Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Mays Chapel
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 Bin (Trash)
Containers must be sturdy and rodent-resistant with handles. Lids cannot be tied down with rope or wire. Set out by 6:00 a.m. on collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food wrappers
- ✓Heavy-duty trash bags
Resident-provided container (marked with a free county recycling sticker) Bin (Recycling)
Place recyclables loosely in the bin. To get a free recycling sticker for your container, visit a Baltimore County public library or drop-off center.
Accepted Items
- ✓Paper and cardboard (including clean pizza box tops)
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs
- ✓Metal cans and foil
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags of any kind
- ✕Styrofoam and clamshell containers
- ✕Wax-coated paper items
- ✕Shredded paper
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses)
Yard Waste Bin
Must use heavy-duty (two-ply) paper lawn bags during separate 'Y' days (April - December). Branches must be tied in bundles. No plastic bags or trash cans.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves and grass
- ✓Shrubbery trimmings
- ✓Small branches and limbs (max 3 inches in diameter and 3 feet in length)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Twice per year (pre-scheduled by the county)
Placement
Limit of three (3) bulk items per collection. Set items out after 6:00 p.m. the night before the scheduled date. Awnings and metal sheds must be broken down and bundled.
Accepted
- ✓ Household furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Residential appliances (freon must be removed, doors off)
- ✓ Rolled and tied carpets
- ✓ Electronics (TVs, laptops)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Pianos and pool tables
- ✕ Boats
- ✕ Cast iron furnaces
- ✕ Tree stumps and logs
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Compressed gas tanks
The two scheduled pickups are free. Residents can also drop off bulk items year-round at the Central Acceptance Facility in Cockeysville at no charge.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Baltimore County utilizes a 'slide' schedule for the seven holidays listed above. If a holiday falls on a weekday, all collections on or after that day shift one day later (e.g., Friday routes shift to Saturday).
Yard Waste Exception
Yard material 'Y' days follow the exact same holiday slide schedule as standard trash and recycling routes.
Holidays like MLK Day, Presidents Day, Indigenous Peoples' Day, and Veterans Day do NOT cause a slide. Trash and recycling are collected on a normal schedule during those weeks.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring/Summer/Fall
April to Early DecemberSeparate yard material collection ('Y' days) occurs during these months. Check your customized schedule to see your exact 'Y' dates, as they occur on a rotating bi-weekly or monthly basis depending on the route.
Winter
Mid-December to MarchDuring the winter months, separate 'Y' day yard collections cease. Any yard materials generated during this period must be disposed of alongside your regular household trash collection.
Inclement Weather
Year-RoundDuring severe snow or ice storms, collections may be delayed or suspended for safety. When a route is canceled, make-up collections typically occur on the next business day. Always check the county website for real-time alerts.
Drop-off Facilities
Central Acceptance Facility (CAF)
201 W Warren Rd, Cockeysville, MD 21030
Materials Accepted
Eastern Sanitary Landfill (ESL)
6259 Days Cove Road, White Marsh, MD 21162
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule a bulk trash pickup in Mays Chapel?
You do not need to call or email to schedule a bulk pickup. Baltimore County automatically assigns two bulk collection dates per year to every eligible home. You will receive a mailer with your dates, or you can look them up on the county's online collection schedule portal. You are allowed up to three items per pickup.
Which holidays delay trash collection in Baltimore County?
The county only slides the schedule for seven holidays: Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. Holidays like Presidents Day or Veterans Day do not cause a delay, and your trash will be picked up as normal.
Can I put my yard waste in a regular plastic trash can?
No. During the designated 'Y' day yard material collection season (April through December), you must place leaves and grass clippings in heavy-duty, two-ply paper lawn bags. Plastic bags and standard trash cans will not be emptied by the yard waste truck.
Can I tie the lid of my trash can to keep raccoons out?
No. Baltimore County regulations strictly prohibit attaching your trash can lid with rope, bungee cords, wire, or string, as it slows down collection and creates a hazard for workers. However, you may use a 'toter-style' cart that has a factory-attached hinged lid.