Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for North Potomac
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 (no required color) Bin (Trash)
Must be placed in airtight, waterproof, and vermin-proof containers. Set out no earlier than one hour prior to sunset the evening before, or by 7:00 a.m. on collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Normal household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Styrofoam
- ✓Food wrappers
Blue Wheeled Cart (Paper) & Blue Bin (Commingled) Bin (Recycling)
Keep paper/cardboard separated from glass/plastic/metal. Carts and bins are provided by the county and must be at the curb by 7:00 a.m.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean paper and flattened cardboard (Cart)
- ✓Glass bottles and jars (Bin)
- ✓Metal food and beverage cans (Bin)
- ✓Rigid plastics (bottles, tubs, jugs) (Bin)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags
- ✕Styrofoam (foam packaging)
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses)
- ✕Hazardous chemicals
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in paper yard trim bags or reusable rigid containers (15-45 gallons) marked with a 'Yard Trim' decal. Max 45 lbs per bag/container/bundle. No plastic bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Brush and small branches
- ✓Garden trimmings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Up to 5 collections per calendar year (for county-serviced homes)
Placement
Must be scheduled by 11:59 p.m. online the day prior, or 7:00 p.m. by calling 311. Place items by 7:00 a.m. adjacent to regular trash.
Accepted
- ✓ Large household furniture
- ✓ Rolled carpet and rugs
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Large plastic items (e.g., plastic trash cans)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Items 51% or more metal (requires Scrap Metal pickup)
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris (drywall, concrete, shingles)
- ✕ Hazardous materials and propane tanks
- ✕ Grand pianos and very large stumps
Included in standard county solid waste fees for eligible homes. Private haulers may charge extra fees for bulk removals.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Montgomery County utilizes a 'slide' schedule for major holidays. If your regular collection day falls on or after an observed holiday, your pickup is delayed by one day for the rest of that week (e.g., Thursday routes slide to Friday).
Yard Waste Exception
Yard trim collections follow the same holiday slide schedule as standard trash and recycling routes.
If a holiday falls on a weekend, your weekday service is generally unaffected. Always verify via the county's holiday schedule webpage.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Autumn
November to DecemberWhile curbside leaf vacuuming is offered in select Montgomery County areas during the fall, North Potomac residents must generally bag their leaves in paper yard trim bags for standard weekly pickup [3.2.1].
Winter
December to MarchDuring severe snow or ice storms, the county may cancel collections for safety. In these events, collections typically shift one day later for the remainder of the week. Check the MC311 portal for real-time weather updates.
Spring
April to MayAs lawn mowing season begins, residents are encouraged to 'grasscycle' by leaving clippings on the lawn. If you choose to bag them, remember the 45-pound weight limit per paper bag or container.
Drop-off Facilities
Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station
16101 Frederick Road, Derwood, MD 20855
Materials Accepted
Poolesville Beauty Spot
19200 Jerusalem Road, Poolesville, MD 20837
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does North Potomac have its own municipal trash service?
No. North Potomac is an unincorporated area. Depending on your specific neighborhood and HOA, your household trash is collected either directly by Montgomery County or by a private subscription hauler. However, recycling is always managed by the county.
How do I get rid of an old refrigerator or air conditioner?
Large appliances are considered scrap metal, not regular bulk trash. You must request a free 'Scrap Metal' pickup through the MC311 portal. For refrigerators, you must empty the contents and remove or secure the doors before placing it at the curb.
How do I get a new blue recycling bin or wheeled paper cart?
If your bin is damaged or you just moved in, you can request a repair or replacement through the county's MC311 portal or by calling 311. Standard commingled bins can be delivered, while wheeled carts are specifically for paper and cardboard.
Why did the collection crew leave my yard waste behind?
The most common reasons for skipped yard trim in Montgomery County are the use of plastic bags (which are strictly banned), bundles or bags exceeding the 45-pound weight limit, or brush branches exceeding 30 inches in diameter.