Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Rockville
Trash Day
Trash is collected once per week, Monday through Thursday, depending on your neighborhood route.
Recycling
Recycling is collected weekly on the same day as your regular trash pickup (Monday through Thursday).
Yard Waste
Yard waste is collected weekly on your designated collection day (Monday through Thursday).
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Refuse and recycling services for single-family homes and townhomes are billed once per year directly on your consolidated Montgomery County property tax bill rather than on a monthly utility statement.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Auto-Pay, Mail, Phone
Pro Tip / Discount
Property tax credits and relief programs are available for qualifying low-to-moderate income homeowners and seniors through the City of Rockville and State Homeowners' Property Tax Credit Program.
Gray Bin (Trash)
Place the gray cart at the curb or alleyway by 6:00 a.m. Position it with the wheels facing the curb and the lid opening toward the street.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Up to 5 extra trash bags next to the cart
- ✓Hinged plastic containers (clamshells)
- ✓Broken glass or mirrors (wrapped securely in cardboard)
Brown Bin (Recycling)
Place at the curb or alleyway by 6:00 a.m. Recyclables must be loose. Extra recyclable items can be placed neatly next to the cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Empty aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Clean paper, cartons, and cardboard
- ✓Empty plastic bottles, tubs, jars, and jugs
- ✓Polypropylene plastic and paper to-go cups
Do NOT Include
- ✕Hinged plastic containers (takeout clamshells)
- ✕Tanglers (strings, wires, hoses, VHS cassettes)
- ✕Styrofoam (packing peanuts, coffee cups)
- ✕Materials in plastic bags
Yard Waste Bin
Place in biodegradable paper lawn bags or 32-gallon trash cans (max 50 lbs) at the front public curb by 6:00 a.m. Never place yard waste in alleyways.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings and leaves
- ✓Weeds and flowers (dirt removed)
- ✓Bamboo (less than 8 feet in length)
- ✓Small branches and pruning debris
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Limited to six (6) bulk waste collections per calendar year per household.
Placement
Place items at the front public curb by 6:00 a.m. away from parked cars, fire hydrants, and overhead wires to allow access for the automated claw truck. Do not place in alleyways.
Accepted
- ✓ Large wooden furniture (couches, desks)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Electric lawnmowers
- ✓ Disassembled basketball hoops (empty of sand/water)
- ✓ Wrapped glass dishes
Not Accepted
- ✕ Metal items and appliances (schedule separate Metal Collection)
- ✕ Gas lawnmowers
- ✕ Usable building materials and lumber
- ✕ Plastic furniture or toys (place in recycling or trash)
- ✕ Large glass or mirrors
The six annual bulk collections are included in the Montgomery County property tax bill for eligible households, with no additional point-of-service fee.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Holidays may alter your collection schedule. Typically, if a recognized holiday falls on a weekday, collections on and after that day shift one day later for the remainder of the week.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste follows the exact same holiday shift schedule as regular trash and recycling.
Rockville does not typically alter its collection schedule for Juneteenth, Columbus Day, or the day after Thanksgiving.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring and Fall
March - May / October - DecemberSeasonal leaf collections take place in both the spring and fall. You can rake loose leaves to the curb according to the city's seasonal vacuum schedule, or continue to bag them in biodegradable paper sacks for weekly yard waste pickup.
Winter
January - FebruaryLive holiday trees and wreaths can be placed out with your regular yard waste collection. However, you must ensure that all metal stands, decorations, lights, and plastic wrappings are entirely removed.
Summer
June - AugustFollowing severe summer thunderstorms, residents can schedule a specialized 'large branch collection' for the automated claw truck, as regular weekly yard waste is strictly limited to small brush and branches under 2 inches in diameter.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Your Scrap Metal into Cash Right Here in Rockville!
Got some old metal items hanging around? Instead of just tossing them, consider cashing in! While Rockville itself might not have a dedicated buyback center, the greater Montgomery County area does. Many scrap yards are happy to take your old appliances (like washing machines or dryers once you remove the non-metal parts) and other metal junk. You'll need to check with specific yards in the surrounding areas for their accepted materials and current prices. For items like aluminum cans, remember Maryland has a 5-cent deposit, so be sure to gather those up and find a redemption center near you. Every bit counts towards keeping your wallet a little heavier and the landfill lighter!
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Rockville
Before tossing items that are still in good shape, think about donating them! Rockville has a few great options. The Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Gaithersburg is a fantastic place to bring furniture, home improvement supplies, and even working appliances. For clothing, books, and household goods, check out organizations like the Montgomery County Association for the Blind or local Goodwill stores. These places not only help divert waste but also support valuable community programs and provide affordable goods to others. Your donation truly makes a difference!
Keeping Rockville Clean: Tackling Dumping and Sprucing Up
See something that looks like illegal dumping? The City of Rockville wants to know! They encourage residents to report any instances of illegal dumping. You can usually do this by calling the city's public works department or using their online reporting system. For a more proactive approach, keep an eye out for community cleanup events organized by local groups or the city itself. These are wonderful opportunities to get together with neighbors and help beautify our shared spaces. Participating in these events is a great way to show pride in Rockville and keep it looking its best for everyone.
Drop-off Facilities
Montgomery County Transfer Station (Shady Grove)
16101 Frederick Road, Derwood, MD 20855
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Rockville pick up trash on holidays?
It depends on the holiday. For major holidays like Thanksgiving, Labor Day, or Memorial Day, collections shift one day later for the rest of the week. However, the city does not change the schedule for Juneteenth, Columbus Day, or the Friday after Thanksgiving.
How do I request a bulk trash pickup in Rockville?
Rockville residents are allowed up to six bulk waste collections per calendar year. You must complete a Special Collection Request Form online to schedule an appointment. Items must be placed at the front public curb, not in the alleyway, so the automated claw truck can access them.
Can I recycle berry clamshells or salad bins?
No. Even if they have a recycling symbol on the bottom, Rockville explicitly bans hinged plastic containers, such as produce clamshells, bakery boxes, and clear salad bins, from the brown recycling carts. They must go in your gray trash cart.
What is the rule for getting rid of an old lawnmower?
Electric lawnmowers are considered standard bulk waste and can be scheduled as one of your six annual bulk collections. However, gas-powered lawnmowers must be scheduled for a 'metal collection' appointment, and all oil and gas must be drained prior to pickup.