Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Garrison
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's Choice Bin (Trash)
Trash must be stored in a sturdy, water-tight, and rodent-resistant container. Do not attach lids to the can with wire or bungee cords, though hinged toter-style lids are accepted.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable packaging
- ✓Styrofoam
Blue or Resident's Choice (Marked with 'X') Bin (Recycling)
Place all recyclables loosely in the bin. You can use a blue bin, a small cardboard box, or a personal can marked with an 'X' or 'RECYCLE' sticker. Never bag recyclables.
Accepted Items
- ✓Paper and flattened cardboard
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, tubs, and rigid plastics
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags of any kind
- ✕Shredded paper
- ✕Styrofoam/foam packaging
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses, wires)
- ✕Food-soiled paper (e.g., greasy pizza box bottoms)
Yard Waste Bin
Yard waste must be placed in heavy-duty paper lawn bags or tied into bundles with non-plastic string. Plastic bags and rigid plastic trash cans are strictly prohibited.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Small brush and twigs
- ✓Garden trimmings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Twice a year on pre-assigned dates
Placement
Place your three items at your normal collection point after 6:00 p.m. the night before your scheduled date. Ensure items are not blocking sidewalks or streets.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (sofas, tables, chairs)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Washers, dryers, and appliances (freon removed)
- ✓ Rolled and tied carpet
Not Accepted
- ✕ Items longer than 8 feet
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Hazardous materials or liquids
- ✕ Pianos or boats
- ✕ Stumps or large logs
There is no fee for the two scheduled curbside collections. If you exceed three items or need immediate disposal, you can take bulk items to a County drop-off center at no charge, provided you follow facility limits.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Baltimore County operates on a 'slide' schedule for its observed collection holidays. If a holiday falls on a weekday, collections for that day and the remainder of the week are shifted one day later (e.g., Monday moves to Tuesday, Friday moves to Saturday).
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste collections ('Y' days) also follow the slide schedule during holiday weeks.
If you receive twice-per-week trash collection, the first collection during a holiday week will slide one day, and your second weekly collection will be canceled entirely.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Winter
JanuaryBaltimore County accepts live Christmas trees for recycling. Trees must be placed at the same location as your regular trash and must be completely free of lights, decorations, tinsel, bags, and tree stands.
Spring/Summer
April to NovemberThis is the active season for 'Y' (Yard Materials) days. Check your specific route schedule for your exact 'Y' dates, and remember that up to 20 paper bags or bundles are allowed per collection.
Inclement Weather
December to MarchDuring severe snow or ice storms, collection routes may be delayed or cancelled. Always leave your items at the curb if a delay occurs, and check the Baltimore County Solid Waste webpage or call 311 for status updates.
Drop-off Facilities
Central Acceptance Facility (CAF)
201 West Warren Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030
Materials Accepted
Western Acceptance Facility (WAF)
3310 Transway Road, Halethorpe, MD 21227
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the holiday slide schedule work in Garrison?
Baltimore County observes a slide schedule for major holidays. If a holiday falls on a Monday, Monday's pickup moves to Tuesday, Tuesday's to Wednesday, and so on through Saturday. If you have twice-a-week garbage pickup, your second day will simply be skipped that week.
Do I need to call to schedule my bulk trash pickup?
No. The Baltimore County Bureau of Solid Waste Management assigns two specific bulk collection dates per year to every eligible home. You do not need to call to schedule, but you must look up your assigned dates online or via your county mailer and limit your set-out to exactly three items.
Why did the trash collectors leave my yard waste behind in my plastic bin?
Baltimore County recently updated its yard waste policies. Yard materials placed in rigid plastic trash cans or plastic bags will be rejected. You must use heavy-duty compostable paper yard bags or bundle your branches with natural string.
What should I do if my recycling bin lid keeps blowing away?
The county strictly prohibits tying your lid to the actual trash or recycling can with wire or bungee cords, as this poses a safety hazard for workers. Instead, they recommend using a 'lid leash'—attaching a piece of rope from the lid directly to a nearby fence or post.