Bulk Item & Scrap Metal Collection

We're hard on ourselves and assume nobody wants our junk, but people would love to have our old items...

Pick-up Methods:

• Set your item at the curb with a FREE sign and support reuse!
• The Loading Dock will pick-up reusable building supplies (toilets, sinks, doors, windows, etc.).
• Salvation Army (1-800-SA-TRUCK), American Veterans (1-800-292-2259), Purple Heart (410-789-7692) and Vietnam Veterans (1-800-459-8387) will pick-up other usable goods (furniture, clothes, toys, housewares, etc.).
• A Wider Circle accepts used furniture for low-income families.
• List items on Craigslist or FreeCycle. It's easy and people will quickly pick-up your item. 

Want more donation options? See our Donation Directory.

Information about bulk collection was mailed to all curbside customers. Click here to print the Bulk Item postcard.

Eligibility

Only those residents currently receiving curbside trash collection are eligible for curbside bulk trash and metal collection. Please note that all Howard County residents can take bulk material to the Alpha Ridge Residents' Convenience Area for recycling or disposal.

Bulk Plastic Items

Bulk plastic items such as playhouses & play sets (disassembled), totes, sheds (disassembled), lawn furniture and coolers can be recycled. Place these items at the curb on your regular recycling day. Unlimited amounts of recycling will be accepted.

Bulk Trash Items

Remember: Bulk trash items collected by the County will be sent to a landfill. For donating or selling reusable items, please see the list above. One's trash is another's treasure!

Collections must be scheduled. Residents may call 410-313-6444 or schedule collection online. Large trash items (individual items which do not fit in trash cans) such as mattresses, box springs, chairs, sofas, dressers and tables will be collected. Place these items at the curb on your regular trash day. Maximum of 4 large trash items will be collected per pick-up. Items must be able to be lifted by two collection crew members (larger items will be tagged and left for the resident's disposal).

Bulk Metal Items

Collections must be scheduled. Residents may call 410-313-6444 to schedule a collection. Bulk metal items include metal swing sets, file cabinets, appliances, lawn mowers, exercise equipment, etc. Please remove doors from refrigerators, and drain oil and gas from lawn mowers.

NOTE: It is illegal for anyone except Howard County's contractors to pick-up scrap metal at the curb (Howard County Code 18.610)

Items Not Accepted

*Electronics should be recycled at the Alpha Ridge Landfill or through customer take-back programs. Visit our electronics webpage for specific locations.

Construction & Demolition Debris

If you have construction & demolition debris to get rid of, please visit our Construction & Demolition Debris Reuse and Recycling webpage. Or, consider The Bagster, a flexible 'dumpster' service provided by Waste Management. Purchase a Bagster from your local home improvement store, fill the bag with material and contact Waste Management for pick-up. Visit Waste Management's Bagster website for more details.