Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Flower Hill
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 or HOA-specified container Bin (Trash)
Containers must have tight-fitting lids and be clearly marked with your house number. Remove empty bins from the curb immediately after collection.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-hazardous materials
Blue (County-issued bin or cart) Bin (Recycling)
Set out at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on Monday. All recyclables must be kept loose; do not bag them in plastic.
Accepted Items
- ✓Paper and cardboard
- ✓Metal cans and foil
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Rigid plastics (bottles, containers, tubs)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Yard waste
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Hazardous chemicals
- ✕Electronics
Yard Waste Bin
Use paper yard bags (max 45 lbs) or rigid containers (15-45 gallons) marked with a County 'Yard Trim' decal. Brush must be bundled with twine (under 30 inches in diameter).
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Brush
- ✓Branches (under 4 feet long and 4 inches in diameter)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By request with private hauler, or self-haul to transfer station
Placement
Do not place bulk items at the curb without pre-scheduling and paying the required fee to your specific HOA trash contractor.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Large household items (via private hauler or transfer station)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Dead animals
- ✕ Propane tanks
- ✕ Extremely heavy construction demolition debris
Private haulers will charge a fee. Alternatively, residents can drop off residential loads under 500 lbs for free at the Shady Grove Transfer Station.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Montgomery County recycling and yard waste follows a 'Holiday Slide' schedule. Since Flower Hill is serviced on Mondays, a Monday holiday pushes recycling collection to Tuesday.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard trim is collected on the exact same sliding schedule as your Monday recycling.
The Holiday Slide rule only applies to County recycling and yard waste. Your private HOA trash collection schedule may not change at all, or it may follow a different holiday protocol depending on your specific hauler.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Autumn
October to DecemberWhile Montgomery County provides year-round yard trim pickup, autumn leaves must still be properly bagged in paper yard bags or labeled rigid containers for your Monday collection. Do not rake loose leaves into the street or gutters.
Winter
December to FebruaryFollowing severe snowstorms, Montgomery County may suspend or delay Monday recycling and yard trim collections for safety. Sign up for Alert Montgomery to receive instant weather-related schedule changes to your phone or email.
Summer
June to AugustDuring summer thunderstorm season, yard debris is common. Any fallen storm branches must be cut down to less than 4 feet in length and 4 inches in diameter, and bundled with twine weighing no more than 45 pounds for curbside pickup.
Drop-off Facilities
Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station
16101 Frederick Rd, Derwood, MD 20855
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't Montgomery County pick up my regular trash in Flower Hill?
Flower Hill is composed of multiple sub-communities managed by the Flower Hill Central Corporation. The overarching HOA has opted to use private contractors (such as Curbside Disposal or Potomac Disposal) for regular household garbage collection, which often provides the benefit of multiple pickups per week.
What day is recycling collected in Flower Hill?
Regardless of your private trash schedule, recycling and yard trim are collected by Montgomery County every Monday morning for the entire Flower Hill community. Bins should be placed at the curb by 7:00 a.m.
How do I request a bulk trash pickup at my home in Flower Hill?
Because you have private trash service, you cannot use the County's 311 free bulk pickup service. You must either contact your specific neighborhood's private hauler to arrange and pay for a bulk pickup, or transport the items yourself to the Shady Grove Transfer Station (which is free for loads under 500 lbs).
Can I use plastic bags for my leaves and yard waste?
No. Montgomery County strictly prohibits the use of plastic bags for yard trim. All leaves, grass clippings, and brush must be placed in compostable paper yard bags (weighing 45 lbs or less) or in a rigid reusable container bearing a County 'Yard Trim' decal.