Trash and recycling collection reminders

Trash collection is a service paid for by homeowners and managed through a contract by their local homes corporation or condominium association. Recycling is a service through Montgomery County, unless otherwise arranged. While some details vary by association (such as time, day or location of pickup; when to place items out for collection; when to retrieve your receptacles; where to store your receptacles, etc.), there are many commonalities to trash and recycling collection.

TRASH
Residents should store trash in airtight, waterproof containers that are vermin proof and meet County regulations. Plastic bags, cardboard boxes and/or paper sacks do not qualify as acceptable storage containers. Storage containers for either refuse or recyclables must be stored properly, according to your community’s documents.

DISPOSAL
Items not covered by your trash contractor or the county recycling program are the responsibility of the resident. See your association’s specific trash policy for more information on bulk pickups. Missed trash pickups happen, but do not place your trash out until the next scheduled trash day. If a scheduled trash pickup day is a holiday, trash will be picked up on the next scheduled trash day. DO NOT PUT TRASH OUT ON THE HOLIDAY. Illegal dumping is costly for associations and they take great measure to identify the home that is illegally dumping, and will charge that home/resident for the cost of any additional trash. 

RECYCLING
Recycling services are provided by Montgomery County, and items to be recycled should be stored in containers they provide. Yard waste may be kept in paper yard bags or in steel or plastic trash containers. Questions or concerns related to recycling should go directly to the county. Call 311 or visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/sws for all recycling inquiries.