Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Ferndale
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 (No county-issued yellow carts or cardboard boxes) Bin (Trash)
Use watertight containers with handles and tight-fitting lids. Maximum of four 32-gallon containers, weighing no more than 40 lbs each.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Plastic waste bags
Yellow (County-issued recycling cart) Bin (Recycling)
Do not put recyclables in plastic bags. Do not paint or alter the county-issued yellow carts.
Accepted Items
- ✓Paper and cardboard
- ✓Plastic bottles, tubs, and large plastic toys
- ✓Metal cans and foil
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags/film
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Yard waste
- ✕Trash
Yard Waste Bin
Must be in biodegradable paper bags or a rigid container marked with a large 'X' on all sides. Bundled brush must be tied with twine. Plastic bags and reusable fabric bags are strictly banned.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Brush and branches (under 4 inches thick, under 4 feet long)
- ✓Natural Christmas trees and wreaths
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By request (limit of 3 items per week)
Placement
Large trash items should be placed next to your trash bins. Do not place scheduled metal items at the curb on your normal collection day.
Accepted
- ✓ Sofas and mattresses
- ✓ Tables
- ✓ Rolls of carpet
- ✓ Large plastic dishwashers (placed with normal trash)
- ✓ Refrigerators and lawnmowers (metal items require scheduled pickup)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Wood and lumber
- ✕ Building and construction materials
- ✕ Hazardous waste
Bulk item pickup is generally included as a county service, but scheduling is mandatory for metal goods.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If your collection day falls on one of the observed holidays, all collections for the rest of the week are pushed back by one day (e.g., Tuesday pickups move to Wednesday).
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste follows the exact same holiday delay schedule as trash and recycling.
Holidays like MLK Day, Presidents' Day, Good Friday, Juneteenth, Columbus Day, and Veterans Day may close county facilities, but curbside collection occurs on a normal schedule.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Summer
June to AugustCurbside collection starts at 5:00 a.m. instead of 6:00 a.m. to protect workers from heat stress. Ensure your bins are out before 5:00 a.m. during these months.
Autumn
October to DecemberNever rake leaves into drainage ditches or curblines. They must be bagged in biodegradable paper yard bags or placed in an 'X' marked rigid container for curbside collection.
Post-Holidays
Late December to JanuaryNatural Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands are collected on your normal yard waste day. Remove all bags, lights, and ornaments. Trees over 4 feet tall must be cut in half.
Drop-off Facilities
Northern Recycling Center
100 Dover Road, Glen Burnie, MD 21060
Materials Accepted
Millersville Landfill & Resource Recovery Facility
389 Burns Crossing Road, Severn, MD 21144
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I put my trash out in Ferndale?
For most of the year, bins must be at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your collection day, but not before 4:00 p.m. the evening prior. However, during the Summer Schedule (June 1 - August 31), collection starts at 5:00 a.m. due to heat stress standards, so you must place bins out earlier.
How do I throw away an old couch or mattress in Ferndale?
Anne Arundel County allows you to place up to three large non-metal trash items, such as a sofa, mattress, or rolls of carpet, next to your standard trash containers on your normal collection day without calling ahead.
Can I use plastic bags for my leaves and grass clippings?
No. Anne Arundel County strictly banned plastic bags for yard waste in 2017. You must use biodegradable paper yard waste bags or a rigid, reusable container with handles that is clearly marked with a large 'X' on all sides.
How do I dispose of large metal appliances like a refrigerator?
Large metal items and refrigerated appliances are collected separately from normal bulk trash. You must schedule a pickup in advance by calling Customer Service at (410) 222-6100, using the county's mobile app, or booking online. Do not put metal items on the curb during your regular collection day.