Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Takoma Park
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 can or City-purchased wheeled cart Bin (Trash)
Must have a tight-fitting lid and weigh less than 50 pounds. Set out by 6:30 a.m. on collection day or the night before.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Food wrappers
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
Blue or green City-issued bin Bin (Recycling)
Paper must be bundled in a paper bag or tied with string to prevent blowing away. Rinse food out of containers.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bottles and jars
- ✓Metal cans
- ✓Bundled paper
- ✓Cardboard
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Electronics
- ✕CFL light bulbs
- ✕Food waste
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in paper bags or stiff-sided trash cans. Collected on Mondays. Plastic bags are strictly prohibited.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Brush
- ✓Branches (under 4 feet long and 3 inches thick)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By appointment only
Placement
Set approved items at the curb only after confirming your appointment and submitting your payment to Public Works.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Heavy appliances (non-freon)
- ✓ Large household items
Not Accepted
- ✕ Refrigerators and freezers (freon appliances)
- ✕ Air conditioners
- ✕ Cast iron tubs or sinks
- ✕ Tree waste over 3 inches thick or 4 feet long
- ✕ Hazardous waste
There is a $15 charge for up to three items. Payments can be made via check, money order, or credit card (credit card payments incur an additional $2.50 administrative fee).
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
If a holiday falls on a weekday, all subsequent trash and recycling collections for that week slide one day later (e.g., Tuesday collections slide to Wednesday). Thanksgiving week shifts Thursday routes to Wednesday, and Friday routes to Saturday.
Yard Waste Exception
Because yard waste is collected on Mondays, if a holiday falls on a Monday, yard waste collection is completely canceled for that week.
The food waste collection program follows the exact same holiday slide schedule as your regular trash and recycling routes.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring/Summer
April to AugustResidents participating in the city's food waste collection program are eligible to receive up to five free buckets of compost from Public Works to encourage organic lawn care.
Autumn
October to DecemberDuring the peak autumn leaf season, loose yard materials must continue to be bagged in compostable paper bags or stiff-sided containers. Leaves swept into the street or placed in plastic bags will not be collected.
Winter
December to JanuaryNatural Christmas trees are collected curbside alongside regular yard waste. All tinsel, lights, ornaments, and stands must be fully removed so the tree can be properly composted.
Drop-off Facilities
Takoma Park Public Works Facility
31 Oswego Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910
Materials Accepted
Montgomery County Transfer Station
16101 Frederick Rd, Derwood, MD 20855
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I dispose of a refrigerator or air conditioner in Takoma Park?
The City of Takoma Park does not accept refrigerant-containing appliances for curbside pickup due to safe handling regulations. You must self-haul these items to the Montgomery County Transfer Station or hire a private hauler.
What time should my trash be set out for collection?
Trash collection service begins very early. Bins must be placed at the curb by 6:30 a.m. on your collection day, or you can place them out the night before. Be sure your container has a lid and weighs less than 50 pounds.
How does the food waste composting program work?
Eligible residents can register for the free curbside Food Waste Collection Program to receive a 5-gallon bucket and compostable bags. Scraps are collected weekly on your regular trash day, and participants can even request free compost during the spring and summer.
What happens to yard waste collection on a holiday week?
Takoma Park collects yard waste on Mondays. If a recognized city holiday falls on a Monday (such as Memorial Day or Labor Day), yard waste collection is completely canceled for that week, unlike regular trash which simply slides to the next day.