Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Ellicott City
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 or heavy-duty bags Bin (Trash)
Maximum of 4 items (bags, bins, or bundles) per week. Must weigh under 40 lbs each. Place within 5 feet of the roadway between 6 PM the night before and 6 AM on pickup day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable food wrappers
- ✓Small broken household items
- ✓Styrofoam packaging
Blue County-provided cart or bin Bin (Recycling)
All recyclables must be placed loosely in the blue bin without plastic bags. Carts must be free of yard trim and standard household trash.
Accepted Items
- ✓Flattened cardboard
- ✓Mixed paper and mail
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic garbage bags
- ✕Food-soiled pizza boxes
- ✕Electronics
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses)
- ✕Styrofoam
Yard Waste Bin
Place in paper yard bags or reusable bins marked for yard trim. Bundled brush cannot exceed 4 feet in length and 18 inches in diameter. No plastic bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Small brush
- ✓Organic plant trimmings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By scheduled appointment
Placement
Place bulk items within 5 feet of the road the night before your regular trash day. Items cannot exceed 6 feet in width and must be easily liftable by two collection crew members.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Wooden furniture
- ✓ Couches and chairs
- ✓ Standard large broken household items
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris (drywall, sinks)
- ✕ Mirrors or plate glass
- ✕ Pianos
- ✕ Automobile tires
- ✕ Hazardous waste and paints
- ✕ Computer monitors and TVs
Bulk trash and scrap metal collections are included in the standard County solid waste fees for eligible residential properties; there is no separate per-item charge.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Howard County utilizes a 'Holiday Slide Schedule.' If a recognized holiday falls on a weekday, collections scheduled on or after that day are pushed to the next day for the rest of the week (e.g., Friday pickups move to Saturday).
Yard Waste Exception
Yard trim and food scrap collections observe the exact same holiday slide schedule as trash and single-stream recycling.
The Alpha Ridge Landfill also closes on these major holidays, though it may remain open for drop-offs on minor federal holidays like Columbus Day.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring and Autumn
April - May / October - NovemberKeep an eye on local announcements for Howard County's sponsored document shredding events. These bi-annual events are the safest and most environmentally friendly way for Ellicott City residents to dispose of sensitive tax paperwork and old files.
Summer
June - AugustEllicott City is known to experience intense summer thunderstorms and occasional localized flash flooding. Ensure your bins have tight-fitting lids and try not to place lightweight recycling out too early if high winds or heavy rains are forecasted overnight.
Winter
December - JanuaryHoward County operates a 'Holiday Slide Schedule.' If major holidays like Christmas or New Year's Day fall on a weekday, all curbside collections for the remainder of that week are pushed back by one full day.
Local Tips & Community Info
Cash In On Your Cans & Bottles Around Ellicott City?
Heard you might be wondering if you can snag some extra cash for your empties right here in the Ellicott City area. Maryland has a bottle redemption program for many beverage containers. While I didn't find a specific buyback center *directly* in Ellicott City, you're not too far from places that do. Keep an eye out for local grocery stores or redemption centers in nearby communities like Baltimore or Columbia that might take your redeemed bottles and cans. It's a great way to turn your recyclables into a little spending money!
Giving Old Treasures a New Home in Howard County
Got gently used items that are just taking up space? Before they head to the curb, think about giving them a second life! The Habitat for Humanity ReStore in nearby Baltimore is a fantastic spot to donate furniture, appliances, and building materials. They’re always looking for good stuff to help fund their projects. Also, keep an eye out for smaller, local thrift shops in Ellicott City or surrounding towns that might accept clothing, books, or household goods. It's a win-win – declutter your home and help out a good cause!
Keeping Ellicott City Spick-and-Span: Beyond the Regular Bin
While your regular trash day is covered, what about those times you want to go above and beyond for our community? Howard County often hosts special collection events for things like electronics or household hazardous waste. These are perfect for getting rid of items that can't go in your regular bins. If you ever see something that looks like illegal dumping, it’s super important to report it. You can usually do this through the Howard County government website or by calling their public works department. Keeping our neighborhoods clean is something we can all pitch in for!
Drop-off Facilities
Alpha Ridge Landfill and Residents' Convenience Center
2350 Marriottsville Rd, Marriottsville, MD 21104
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my townhome in Ellicott City doesn't have a garage for my bins?
Howard County requires residents in townhomes without garages to group their trash and recycling in designated accessible areas, such as the curb edge of a grass island. Just make sure you do not block mailboxes, parking spots, or fire hydrants when you set out your waste.
Can I put my old sink or bathroom tiles out for bulk trash pickup?
No. Construction and demolition (C&D) debris—including sinks, drywall, carpet, and flooring—is strictly prohibited from curbside bulk collection. You must transport these materials yourself to the Alpha Ridge Landfill, where disposal fees may apply.
How many bags of garbage can I throw away each week?
The county imposes a strict maximum limit of four (4) items per week for household trash. This can be any combination of bags, personal cans, or tied bundles, but absolutely no single item can weigh more than 40 pounds.
Does the county take broken appliances like dishwashers at the curb?
Yes, but they are not collected as standard bulk trash. Appliances and items predominantly made of metal require a specialized 'Scrap Metal' collection appointment. The county uses a completely separate truck for metal, and you are limited to two of these scrap collections per year.