Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for La Plata
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.
Town-issued refuse container Bin (Trash)
All household trash must fit securely inside the town-issued refuse container with the lid closed. Place at the roadside by 7:30 a.m. on your designated collection day (Monday - Thursday, based on your street).
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Styrofoam packaging
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
Town-issued Blue Recycle Bin Bin (Recycling)
Place recyclables loosely in the blue bin by 7:30 a.m. on Monday or Wednesday. All glass, plastic, and metal containers must be empty and free of metal caps and rings.
Accepted Items
- ✓Aluminum and bi-metal food cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars (brown, clear, green)
- ✓Plastics #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7 (narrow neck/screw top)
- ✓Corrugated cardboard and mixed residential paper
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags of any kind
- ✕Lead acid and dry cell batteries
- ✕Mirrors, window glass, and ceramics
- ✕Coat hangers
- ✕Microwave trays
Yard Waste Bin
Must be in brown paper bags or a personal container marked “yard waste” (max 32 gallons and 50 lbs). Branches must be bundled and tied, no longer than 4 feet, and under 50 lbs. Plastic bags are prohibited.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves (bagged outside of autumn)
- ✓Brush and tree branches (bundled)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Monthly (First non-holiday Monday of the month)
Placement
You must schedule your pickup by 2:00 p.m. on the Friday prior. Items must be placed roadside by 7:30 a.m. on the scheduled Monday.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Large furniture (sofas, tables, chairs)
- ✓ Large, non-hazardous household items
Not Accepted
- ✕ Household hazardous waste
- ✕ Regular weekly bagged household trash
- ✕ Contractor-generated construction debris
There are additional pick-up fees associated with bulk collection. Call Public Works at 301-934-8421 to confirm the current rates based on your items.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Trash and yard waste collections are suspended on town-observed holidays. When a holiday falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is observed as the holiday.
Yard Waste Exception
If a holiday falls on a Monday or Friday, yard waste collection is canceled for that day.
If the first Monday of the month is a holiday, the monthly scheduled bulk trash collection will slide to the following Monday.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Autumn
October - DecemberThe town's loose-leaf pick-up program runs during the fall [2.2.2]. Residents can rake unbagged leaves directly to the roadside (crews will not enter private property). Check the town newsletter for your specific sector's vacuum schedule.
Post-Holiday
JanuaryChristmas tree pick-up services are offered for exactly two weeks following Christmas Day. Place bare, decoration-free trees at the roadside for proper recycling and mulching.
Spring through Fall
April - DecemberCharles County hosts monthly Household Hazardous Waste drop-off events on the first Saturday of each month at the DPW building on Audie Lane in La Plata. Use this service for old paint and chemicals.
Drop-off Facilities
Charles County Landfill & Recycling Center
12305 Billingsley Road, Waldorf, MD 20602
Materials Accepted
Charles County DPW Building (HHW Events)
10430 Audie Lane, La Plata, MD 20646
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the town-provided trash cart in La Plata?
Yes. The Town of La Plata mandates that all residential trash and recycling must be secured in the specific containers provided by the town. Extra bags placed outside the cart or in personal bins will not be collected.
How do I schedule a bulk pickup for my mattress?
Mattresses and box springs are not collected during weekly trash routes. You must schedule a bulk pick-up for the first Monday of the month by calling Public Works before 2:00 p.m. on the preceding Friday. An additional fee applies.
Can I put out yard waste in plastic bags?
No, La Plata will not accept yard waste enclosed in plastic bags. You must use heavy-duty brown paper yard bags or a reusable container (up to 32 gallons and 50 lbs) clearly marked 'yard waste'.
When is loose leaf collection in La Plata?
The town operates a loose-leaf vacuum pick-up program from October through December. During this season, you can rake leaves directly to the roadside. During all other months, leaves must be bagged for standard yard waste collection.