Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Ilchester
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 Bin (Trash)
Maximum of 4 items (cans, bags, or bundles) per week. Each item must be under 40 lbs. Bins out by 6:00 AM (5:00 AM in summer). Do not use county recycling or food scrap carts for trash.
Accepted Items
- ✓Normal household garbage
- ✓Heavy-gauge plastic trash bags
Blue (County-provided) or resident-provided reusable container Bin (Recycling)
Keep all recyclables loose in the bin. Do not bag them in plastic grocery bags. Cardboard boxes can be used as makeshift bins if kept dry.
Accepted Items
- ✓Flattened cardboard
- ✓Paper and cartons
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses)
- ✕Yard trim
- ✕Trash
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in paper yard bags, reusable containers, or tied into manageable bundles. Do not use the blue recycling bin or green food scrap cart for yard trim.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small branches and brush
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By appointment only
Placement
Place at the curb by 6:00 AM (or 5:00 AM in summer) on the confirmed pickup date. Keep items within five feet of the roadway and do not block sidewalks.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (sofas, dressers)
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Large plastic toys
- ✓ Scrap metal (requires separate specific request)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction debris (drywall, lumber, cabinets)
- ✕ Car parts and tires
- ✕ Hazardous waste
Standard residential bulk pickup is included with the county's yearly solid waste fee. Construction materials must be self-hauled to Alpha Ridge Landfill and will incur a tipping fee.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Howard County operates on a 'slide schedule' for major holidays. If a holiday falls on or before your scheduled pickup day, your collection moves to the following day (e.g., Monday shifts to Tuesday, Friday shifts to Saturday).
Yard Waste Exception
Yard trim and food scrap collections are subject to the exact same holiday slide schedule as regular trash.
Residents can sign up for the Howard County Recycling e-newsletter to receive automated holiday slide schedule reminders via email.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Summer
June 22 - September 4Collections begin at 5:00 AM to comply with Maryland heat stress regulations. Ensure all trash, recycling, and yard trim items are at the curb early or placed out the night before.
Autumn
October - DecemberTake advantage of the weekly yard trim collections during the autumn leaf drop. Standard yard trim service runs weekly from April through mid-January; always pack leaves in paper bags.
Winter
December - MarchSnow and ice can disrupt routes. The Bureau of Environmental Services will initiate a slide schedule if roads become unsafe. Check the county website's Inclement Weather page for real-time alerts.
Drop-off Facilities
Alpha Ridge Landfill
2350 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD 21104
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should my trash be at the curb in Ilchester?
For most of the year, place your bins out by 6:00 AM on your collection day. From June 22nd to September 4th, summer heat rules apply, and everything must be placed out by 5:00 AM.
How much trash can I throw away each week?
Howard County limits your household garbage to four items (cans, bags, or bundles) per week. Each item must be under 40 pounds. If you use a trash can larger than 40 gallons, the crew will count each separate bag inside as one item.
How do I dispose of a broken couch?
You must schedule a bulk trash collection through the county's online portal. You are allowed up to four bulk items per scheduled pickup. Do not leave large items at the curb unannounced.
I live in a townhome without a driveway. Where do my bins go?
Townhome residents without garages must group their bins in designated, accessible areas like the end of parking blocks or grass islands to allow the automated collection trucks easy access without blocking traffic.