References:
- Howard County Bureau of Environmental Services: Bulk Trash & Scrap Metal Collection
- Howard County Bulk Collection Guide
Efficient waste management is crucial for maintaining clean, sustainable communities, and Howard County provides comprehensive trash pickup services to help residents dispose of their waste responsibly. Understanding the nuances of bulk trash pickup can help homeowners streamline their waste disposal process while contributing to the county’s environmental goals.
Trash Pick Up Schedule in Howard County
Residents who receive County collections are eligible for bulk trash pickups. Bulk trash is collected on your regular trash collection day between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m., with pickup times potentially varying. Items must be placed out after 6 p.m. the day before collection or before 6 a.m. on the collection day.
Residential Trash Collection Guidelines
When preparing bulk trash for pickup, residents must follow specific guidelines:
- Place items at the curb within 5 feet of the County roadway
- Do not block mailboxes, fire hydrants, or vehicles
- Maximum of 4 bulk trash items per pickup
- Items must be less than 6 feet in width
- Items too large to be lifted by two workers will be tagged and left for resident’s disposal
Recycling Services
Howard County encourages recycling whenever possible. Large broken plastic items such as playhouses, play sets, lawn furniture, and coolers can be recycled on your regular recycling day. Plastic items must be free of metal components.
Bulk & Large Item Pick Up
Bulk trash collection is specifically for broken items that will be sent to a landfill. For gently used or unwanted items, the county recommends:
- Checking the Donation Directory for local organizations
- Considering donation or resale before disposal
- Visiting the Alpha Ridge Landfill Residents’ Convenience Center for additional disposal options
Scrap Metal Collection
Scrap metal collection requires scheduling:
- Call 410-313-6444 to schedule pickup
- Limited to two collections per year
- Acceptable items include broken lawnmowers, appliances, metal cabinets, exercise equipment, and grills
- Items must be less than 10 feet in length or width
- Remove all fluids and batteries before collection
Items Not Accepted for Curbside Pickup
Several items cannot be picked up through standard bulk trash services, including:
- Aquarium tanks
- Batteries
- Construction debris
- Compressed gas tanks
- Computer monitors
- Medical waste
- Tires
- TVs
Holiday Trash Pick Up Changes
Collections may slide during certain county holidays. Residents are advised to check the Holiday & Inclement Weather page for specific schedule modifications.
How to Find or Request Services
Residents can:
- Use the online tool to check collection days
- Contact the Bureau of Environmental Services
- Visit HowardCountyRecycles.org for additional information
Howard County’s bulk trash pickup service provides residents with a convenient way to dispose of large, broken items while promoting responsible waste management. By following guidelines and considering donation or recycling options, residents can help reduce landfill waste and support community sustainability.
FAQ
Does Howard County have bulk trash pickup?Bulk trash is collected on your trash collection day between the hours of 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. Pickup time may vary. Items must be placed out after 6 p.m. the day before collection or before 6 a.m. the day of collection. Contact us or use our online tool to check your collection days.
What is considered bulk pick up?What’s considered bulky trash? Accepted materials vary by location, but common bulky, large or heavy items include: Mattress & Box Springs. Bed Frames.
How to get rid of a lot of trash at once?Hire the services of a trash removal company. [Company] is willing and able to haul your trash, no matter how big the load.
How do I get rid of a mattress in Howard County?Mattresses & box springs can be recycled at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill or through Ikea ‘s mattress recycling program. Mattresses & box springs may be picked up with bulk trash collection, but will be recycled. Consider recycling them to give them a chance to be made into something new!
https://www.howardcountymd.gov/bureau-environmental-services/bulk-trash-scrap-metal-collection
Residents who receive County collections are eligible for bulk trash and scrap metal pickups. For gently used or unwanted items, see our Donation Directory.
https://www.howardcountymd.gov/bureau-environmental-services/resource/bulk-collection-guide
• Place items at the curb within 5 feet of County roadway by 6am • Maximum of 4 bulk trash items per pickup. • Items too large to be lifted by