Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Kemp Mill
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 container (rigid metal or plastic) Bin (Trash)
Containers must feature tight-fitting lids, sturdy handles, and hold between 15 to 45 gallons (max weight 45 lbs). Set out by 7:00 a.m. on collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-hazardous everyday trash
Blue (County-issued wheeled cart or bin) Bin (Recycling)
Keep recyclables completely loose inside the blue container; never bag them in plastic. Set out by 7:00 a.m. on your designated collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean paper and flattened cardboard
- ✓Metal food and beverage cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Rigid plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags or plastic film
- ✕Styrofoam packaging
- ✕Hazardous chemical containers
- ✕Tanglers like cords or hoses
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in compostable paper bags or rigid containers bearing a County 'Yard Trim' sticker. Bundled brush must be tied with twine. No plastic bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Brush and garden trimmings
- ✓Branches (under 4 feet long and 4 inches wide)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By request (Up to 5 free collections per calendar year)
Placement
Set items out adjacent to your trash bins by 7:00 a.m. Ensure bulk piles remain completely separated from yard trim, recycling, or metal piles.
Accepted
- ✓ Old furniture (sofas, tables, chairs)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Up to 5 extra securely bagged household items
- ✓ Large non-metal household goods
Not Accepted
- ✕ Items that are 51% or more metal (use scrap metal pickup instead)
- ✕ Construction, remodeling, or demolition debris
- ✕ Propane tanks or compressed gas cylinders
- ✕ Household hazardous waste
Up to 5 annual bulk collections are free for County-serviced homes. Properties using private HOA trash providers must check private rates or utilize the Shady Grove Transfer Station.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Montgomery County enforces a 'Holiday Slide' framework. If a recognized holiday falls on a weekday, all subsequent County collections for that week slide one day later (e.g., Thursday routes move to Friday).
Yard Waste Exception
Yard trim collection adheres strictly to the exact same sliding schedule as county recycling services.
The Holiday Slide rule governs County-managed services. Neighborhoods with private HOA trash contracts must check directly with their private vendor regarding holiday service adjustments.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Autumn
October to DecemberWhile yard trim is collected year-round, heavy autumn leaves must be properly packed in paper bags or labeled cans. Raking loose leaves directly into street gutters or county right-of-ways is prohibited.
Winter
December to FebruarySevere winter snowstorms may prompt Montgomery County to temporarily suspend or delay collections for driver and public safety. Resumed routes will follow the standard 'slide' framework.
Summer
June to AugustSummer storm debris such as fallen tree limbs must be cut into lengths under 4 feet, restricted to under 4 inches in diameter, and tightly bundled with twine weighing under 45 pounds.
Drop-off Facilities
Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station
16101 Frederick Rd, Derwood, MD 20855
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule a bulk trash pickup in Kemp Mill?
If your home uses County-provided trash collection, you can schedule one of your five annual free bulk pickups online through the MC311 portal or by calling 311 before midnight the day prior to your collection day. If your community relies on an HOA private hauler, you must contact them directly.
Why was my yard waste left behind at the curb?
County crews reject yard waste if it is stored in plastic bags, exceeds the 45-pound weight ceiling, or uses a rigid container lacking the mandatory 'Yard Trim' decal. Tree limbs must also be securely bundled with twine and kept under 4 feet long.
Can I use plastic grocery bags inside my blue recycling bin?
No. Plastic bags and flexible plastic film cause severe mechanical jams within Montgomery County's sorting infrastructure. All recyclables must be dropped directly into your blue cart in an unbagged state.
Does Kemp Mill experience holiday trash delays?
Yes, Montgomery County implements a 'Holiday Slide' policy where services shift forward by one day for the remainder of the week following a weekday holiday. However, if your specific Kemp Mill pocket uses a private trash contractor, their holiday schedule may vary.