dispose of old metal appliances or lawnmowers?
Metal appliances and items that are predominantly metal cannot go out with standard bulk trash. They require a separate scrap metal appointment through MC311, which Damascus residents can utilize an unlimited number of times per year.
How does bad winter weather affect my pickup schedule?
If winter storms force Montgomery County to suspend solid waste operations, they implement a slide schedule where all remaining weekly collections shift forward by one day, with crews working Saturdays to catch up.