Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Frederick
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.
City-issued 96-gallon or 64-gallon cart Bin (Trash)
Trash must be set out after 5 PM the evening prior and before midnight. Carts must be placed with wheels against the curb, at least 3 feet away from obstructions.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Securely bagged animal waste
- ✓Cold bagged ashes
Blue cart or bin (County-provided) Bin (Recycling)
Collected bi-weekly. Items must be loose, clean, and dry. Do not use plastic bags. Plastic lids may be left on empty containers.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, jars, and tubs
- ✓Glass jars and bottles
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Cartons (milk/juice)
- ✓Mixed paper and flattened cardboard
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Disposable cups or cutlery
- ✕Plastic clamshell containers
- ✕Shredded paper
- ✕Tanglers (hoses, cords)
Yard Waste Bin
Place in 35-gallon reusable containers or brown paper yard bags. Brush must be tied with biodegradable twine in bundles under 25 pounds.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Weeds
- ✓Brush and branches (under 6 inches diameter and 7 feet long)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
1 free collection per household per year (approx. 10 items)
Placement
Place items where you normally put your household trash (curb or corral) prior to your confirmed scheduled collection day. Items must be 6 feet or less in length.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Appliances (refrigerants removed)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs (up to 3 per household)
- ✓ Bicycles
- ✓ Grills (tanks removed)
- ✓ Large toys and swing sets
- ✓ Push mowers and trimmers (fluids removed)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris (drywall, brick, concrete)
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Hazardous waste and paints
- ✕ Asphalt and plaster
- ✕ Infectious waste
The first annual pickup of up to 10 items is free. Property eviction set-outs or additional requested collections incur fees starting at $80.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
The City of Frederick operates on a 'Next Business Day' schedule for holidays. If your collection day falls on an observed holiday, your trash will be picked up on the next business day (e.g., Thursday trash is collected Friday; Friday trash is collected Monday).
Yard Waste Exception
Unlike standard trash, if your yard waste collection falls on a holiday, the route is completely skipped for that week. You must hold your yard waste until your next regularly scheduled day.
Frederick County's bi-weekly recycling schedule may follow slightly different holiday slide rules since it is managed by Ecology Services. Always verify your blue bin day via the county website.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December - FebruaryDuring major winter storms or significant snowfall, trash collection may be delayed. The DPW asks residents to place carts safely in the cleared driveway apron rather than in the street or behind snowbanks to allow the automated mechanical arms to reach them.
Autumn
October - NovemberFall leaf collection requires strict adherence to bagging rules. Leaves must be placed in paper yard waste bags or reusable containers up to 35 gallons. The city will not collect loose leaves piled at the curb.
Summer
June - AugustSummer heat can amplify odors. The city permits up to one gallon of household dirt to be disposed of in standard trash, but reminds residents that all animal waste, diapers, and cat litter must be securely bagged within your automated cart.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Metal? Turn Your Scrap into Some Green in Frederick!
Looking to make a few bucks off those old cans or metal bits? While Frederick County doesn't have a direct bottle/can redemption center like some states, there are definitely local spots where you can cash in on your recyclables. Keep an eye out for scrap metal yards around the Frederick area; they're often happy to take things like old appliances, car parts, or even just a pile of aluminum cans. A quick online search for "Frederick MD scrap metal" will point you to places like Frederick Iron & Metal, where you can get paid for your efforts. It's a great way to clear out unwanted items and put some cash back in your pocket, especially if you've got a good amount of metal to get rid of.
Giving Your Good Stuff a Second Life in Frederick
Before you toss perfectly good items, think about giving them a new home right here in Frederick! There are some fantastic local organizations that would love to have your unwanted furniture, clothing, or housewares. For instance, Habitat for Humanity ReStore on Taney Avenue in Frederick is a well-known spot that accepts donations of building materials, furniture, and appliances, helping fund their home-building projects. You'll also find thrift stores like Goodwill or The ARC of Frederick County that are always looking for usable donations. It's a win-win: you declutter, and your items get a chance to be loved by someone else, all while supporting local causes.
Keeping Frederick Beautiful: Tackling Litter Together
Nobody likes seeing trash dumped where it doesn't belong. If you notice illegal dumping happening in Frederick, the City of Frederick's Public Works department is the go-to. You can usually report issues by calling them directly or checking their website for an online reporting form. They also organize community clean-up events throughout the year, which are a great way to get involved and make a real difference in your neighborhood. Keeping an eye on the city's official news and social media pages is a good bet for finding out when and where these events are happening. Participating in these efforts helps keep our streets and parks clean and enjoyable for everyone.
Drop-off Facilities
Reichs Ford Road Landfill and Transfer Station
9031 Reichs Ford Rd, Frederick, MD 21704
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I request a new or additional trash cart in the City of Frederick?
You must purchase new, replacement, or additional automated trash carts directly through the City of Frederick's Finance Department. Forms can be found online and must be mailed with payment to 101 North Court Street.
What do I do if my collection day falls on Thanksgiving?
The City of Frederick delays trash collection to the next business day for holidays. If your normal trash day is Thursday (Thanksgiving), it will be collected on Friday. Friday's normal collection will be pushed to Monday. Yard waste, however, will be skipped until the following week.
Can I put construction debris from my home remodel on the curb?
No. Construction and demolition waste, such as drywall, bricks, concrete, and soil, is strictly prohibited from both standard and bulk curbside collection. You must transport these materials to the Reichs Ford Road Landfill in Frederick County.
How often is recycling collected in Frederick?
While city trash is collected weekly, residential recycling in Frederick is managed by the County and is collected on a bi-weekly schedule. You must use a county-issued blue bin or cart.