Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for White Oak
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 container (rigid metal or plastic) Bin (Trash)
Containers must have tight-fitting lids and a capacity of 15 to 45 gallons. Set out by 7:00 a.m. on collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-hazardous household items
Blue (County-issued wheeled cart or bin) Bin (Recycling)
Do not place recyclables inside plastic bags; keep them loose. Set out at the curb by 7:00 a.m. on your designated collection day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean paper and cardboard
- ✓Metal cans and foil
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Rigid plastic bottles, tubs, and containers
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Hazardous chemical containers
- ✕Tanglers (cords, hoses, wires)
Yard Waste Bin
Must use compostable paper yard bags (max 45 lbs) or rigid containers (15-45 gallons) marked with a County 'Yard Trim' decal. Brush must be bundled. No plastic bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Brush
- ✓Branches (under 4 feet long and 4 inches in diameter) [1.2.4]
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By request (Up to 5 free collections per calendar year for eligible homes)
Placement
Place adjacent to your household trash by 7:00 a.m. Keep bulk items separate from yard trim, recycling, or scrap metal piles.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Up to 5 extra bags of trash
- ✓ Large household non-metal items
Not Accepted
- ✕ Items that are 51% or more metal (schedule scrap metal pickup instead) [2.1.2]
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Propane tanks
- ✕ Hazardous waste
Free for up to 5 collections annually for County-serviced homes. Homes with private HOA trash service must pay their hauler's fees or utilize the Shady Grove Transfer Station.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Montgomery County uses a 'Holiday Slide' schedule. If a holiday falls on a weekday, all subsequent County collections for that week slide one day later (e.g., Thursday routes move to Friday).
Yard Waste Exception
Yard trim is collected on the exact same sliding schedule as your recycling.
The Holiday Slide rule applies universally to County recycling and yard waste. However, if your neighborhood uses a private HOA trash hauler, their regular garbage collection may not follow this schedule.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Autumn
October to DecemberWhile Montgomery County provides year-round yard trim pickup, autumn leaves must still be properly bagged in paper yard bags or labeled rigid containers. Do not rake loose leaves into the street or gutters.
Winter
December to FebruaryFollowing severe snowstorms, Montgomery County may suspend or delay collections for safety. The 'slide' schedule will push pickups one day later for the rest of the week once roads are cleared.
Summer
June to AugustDuring summer thunderstorm season, yard debris is common. Any fallen storm branches must be cut down to less than 4 feet in length and 4 inches in diameter, and bundled with twine weighing no more than 45 pounds.
Drop-off Facilities
Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station
16101 Frederick Rd, Derwood, MD 20855
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule a bulk trash pickup in White Oak?
If you have County-provided trash service, you can schedule one of your five annual free bulk collections by calling 311 or visiting the MC311 portal online. Requests must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. the day before your scheduled collection. If you have an HOA private hauler, you must contact them directly.
Why was my yard waste left at the curb?
Montgomery County crews will leave yard trim behind if it is placed in plastic bags, exceeds the 45-pound weight limit per container, or is stored in a rigid container that lacks the mandatory 'Yard Trim' decal. Brush must also be properly bundled with twine and cut to under 4 feet in length.
Can I put my recycling in a plastic garbage bag?
No. Plastic bags and film severely jam the sorting equipment at the Montgomery County recycling center. All recyclables should be placed completely loose in your blue cart or blue bin. Recyclables contained in plastic bags will likely be rejected.
Does White Oak have a holiday trash delay?
Yes, Montgomery County uses a 'Holiday Slide' system. If a recognized holiday falls on a weekday, your recycling, yard trim, and County-provided trash collection will slide to one day later for the rest of that week. However, verify with your HOA if you use a private trash contractor, as their policy might differ.