Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Olney
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.
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
County-provided solid waste and recycling fees are billed annually as part of your Montgomery County consolidated property tax bill, though some HOA communities contract separately with private haulers.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Phone, Mail, In-Person
Pro Tip / Discount
Eligible low-income homeowners and senior citizens may qualify for tax relief via the Maryland and Montgomery County Homeowners' Property Tax Credit programs.
Resident provided (Must meet HOA standards) Bin (Trash)
Trash must be stored in airtight, waterproof, and rodent-proof containers with tight-fitting lids. Bins and bags must not exceed 45 pounds. Most Olney HOAs prohibit placing trash at the curb before sunset or 6:00 p.m. the night prior to collection.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics and packaging
- ✓Food waste
Blue bin or cart (County provided) Bin (Recycling)
Place all recyclables loose in the county-provided blue bin. Do not bag recyclables. Break down and flatten all cardboard boxes. Set out by 7:00 a.m. on your designated collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Clean paper, cardboard, and cartons
- ✓Plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs (#1-7 except #6)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags, film, or wrap
- ✕Styrofoam (Foam #6)
- ✕Tanglers (cords, wires, hoses)
- ✕Food-soiled paper (e.g., greasy pizza box bottoms)
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in compostable paper yard bags or reusable containers (15-45 gallons) labeled with a 'Yard Trim' decal. Branches must be tied in bundles with twine. No plastic bags allowed. Max 45 lbs per bag/bundle.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Brush and branches (max 4 feet long, 4 inches in diameter)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Metal items: By appointment with the County. Non-metal items: Varies strictly by HOA contract.
Placement
Place items at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled day. For private haulers, ensure you have called ahead to verify fees and limitations based on your community's contract.
Accepted
- ✓ Metal appliances (refrigerators, washers) via County
- ✓ Exercise equipment (mostly metal) via County
- ✓ Furniture and mattresses (via private HOA hauler, if applicable)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals)
- ✕ Vehicle parts and tires
- ✕ Items that fit in a standard trash bag
County scrap metal collection is free. Private bulk trash fees vary; some Olney neighborhoods receive limited free pickups, while others require a nominal per-item fee paid directly to the contractor.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Montgomery County uses a 'Holiday Slide' schedule for recycling and yard trim. If an observed holiday falls on a weekday, collections on and after the holiday slide one day later for the rest of that week (e.g., Monday moves to Tuesday).
Yard Waste Exception
Yard trim collections follow the exact same holiday slide schedule as the county recycling.
Private HOA trash collection schedules may differ significantly. Many private haulers only suspend service for major holidays like Christmas, New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving. Check your subdivision's policy.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Fall
November to DecemberWhile yard trim is collected in paper bags year-round, the Montgomery County Division of Highway Services offers vacuum leaf collection in certain older neighborhoods. Check the county's leaf map to see if your specific street in Olney receives vacuum service.
Winter
December to FebruaryWinter snow and ice can delay county collections and private trash routes. If roads are unsafe, the DEP will suspend service and typically enact a slide schedule. Keep bins accessible and free of snowbanks.
Post-Holiday
JanuaryLive Christmas trees are accepted during regular yard trim collections. You must remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, wire, and tree stands. Trees must not be placed in plastic bags.
Local Tips & Community Info
Pocket Some Cash: Where to Turn Those Empty Bottles in Olney!
Hey Olney neighbors! Did you know you can actually get a little money back for those cans and bottles you're collecting? While Maryland has a statewide program for beverage containers, finding specific buyback centers right in Olney can be tricky. However, Montgomery County does have drop-off recycling centers. For those cans and bottles that qualify for the deposit, you can look for redemption centers a bit further out, or sometimes local scrap metal yards might take aluminum cans. It's worth checking with local scrap businesses to see if they accept them directly.
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life Around Olney
Before tossing items that are still in good shape, consider donating them! For Olney residents, the nearest Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a fantastic option for furniture, appliances, and building materials. You can also check out local thrift stores in the wider Montgomery County area; many happily accept clothing, household goods, and books. Even smaller community organizations often need donations, so it’s always a good idea to call around and see what local charities might benefit from your unwanted items.
Keeping Olney Beautiful: What to Do About Bulky Stuff and Dumping
When it comes to getting rid of really big items, Olney residents have specific guidelines for bulky trash pickup, which you've likely seen. But what if you see something that shouldn't be there? Montgomery County has a strong stance against illegal dumping. If you witness it, report it to the County's Department of Environmental Protection. They often have hotlines or online forms to report these issues quickly. They also hold special collection events throughout the year for things like electronics and household hazardous waste, so keeping an eye on county announcements is super helpful for responsible disposal.
Drop-off Facilities
Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station
16101 Frederick Road, Derwood, MD 20855
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find out my trash and recycling pickup days in Olney?
Since Olney is an unincorporated community with many HOAs, you must use the Montgomery County Collection Day Lookup tool online to confirm your exact recycling and yard waste days. For your regular trash schedule, you will need to refer to your specific HOA's community guidelines, as trash is usually collected by private contractors.
Can I put my yard waste in plastic bags?
No. Montgomery County strictly prohibits the use of plastic bags for yard trim. All grass clippings, leaves, and weeds must be placed in compostable paper lawn bags or rigid reusable containers marked with a county 'Yard Trim' decal.
Who do I call to schedule a pickup for an old washing machine?
Because a washing machine is primarily made of metal, it is collected for free by Montgomery County's scrap metal recycling program. You must schedule an appointment through the MC311 portal. Do not call your private HOA trash contractor for metal appliances.
How do I get a blue recycling bin in Olney?
Montgomery County provides blue recycling carts and bins for free to all residents. You can request a new bin, order a replacement for a broken one, or get additional bins online through the county's DEP portal or by calling MC311.