Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Westminster
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)
All items should be placed within 5 feet of the location in which you place your household trash cans. Items should be placed out no earlier than noon the day before or any later than 6:30 a.m. the day of your scheduled collection.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
Resident-provided lidless bushel-sized container marked 'recycling' or bins from Ecology Services Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must remain loose in the bin. If recycling is placed in plastic trash bags, it will be collected as regular garbage by Ecology Services.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean paper and cardboard
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Plastics (bottles, tubs, jars, jugs)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Shredded paper
- ✕Hazardous waste
Yard Waste Bin
Collected on Wednesdays. Must be in brown, biodegradable paper lawn bags or lidless, bushel-sized containers weighing no more than 50 pounds. Plastic bags are prohibited.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Loose clippings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Every other Thursday or Friday (depending on zone)
Placement
Place items within 5 feet of your normal trash location. Set out no earlier than noon the day before and no later than 6:30 a.m. on the collection day.
Accepted
- ✓ Sofas and chairs
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ TVs and non-metal appliances
- ✓ Lumber cut to 4-foot lengths
- ✓ Rolled carpet (bound with tape and under 4 feet)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Contractor debris
- ✕ Dirt, sod, and rocks
- ✕ Concrete and bricks
- ✕ Hazardous materials
Bulk trash removal is a provided service for private residences up to three units. Buildings with four or more units are not eligible for city bulk services.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Trash collection will change during certain holiday weeks. The city advises checking the Westminster homepage the week prior to the holiday week for any changes or slide schedules.
Yard Waste Exception
Wednesday yard waste may also be shifted during a holiday week. Wet bags are skipped during inclement weather regardless of holidays.
During inclement weather, scheduling changes will be made at the discretion of the Public Works Department. Check the city homepage for live updates.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Autumn
October to DecemberThe City's Fall Leaf Vacuum program begins the first Monday in October and runs through the first week of December [1.2.2]. Check the city zone map for your street's specific vacuuming day.
Winter
December to MarchChristmas trees can be dropped off next to the Skate Park at Locust Street and Leslie B. Leister Lane from December 26 until March 31. Remove all lights, ornaments, and plastic bags before dropping off.
Spring/Summer
April to SeptemberTree limbs and brush are collected every other Monday by the city. Limbs must be cut into 4-foot sections, no larger than 4 inches in diameter, and bundled with thin twine.
Drop-off Facilities
Resource Recovery Park - Northern Landfill
1400 Baltimore Blvd, Westminster, MD 21157
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I call if my trash wasn't picked up in Westminster?
Because regular trash is handled by a subcontractor, you must call Ecology Services at 301-362-6700 for missed household garbage. For missed bulk, metal, or yard waste, contact the Westminster Public Works Department at 410-848-9077.
Do I have to buy special bags for my grass clippings?
Yes. The City of Westminster requires all yard waste (grass and leaves) to be placed in brown, biodegradable paper lawn bags or lidless bushel-sized containers. Plastic bags are strictly prohibited and will not be collected.
How do I throw away an old refrigerator in Westminster?
Large metal appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and washers are collected by the city every other Tuesday on 'Metal, Tires, Batteries' day. You must call 24 hours in advance to schedule the pickup, and refrigerator doors must be completely removed for safety.
How many units can a building have to still receive city bulk trash services?
The city's Special Waste Removal program is designed for single-family homes and small multiplexes. Any building with businesses or more than three residential units (four units or more) is not entitled to bulk trash removal by the city.