Trash Collection Services Division

Mark Kreis, Chief
6751 Gateway Drive
Columbia, MD 21046
410-313-6444

Did you know:

• that trash collected from Howard County homes is transported to a private landfill in Virginia?
• there are several private companies under contract with Howard County that pick up trash and recyclables from County homes?
• qualified private trash/recycling haulers are hired to pick up your items and selected based on the lowest contract bid price?
• County inspectors monitor over 78,000 homes for curbside and dumpster trash service, 5 days a week?

We also welcome input from residents on any problems or compliments concerning your trash pick-up service.

GENERAL TRASH TIPS

PLEASE remember your 4's when placing trash and recyclables out for collection...

• 4 item per week limit for TRASH. (Unlimited Recyclables)
• Each item under 40 pounds. (No Weight Limit For Recycling Carts)
• Each item less than 4 feet long.
• Put out beFORE 6 am.

An item is a single bag, can, box or bundle. Put several small bags in one 30-gallon trash can (or a large trash bag) and it's only considered 1 item. Just remember the above 4's!

CURBSIDE COLLECTION

Once a week curbside collection of 4 items of trash is provided to residents living in single family homes, townhomes, most trailer parks and condominiums (apartments contract for their trash through private trash haulers). Property owners are charged a yearly $175 per house REFUSE COLLECTION CHARGE (on your tax bill) for this service. The historic Ellicott City business district located on Main Street is also provided trash pick-up service--please call (410) 313-6444 for details on this specialized service.

What and how much will be collected

Household trash which can be packaged to fit the size, weight, and quantity restrictions below is accepted:

• Four (4) items on each collection day. This includes up to four cans, bags, or bundles.
• Each can, bag, or bundle must not exceed forty (40) pounds.
• Bundles must be less than 4 feet in length, less than 18" in diameter and less than 40 pounds.

Put several small bags in one 30-gallon trash can (or a large trash bag) and it's only considered 1 item. Just follow the above rules!

Prohibited Items:

• Liquids such as wet paint and motor oil (they can leak from the collection truck and cause a mess).
• Hazardous, toxic, or flammable materials.
• Bulk items (such as large appliances, carpets, mattresses, or large pieces of furniture).
• Yard waste in an area that is provided with yard waste collection service from April through the third week in January.
• Car parts - tires, wheels or batteries.

When will collections be made

• Collections are made once per week.
• Trash must be placed out after 6 p.m. the day before collection, or before 6 a.m. on the day of collection.
• Collections are made between the hours of 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. Pick-up time may vary week-to-week.
• Contractors will not return to collect trash set out after the truck has serviced the area.
• Collections missed due to road closings will normally be made up the next day if possible.
• Trash collections missed on Saturday will be made up on Monday.

Where to place trash for collection

Single-family homeowners must set their trash to be collected within five (5) feet of the nearest public road fronting their home. Residents of townhome communities with common head-in parking areas are required to "group" trash containers in designated areas accessible to the collectors such as at the curb end of grass islands or at the end of parking areas. Do not block mailboxes or fire hydrants.

What containers to use

Residents may use either reuseable or disposable refuse containers provided they meet the following criteria:

Reuseable containers must be...

• Made of metal or tough plastic and equipped with handles and watertight fitting lids.
• Maximum 30-gallon capacity. If container is larger than 30 gallons, each bag inside is counted as 1 item.
• Kept clean and sanitary.
• Large wheeled "toter-type" cans are not acceptable.

Note: Reuseable containers may be required in townhome communities or in areas where previous sanitation problems or rodent infestations have been identified.

Disposable trash bags must be...

• Heavy gauge plastic which can be picked up and carried without tearing.
• Securely tied at the top to prevent spillage.

Note: Clean up in common collection areas should be shared by all. The clean up of trash that is spilled and/or spread by animals or wind is the responsibility of the resident.

Inclement Weather

During inclement weather, every effort will be made to continue to provide for scheduled collections. If collections are canceled due to snow, ice, or other severe weather, pick up will be made the next day, if possible, or when road conditions permit. Call (410) 313-6444 for cancellation and makeup information.

Holidays

Trash collections are not made on the following six (6) holidays:

• New Year's Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

If your regular trash collection day falls on one of the holidays listed above, collections will be made on the following day, except when a holiday falls on Saturday, collections will be made the following Monday.

TIPS TO CUT YOUR TRASH IN HALF

• RECYCLE unlimited quantities of acceptable household generated recyclables on your recycling day each week. Remember: You can put your mixed paper, plastic bottles, metal cans, cardboard and glass bottles and jars "All Together Now" in a recycling cart, bin or see-through bag; yard waste still needs to be kept separate. Call for a RECYCLING brochure to get started!
• COMPACT and CONSOLIDATE your weekly trash into 4 bags or trash cans (remember, the 40 pound limit per item).
• GRASSCYCLE by leaving your grass clippings on your lawn. This process helps fertilize your lawn.
• COMPOST grass, leaves and other yard waste to make a high grade soil.

QUESTIONS, PROBLEMS, COMPLIMENTS OR NEED MORE INFORMATION

(410) 313-6444 Trash & Recycling Action Hotline
(Open weekdays 8:00 am - 5:00 pm)
(410) 313-6490 Bureau of Environmental Services FAX number
Television: Government Television (GTV: cable station 70)
White pages, Bell Atlantic Telephone Book, for explanation of Howard County's Recycling Program.

DROP-OFF LOCATION

You can drop off your trash at our ALPHA RIDGE LANDFILL RESIDENTS' CONVENIENCE CENTER.

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For other options on how to dispose of trash, see COMMUNITY CLEAN-UP PROGRAM or HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE.