Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for South Laurel
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.
Grey or Black 64-gallon cart Bin (Trash)
All trash must be bagged and enclosed inside the SWMD-issued wheeled cart with the lid completely shut. Place at the curb by 6:00 a.m. (or 5:00 a.m. during the summer heat schedule).
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food wrappers and unrecyclable packaging
- ✓Securely bagged refuse
Blue 64-gallon cart Bin (Recycling)
Do not bag recyclables in plastic. Empty, lightly rinse, and toss materials loosely into the blue cart.
Accepted Items
- ✓Flattened cardboard and mixed paper
- ✓Glass bottles and jars (all colors)
- ✓Aluminum, tin, and steel cans
- ✓Rigid plastic containers (numbered 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic grocery bags and shrink wrap
- ✕Styrofoam (EPS) packaging
- ✕Greasy food boxes
- ✕Electronics and batteries
- ✕Tanglers like garden hoses or extension cords
Yard Waste Bin
Collected county-wide on Mondays. Place organics in the green 32-gallon cart or heavy-duty paper yard bags. Never use plastic bags for yard trim.
Accepted Items
- ✓Food scraps and leftovers
- ✓Grass clippings and autumn leaves
- ✓Small branches, brush, and twigs
- ✓Live Christmas trees
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly alongside regular trash
Placement
Place accepted bulky items next to your regular trash bin by 6:00 a.m. (or 5:00 a.m. in summer). Ensure items do not block sidewalks, driveways, or mailboxes.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture (sofas, dining tables, dressers)
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs (must be wrapped in plastic)
- ✓ Rolled and tied carpet (maximum 324 sq. ft.)
- ✓ Doors and cabinets (limit of 3)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Hazardous waste, paint, and chemicals
- ✕ Automotive parts
- ✕ Materials from foreclosures or evictions
Standard bulk collection is free and included with your county solid waste fee. White goods (large appliances) and scrap tires require an advance appointment through PGC311.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Prince George's County utilizes a slide schedule for observed holidays. If a county holiday falls on a weekday, collections scheduled on or after that holiday slide one day later for the remainder of the week (e.g., Thursday pickups move to Friday).
Yard Waste Exception
Monday organics and yard trim collections will slide to Tuesday if a holiday (such as Labor Day or Memorial Day) falls on a Monday.
Residents are encouraged to subscribe to PGC311 email or text alerts to receive automated holiday schedule reminders directly.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Summer
June 30 - September 30To protect sanitation personnel from severe summer heat, Prince George's County activates a 'Beat the Heat' schedule. During these months, all curbside collections shift one hour earlier to 5:00 a.m. Ensure your bins are set out the night before.
Winter
December - MarchIf a snow or ice storm forces a one-day suspension of service, all collections slide one day later for the remainder of the week. Should a severe storm cause a two-day suspension, Monday yard trim collections are canceled and pushed to the following week.
Post-Holiday
JanuaryUnflocked, live Christmas trees can be placed at the curb for collection on your standard Monday organics day. You must remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, and metal stands beforehand.
Drop-off Facilities
Brown Station Road Sanitary Landfill & Convenience Center
3501 Brown Station Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Materials Accepted
Missouri Avenue Solid Waste Acceptance and Recycling Center
12701 Missouri Avenue, Brandywine, MD 20613
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What time should I put my trash out in South Laurel?
For the majority of the year, bins must be placed at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on your collection day. However, during the 'Beat the Heat' summer schedule (June 30 to September 30), you must place your bins out by 5:00 a.m. to protect crews from peak daytime temperatures.
How do I throw away an old mattress?
You can leave your old mattress next to your regular trash bin on collection day without calling for an appointment. However, Prince George's County strictly requires that all mattresses and box springs be completely sealed in a protective plastic cover before being placed at the curb.
When does yard waste get picked up?
Organics and yard trim are collected countywide every Monday. You should place food scraps and lawn debris in your green 32-gallon cart. Excess yard waste can be placed in compostable paper bags, but never in plastic bags.
Do I need to call to schedule a bulk trash pickup?
For standard items like couches, tables, or bagged household goods, you do not need an appointment. You can set out up to 4 items next to your trash cart. You only need to contact PGC311 to schedule an appointment for large appliances (white goods), scrap metal, tires, and electronics.