Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Middle River
Trash Day
Collection runs Monday through Friday depending on your neighborhood route across Baltimore County.
Recycling
Single-stream recycling is picked up on your assigned route collection day as indicated on your property's schedule calendar.
Yard Waste
Separate yard material collection runs seasonally from April 1 through mid-December on designated 'Y' days; outside this period or in non-designated zones, yard waste is collected with regular trash.
Set Out Time
After 6:00 PM on the evening before collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Curbside trash and recycling services are funded through Baltimore County general property taxes, so residents do not receive an individual monthly waste utility bill.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, In Person
Pro Tip / Discount
Property tax credits and exemption programs are available for qualifying seniors, disabled veterans, and low-income homeowners through Baltimore County.
Resident provided (Any) Bin (Trash)
Trash must be placed in a durable, waterproof can with a tight-fitting lid to prevent rodents. Unattached lids should not be tied to the can. Set out at the curb after 6:00 p.m. the night before your collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable packaging and plastics
Blue or visibly marked with 'X' or 'RECYCLE' Bin (Recycling)
Do not bag recyclables. Place all items loosely in the bin. Cardboard must be flattened, and food containers should be lightly rinsed before recycling.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean paper and cardboard
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags of any kind
- ✕Styrofoam/Foam packaging
- ✕Hoses, cords, and wires
- ✕Motor oil and antifreeze containers
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in two-ply paper lawn bags. Branches and brush must be tied in bundles no longer than three feet and no thicker than three inches in diameter. Never use plastic bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small branches and brush
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Two pre-scheduled collections per calendar year.
Placement
Place your three bulk items at your normal collection point after 6:00 p.m. the night before your scheduled date. Ensure any outdoor metal playsets are dismantled and push mowers are drained of fuel and oil.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (couches, tables, chairs)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Large household appliances (washers, refrigerators)
- ✓ Electronics (televisions, computers)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Pianos
- ✕ Boats
- ✕ Tires
- ✕ Items longer than 8 feet
- ✕ Stumps and large logs
- ✕ Items containing hazardous liquids or fuel
Curbside collection is provided at no extra charge. Residents can also self-haul bulk items to the nearby Eastern Sanitary Landfill in White Marsh for free disposal.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Baltimore County utilizes a 'Holiday Slide' schedule. If a recognized holiday falls on a weekday, all collections on and after that holiday shift one day later for the remainder of the week (e.g., Monday shifts to Tuesday, Friday to Saturday).
Yard Waste Exception
If your assigned yard waste collection week overlaps with a holiday, the holiday slide schedule applies to yard materials just as it does to regular trash and recycling.
County offices may close for other holidays (like MLK Day or Veterans Day), but trash collection generally operates normally. Always confirm your schedule online rather than relying on paper calendars.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring & Summer
April to NovemberYard waste collection is highly active during these months. Check your address on the county website to see if you fall under 'Yard Schedule 1' or 'Yard Schedule 2', and place your paper-bagged clippings out during those specific weeks.
Winter
December to MarchWinter storms and icy roads can delay sanitation trucks. If Baltimore County suspends service due to weather, a 'slide schedule' typically goes into effect. Leave your bins at the curb and monitor the county's website for real-time recovery updates.
Post-Holiday
JanuaryLive Christmas trees can be placed out for recycling collection. To ensure they are picked up, you must completely remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, plastic bags, and the tree stand before setting the bare tree at the curb.
Local Tips & Community Info
Cash in on Your Cans and Bottles Right Here in Middle River!
Did you know Maryland has a state program that actually pays you for your empty aluminum cans and plastic bottles? Instead of tossing them, keep an eye out for redemption centers or grocery stores that accept them. While Middle River might not have a dedicated buyback center right in town, many stores across Baltimore County participate. It's a great way to make a little extra cash and do something good for the environment at the same time. Just make sure the containers have the Maryland redemption label on them.
Giving Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life Around Middle River
Got items that are still in good shape but you don't need anymore? Instead of heading straight to the curb, think about donating! For Middle River residents, the Goodwill on Eastern Boulevard is a popular spot for clothing, household goods, and even electronics. If you've got furniture or home decor, Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Baltimore often takes donations and even offers pickup for larger items. It's a fantastic way to help out neighbors and keep usable things out of the landfill.
Keeping Middle River Clean: Let's Tackle Dumping Together!
While Middle River works hard to keep things tidy, illegal dumping can still be a problem. If you ever spot trash or unwanted items left in public areas, please report it. You can usually contact Baltimore County's Department of Public Works or Solid Waste Management. They have specific procedures to deal with these situations and help clean up our community. Keeping an eye out and reporting helps everyone enjoy a cleaner Middle River.
Drop-off Facilities
Eastern Sanitary Landfill (ESL) Solid Waste Management Facility
6259 Days Cove Road, White Marsh, MD 21162
Materials Accepted
Central Acceptance Facility (CAF)
201 West Warren Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my exact trash and recycling pickup days in Middle River?
Baltimore County does not use a universal map for collection days. You must visit the Baltimore County Bureau of Solid Waste Management's website and enter your specific Middle River street address into their Collection Schedule lookup tool to view your personalized calendar.
Do I need to call to schedule my bulk trash collection?
No. Single-family homes and townhomes in Middle River are automatically assigned two bulk collection dates per year by the county. You just need to check your address online to find your assigned days, and set out up to three items the night before.
Where can I drop off extra trash or large items if I miss my bulk day?
Middle River residents are highly encouraged to use the Eastern Sanitary Landfill (ESL) located at 6259 Days Cove Road in White Marsh. The facility is open Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and accepts bulk items, trash, and recycling from county residents at no charge.
What is the rule for disposing of tree branches and grass clippings?
Grass clippings and leaves must be bagged in heavy-duty paper yard bags, not plastic. Tree branches must be securely tied in bundles that are no longer than three feet and no thicker than three inches in diameter. Set them out only during your designated 'Yard Schedule' week.