Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Dundalk
Trash Day
Collection runs Monday through Friday across Dundalk depending on your neighborhood route. Residents can view their specific collection days using the Baltimore County address lookup tool.
Recycling
Single-stream recycling is collected on your designated route day according to the Baltimore County collection calendar.
Yard Waste
Separate yard material collection occurs between April 1 and mid-December for properties with designated 'Y' schedule dates.
Set Out Time
After 6:00 PM on the evening before scheduled collection
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Curbside trash and recycling pickup is managed by Baltimore County and funded through general property taxes, so single-family residents do not receive a separate trash collection bill.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, Phone, In Person
Pro Tip / Discount
Baltimore County offers property tax credits and relief programs for eligible seniors, disabled individuals, and low-income homeowners.
Resident-provided Bin (Trash)
Trash containers must be sturdy and rodent-resistant. Lids must not be tied down with ropes or bungee cords (though attached hinged toter lids are fine). Set out after 6 p.m. the night before collection.
Accepted Items
- ✓Normal household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable packaging
Resident-provided (Marked with 'X' or 'RECYCLE' sticker) Bin (Recycling)
Single-stream recycling. Never use plastic bags to hold recyclables. Paper bags or small cardboard boxes may be used to hold paper and cardboard recyclables.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard and paperboard
- ✓Metal food and beverage cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags of any kind
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses, wires)
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food-soiled paper (e.g., greasy pizza boxes)
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in heavy-duty paper lawn bags or tied in small bundles. Never place yard materials in plastic bags or mix them in regular trash containers.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small brush and bush trimmings
- ✓Branches (max 3 inches in diameter and 3 feet in length)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Twice a year on specific pre-assigned dates
Placement
Set items out at your normal trash collection location (curb or alley) after 6:00 p.m. the night before your scheduled date.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and household furniture
- ✓ Household appliances (washers, dryers, refrigerators)
- ✓ Rolled and tied carpet or linoleum
- ✓ Electronics (TVs, computers)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Any item longer than 8 feet
- ✕ Pianos, pool tables, or boats
- ✕ Hazardous materials or liquids
- ✕ Large construction/demolition debris
- ✕ Tires or stumps
The bi-annual curbside pickup is free. Residents can also haul items to a Baltimore County drop-off facility at no charge year-round.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Baltimore County uses a 'slide schedule' for these seven major holidays. If your collection day falls on or after the holiday, your pickup will shift one day later that week (e.g., Thursday moves to Friday, Friday moves to Saturday).
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste collections also follow the slide schedule during holiday weeks if they fall on or after the designated slide holiday.
Collections occur on a normal schedule for non-slide holidays like Presidents Day, Indigenous Peoples' Day, and Veterans Day.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring/Summer/Fall
April - DecemberSeparate yard materials collection runs on a designated seasonal schedule starting in April and ending in mid-December. Residents are assigned to either 'Yard Schedule 1' or 'Yard Schedule 2' for their designated collection weeks.
Winter
December - MarchDuring inclement winter weather, snow and ice may delay regular trash pickup. If routes are canceled, make-up collections will generally occur on the next business day. Always check the Baltimore County DPW website for weather alerts.
Fall
October - NovemberDuring peak leaf-falling season, remember that all leaves must still be bagged in compostable paper yard bags. Baltimore County does not operate a loose vacuum leaf collection service for Dundalk residents.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Aluminum Cans? Turn Them Into Cash Right Near Dundalk!
Did you know you can get paid for your empty soda and beer cans? While Maryland doesn't have a statewide bottle deposit, there are places not too far from Dundalk that buy scrap metal, which often includes aluminum. Check out local scrap yards like David J. Joseph Company in Baltimore, or search for "scrap metal recycling Baltimore" to find more options. They'll often take other metals too, so if you're clearing out the garage, it might be worth a trip to see if those old pipes or appliances can earn you a few bucks!
Give Your Old Stuff a New Life at Dundalk Area Donation Spots
Instead of tossing gently used items, think about giving them a second chance! For furniture, housewares, and building materials, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in nearby Baltimore is a fantastic option. They support building homes for families in need. Also, check out local thrift stores in Dundalk or surrounding communities like Sparrows Point or Essex; many happily accept clothing, books, and household decorations. It’s a win-win: declutter your home and help out neighbors!
Keeping Dundalk Tidy: What to Do About Piles of Trash?
If you see trash dumped illegally in Dundalk, the Baltimore County Bureau of Solid Waste Management wants to hear about it. You can often report illegal dumping through their website or by calling their office. They also sometimes hold special collection days for household hazardous waste, like old paint or electronics, so keep an eye on the county's waste management page for announcements. Participating in community clean-up events is another great way to keep our neighborhoods looking good and shows real pride in Dundalk!
Drop-off Facilities
Eastern Sanitary Landfill Solid Waste Management Facility (ESL)
6259 Days Cove Road, White Marsh, MD 21162
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I request a bulk trash pickup in Dundalk?
You do not need to call or request an appointment for bulk pickup. Baltimore County automatically assigns two bulk collection dates per year to each residence. Simply look up your address on the county's schedule tool, and place up to three large items out the night before your assigned date.
Does Dundalk delay trash pickup for every holiday?
No. Trash is only delayed for the seven 'slide schedule' holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. For minor holidays like Veterans Day, put your bins out on your normal schedule.
Can I put my yard waste in black plastic trash bags?
No. Baltimore County strictly prohibits placing yard waste in plastic bags. All grass, leaves, and small brush must be placed in heavy-duty paper lawn bags or tied in small bundles.
Does the county provide recycling bins to Dundalk residents?
No, residents must supply their own containers. You can convert any sturdy, unattached-lid trash can into a recycling bin by marking a large 'X' on it or requesting a free 'RECYCLE' sticker from the Bureau of Solid Waste Management.