Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Elkridge
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 Bin (Trash)
Limit of 4 cans/bags per week. Each item must weigh less than 40 lbs. Bundles cannot exceed 4 feet in length or 18 inches in diameter. Must be out by 6:00 AM (or 5:00 AM in summer).
Accepted Items
- ✓Normal household garbage
- ✓Securely tied heavy-gauge plastic bags
Blue (County-provided) or resident-provided reusable container Bin (Recycling)
Keep recyclables loose. Do not bag them in plastic grocery bags. Cardboard boxes can be used as makeshift recycling containers if kept dry.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard (flattened)
- ✓Paper and cartons
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses)
- ✕Trash and yard trim
- ✕Medical waste
Yard Waste Bin
Place in paper yard bags, reusable containers, or tie in bundles. Do not use the blue recycling cart or green food scrap cart for yard waste.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small branches and brush
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By appointment only
Placement
Set scheduled bulk items at the curb by 6:00 AM (or 5:00 AM in summer) on the confirmed pickup date. Do not block sidewalks or fire hydrants.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (sofas, dressers)
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Scrap metal (scheduled separately)
- ✓ Large household appliances
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris (drywall, fencing, concrete)
- ✕ Car parts (tires, wheels, batteries)
- ✕ Hazardous waste
Scheduling a bulk pickup is included for residents paying the yearly Trash and Recycling Service fee. Home remodeling debris is not accepted and incurs a tipping fee at the landfill.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Howard County operates on a 'slide schedule' for major holidays. If a recognized holiday falls on or before your normal collection day, your pickup will 'slide' to the next day (e.g., Thursday pickups move to Friday, and Friday pickups move to Saturday).
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste and food scraps follow the same holiday slide schedule as regular trash and recycling.
Residents can sign up for the Howard County Recycling e-newsletter to receive automatic holiday slide schedule reminders directly to their inbox.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Summer
Late June - Early SeptemberDue to Maryland heat stress regulations, all trash and recycling collections start at 5:00 AM during the summer months. Ensure your bins are at the curb the night before or before 5:00 AM.
Winter
December - MarchInclement winter weather may delay collections. The Bureau of Environmental Services will shift schedules or cancel pickups if roads are unsafe. Always check the county's 'Holiday & Inclement Weather' page for real-time updates.
Post-Holiday
JanuaryHoward County runs the 'Merry Mulch' program in early January, allowing residents to place unbagged, decoration-free live Christmas trees at the curb for composting.
Drop-off Facilities
Alpha Ridge Landfill
2350 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD 21104
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do I need to put my trash out in Elkridge?
For most of the year, trash must be at the curb by 6:00 AM on your collection day. However, between late June and early September, Howard County enacts a summer heat stress schedule, and bins must be out by 5:00 AM.
Is there a limit to how much trash I can throw away each week?
Yes. Howard County limits weekly trash collection to four (4) cans, bags, or bundles per household. Each item must weigh less than 40 pounds. If you use a large trash can (over 40 gallons), the crew counts each bag inside as one item.
How do I get rid of a mattress or old couch?
You cannot simply leave oversized items on the curb in Elkridge. You must schedule a bulk trash pickup in advance through the Howard County Bulk Item/Scrap Metal scheduling portal. Construction debris like drywall is not accepted.
I live in a townhome with no garage. Where do I put my trash?
Residents in townhome communities without garages must 'group' their trash and recycling in designated communal areas, such as the curb end of a grass island or the end of a parking area, to allow safe access for the collection trucks.