Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Elkton
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.
Town-provided Republic Services cart (95-gallon or 64-gallon) Bin (Trash)
All trash must fit completely inside the cart with the lid fully closed. Carts must be set out the night before or by 6:00 a.m. Ensure 3 feet of clearance around the cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food wrappers
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
Town-provided Republic Services recycling cart Bin (Recycling)
Place recyclables loosely in the cart; do not use plastic bags. Ensure the cart lid is completely closed and facing the street.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean paper and cardboard
- ✓Metal food and beverage cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Rigid plastic bottles and jugs
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses)
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Yard waste
Yard Waste Bin
Do NOT use bags. Grass goes in a max 32-gallon container marked 'GRASS'. Brush must be piled separately with branches facing the same direction. Collected by Elkton DPW.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Brush and branches (up to 6 feet long)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
One item per week (Requires appointment)
Placement
Place your scheduled bulk item out the night before your regular collection day, completely clear of your automated trash and recycling carts.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Large pieces of furniture
- ✓ Household bulk items (one per week)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Building materials (drywall, fencing)
- ✕ Dirt and mulch
- ✕ Appliances containing Freon
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Tires
Bulk collection is included as a town service, but you must call the Department of Public Works at 410-392-6636 (ext. 7102) to get on the schedule.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a recognized holiday falls on a weekday, collections for the remainder of the week are delayed by one day. A Monday route will be collected on Tuesday, and so on. If the holiday lands on a weekend, there is no service delay.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste is collected by the Elkton DPW and may follow a slightly different administrative holiday schedule. Check with the DPW directly for weather or holiday yard waste delays.
Elkton's observance of General Election Day and Veterans Day for trash delays is a unique feature not found in many neighboring municipalities.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring/Summer
April to AugustYard waste collection by the DPW is weather-permitting. If heavy thunderstorms soak your grass or brush piles, they may not be collected that day, as wet materials can severely damage the town's collection equipment.
Autumn
October to DecemberDuring peak leaf collection season, rake leaves directly to the curb but keep them out of street gutters and grass medians to prevent clogging Elkton's stormwater drainage systems.
Winter
December to FebruaryDuring snow events, ensure your Republic Services carts are placed in a cleared area within 2 feet of the street, but do not place them behind snowbanks or parked vehicles where the automated arm cannot reach them.
Drop-off Facilities
Cecil County Central Landfill
Route 7 (Old Philadelphia Rd) between North East and Elkton, MD
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule a bulk trash pickup in Elkton?
You must contact the Elkton Department of Public Works at 410-392-6636 ext. 7102 in advance. You are allowed one free bulk item per week, which Republic Services will collect on your designated trash day.
What are the spacing rules for my Elkton trash cart?
Because Republic Services uses automated trucks, your cart must be placed within 2 feet of the street edge, at least 3 feet away from cars, mailboxes, and trees, with the lid opening facing the street. You must also ensure 16 feet of overhead clearance.
Does Elkton use yard waste bags?
No. The Elkton DPW strictly prohibits the use of bags for yard waste. Grass should be placed in a 32-gallon container marked 'GRASS', while loose brush and branches should be stacked with all limbs facing the same direction.
Why was my yard waste left at the curb after it rained?
The Elkton Department of Public Works cannot collect wet grass, leaves, or brush. Wet materials become extremely heavy and can cause severe damage to the town's collection equipment. Weather-permitting delays are normal during heavy storms.