Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Gaithersburg
Trash Day
The City of Gaithersburg does not provide regular weekly trash collection; residents and HOAs must contract directly with private haulers.
Recycling
Once per week, Monday through Friday depending on your neighborhood zone
Yard Waste
Weekly on your scheduled recycling day
Set Out Time
By 7:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
City recycling and bulk pickup services are funded through a dedicated annual recycling fee on your Montgomery County property tax bill. Regular household trash is billed separately by your chosen private hauler or through HOA dues.
Billing Cycle
Annual (Included in Property Taxes)
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, Phone, Escrow/Mortgage
Dependent on private hauler (typically any standard bin) Bin (Trash)
Trash service is not provided by the City. Homeowners or HOAs must contract with a private waste hauler and follow their specific bin weight limits and placement guidelines.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
Blue 65-Gallon Cart or 18-Gallon Bin (City-issued) Bin (Recycling)
Single-stream recycling. Items must be clean and unbagged. Carts must be placed at the curb by 7:00 AM on your designated collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Commingled cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Plastic containers
- ✓Mixed paper
- ✓Corrugated cardboard
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses)
- ✕Hazardous waste
- ✕Food-soiled pizza boxes
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in biodegradable paper yard bags or reusable containers. Brush must be bundled securely. Plastic bags are strictly prohibited.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Brush
- ✓Small branches
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
1 collection per address per month (By Appointment Only)
Placement
Place items near the nearest curb (but not in the street) by 7:00 AM on your scheduled appointment day.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Large appliances
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Bulky household goods
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Wet paint
- ✕ Construction debris
- ✕ Tires
Included in city services for eligible single-family homes and townhomes; no extra fee for the one allowed monthly collection.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
For city-managed services, recycling is often collected as scheduled on minor holidays (like MLK Jr. Day), but bulk pickups are unavailable. Major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas) suspend both recycling and yard waste collections, shifting the schedule.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste and loose leaf collections are suspended on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Since regular trash is handled by private contractors, you must contact your specific HOA or hauler (e.g., Casella, Waste Management) to determine how holidays affect your household garbage pickup.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
December - FebruaryHoliday collections are slightly modified. While recycling often continues on minor holidays, bulk pickups are entirely suspended on city-observed holidays like Christmas and New Year's Day. Additionally, the City offers a special Holiday Tree Recycling program each January.
Autumn
October - DecemberGaithersburg operates a specialized Loose Leaf Collection program during the fall. Residents can rake leaves near the curb (not into the street) for vacuum truck collection. Check the city calendar for your neighborhood's specific zone dates.
Spring
March - MaySpring cleaning increases demand for bulk pickups. Since households are limited to one bulk collection per month by appointment only, plan your spring cleanouts early and schedule your pickup with Public Works well in advance.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Scrap? Turn Your Old Metal into Cash Near Gaithersburg!
Hey Gaithersburg neighbors! Did you know you can actually get paid for some of your old metal items? Instead of just tossing them, think about taking them to a local scrap yard. While Maryland doesn't have a statewide bottle/can redemption program that pays cash like some other states, there are definitely places in and around the county that buy scrap metal. Give a call to places like the Rockville Reclamation Co. or similar facilities in the broader DC metro area. They often accept things like old appliances (once freon is removed), car parts, and other metal cast-offs. It's a great way to clear out the garage and make a little extra cash, plus it keeps bulky items out of the landfill.
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Gaithersburg
Before you decide to toss items that are still perfectly good, consider donating them! Gaithersburg and the surrounding areas have some fantastic options for giving your pre-loved belongings a new home. Check out the Maryland Diaper Bank, which accepts donations of new or gently used diapers and wipes for families in need. For furniture and household goods, the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Rockville is a wonderful place to drop off items like furniture, appliances, and building materials. They also accept working electronics and decor. Even smaller items can often find a home at local thrift stores like Goodwill or St. Vincent de Paul, supporting their charitable work in the community.
Let's Keep Gaithersburg Looking Spick and Span: Tackling Dumping
We all want Gaithersburg to be a beautiful place to live, right? If you ever see illegal dumping happening, it's super important to report it. The City of Gaithersburg encourages residents to report any instances of illegal dumping. You can typically do this by calling the city's customer service line or looking for a specific reporting form on the city's official website. They also occasionally organize community clean-up events, especially around Earth Day, which are fantastic opportunities to volunteer and help beautify our neighborhoods. Keeping an eye out and reporting issues helps everyone out!
Drop-off Facilities
Montgomery County Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station
16101 Frederick Rd, Derwood, MD 20855
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the City of Gaithersburg pick up regular household trash?
No. The City of Gaithersburg does not provide regular trash and garbage collection [1.2.3]. Homeowners, tenants, or Homeowners Associations (HOAs) are responsible for hiring their own private contractors to handle weekly household trash removal.
How do I get rid of large furniture or a mattress in Gaithersburg?
The Department of Public Works provides bulk pickup collection by appointment only. You are allowed one collection per address per month. You must call or email the Public Works department to schedule your on-demand bulk pickup.
Can I put yard waste in plastic bags for pickup?
No, plastic bags are strictly prohibited for yard waste. Grass clippings, leaves, and small brush must be placed in biodegradable paper yard bags or a reusable container. The City also provides a special loose leaf vacuum collection during the autumn months.
What size recycling bins does the city provide?
Gaithersburg's single-stream recycling program offers eligible residents the choice between a large 65-gallon wheeled cart or a smaller 18-gallon bin. You can request a bin through the City's Public Works department.