Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Essex
Trash Day
Curbside trash collection is provided weekly, Monday through Friday, with specific pickup days determined by your neighborhood address via Baltimore County's online schedule lookup.
Recycling
Single-stream recycling is collected weekly on your assigned collection day. All recyclables should be placed loose inside containers and never in plastic bags.
Yard Waste
Separate yard material collection occurs on your scheduled collection day during designated alternating weeks from April through mid-December.
Set Out Time
After 6:00 PM on the evening before scheduled collection.
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential trash, recycling, and yard waste services are county-provided and funded through general property taxes, so there is no separate utility bill for standard collection.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, In Person
Pro Tip / Discount
Property tax credits and exemptions are available for eligible seniors, disabled residents, and low-income homeowners through Baltimore County.
Resident-provided (dark colors typical) Bin (Trash)
Use a sturdy, water-tight container with handles and a tight-fitting lid. Lids cannot be tied down with ropes or bungee cords. Standard hinged toters are acceptable.
Accepted Items
- ✓Normal household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable packaging and plastics
- ✓Small broken household goods
Blue bin, or any bin marked with an 'X' or 'RECYCLE' Bin (Recycling)
Items must be placed loose inside the container. Do not bag recyclables. Free 'RECYCLE' stickers can be obtained by calling the county.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard and mixed paper
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses, wires)
- ✕Food-soiled cardboard (like greasy pizza boxes)
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in two-ply paper lawn bags. Branches must be tied in bundles no longer than 3 feet. Absolutely no plastic bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Twigs and small brush
- ✓Branches (maximum 3 inches in diameter)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Two pre-scheduled collections per year
Placement
Place your 3 allowed items at your normal collection point after 6:00 PM the night before your scheduled bulk pickup day.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (sofas, tables, chairs)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Large appliances (refrigerators, washers)
- ✓ Rolled and tied carpet
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition materials
- ✕ Pianos
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Hazardous waste or liquid paints
- ✕ Stumps and large logs
The two annual bulk pickups are provided at no additional charge to residents.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Baltimore County utilizes a 'slide' schedule. If an observed holiday falls on a weekday, collections scheduled for that day and the rest of the week will shift to the following day.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste collections are also subject to the holiday slide schedule, operating one day behind for the remainder of a holiday week.
Physical schedules are not mailed. Residents should consult the Baltimore County online schedule lookup to confirm holiday weeks.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
January - FebruaryDuring Nor'easters or heavy snow, collections may be delayed or suspended. Keep bins clear of snowbanks and do not place them in the street where they could interfere with snow plows.
Spring
March - MaySpring cleaning often yields extra yard waste. Remember that branches must be bundled and cut to three feet or less. Loose piles of brush will not be collected by county crews.
Fall
October - NovemberEssex sees heavy leaf accumulation in the autumn. Use durable two-ply paper bags for your leaves. Do not rake leaves into the street or storm drains, as this can cause localized flooding during fall rainstorms.
Local Tips & Community Info
Get Cash Back for Your Cans and Bottles Right Here in Essex!
Did you know Maryland has a program where you can get money back for certain beverage containers? While we don't have specific buyback centers right *in* Essex listed, keep an eye out for bottle and can redemption centers in the Baltimore area. Many grocery stores also participate in these programs. It's a great way to earn a little extra cash while keeping those recyclables out of the landfill!
Giving Your Unwanted Stuff a Second Life: Essex Donation Hotspots
Got items that are still good but you don't need anymore? Instead of tossing them, consider donating them! Near Essex, you can find places like the Goodwill Store and Donation Center in Middle River, or check out the Salvation Army Family Store in Dundalk. These spots give your gently used clothes, furniture, and household goods a new home and support local services. It's a win-win for everyone!
Keeping Essex Beautiful: What to Do About Junk on the Street
If you ever see trash dumped where it shouldn't be in Essex, or if you have specific questions about disposing of large items that aren't on your regular schedule, Baltimore County Public Works is the place to call. You can reach them at 410-887-2000. They handle bulk item pickups and can guide you on how to report illegal dumping. Let's all pitch in to keep our community looking its best!
Drop-off Facilities
Eastern Sanitary Landfill Solid Waste Resource Facility
6259 Days Cove Road, White Marsh, MD 21162
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule a bulk trash pickup in Essex?
In Baltimore County, you do not need to call to schedule a bulk pickup. Instead, Essex residents are assigned two specific bulk collection days each year. You can look up your property's assigned dates on the Baltimore County Bureau of Solid Waste Management website and set out up to three items.
Does Baltimore County provide trash cans for Essex residents?
No, Baltimore County does not provide standardized trash or recycling carts. Essex residents are responsible for purchasing their own durable, leak-proof trash cans with tight-fitting lids. For recycling, you can use a blue bin or mark a regular trash can with a large 'X' or the word 'RECYCLE'.
Where can I take my trash if I miss collection day in Essex?
If you have excess waste or miss your collection day, Essex residents can take their household trash, recycling, and yard waste to the Eastern Sanitary Landfill Solid Waste Resource Facility, located nearby at 6259 Days Cove Road in White Marsh.
Can I use plastic garbage bags for my grass clippings and leaves?
Absolutely not. Baltimore County prohibits the use of plastic bags for yard waste. All leaves, grass clippings, and small brush must be placed in heavy-duty, two-ply paper lawn bags. Branches must be tied into bundles no larger than three feet long.