ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Beginning today, June 30th through Thursday, July 3rd, various Howard County Government buildings and office locations will be physically closed to the public for Energy Saving Days. While building and office space will be physically closed, County staff will be working remotely to ensure the needs of community members are still being met. Details regarding which building and office spaces are physically closed, as well as instructions on how to conduct business online with various County offices and departments, can be found on the "County Energy Saving Days" website.
While we are restricting certain in-person services, these adjustments to our operations will not affect our ability to provide services to our community. Staff will be ready and available to assist residents and other customers on the phone, through online applications, and by email. This partial and targeted reduction will save money and help to reduce Howard County’s carbon footprint. We appreciate the public’s cooperation and support in making these adjustments.
During these Energy Saving Days, there will be REGULAR curbside trash, recycling, food scrap, and yard trim collection and the County's Alpha Ridge Landfill, 50+ centers, Department of Recreation & Parks' recreational facilities, historic sites, and parks, and fire, police, and 911 Communications Center operations remain open and fully functional.
Please keep in mind that Friday is July 4th and many County Government offices will be closed on the 4th in observance of the Independence Day holiday and as there will be no Friday curbside collections that day, the County's holiday "slide" schedule will be in effect with Friday collection sliding to Saturday, July 5th. For a complete list of what's open and closed on July 4th, visit the County's "July 4th Holiday Closings" website.
The County continues to prioritize responsible fiscal management amid broader financial challenges at the State and Federal levels. Through strategic planning and cost-saving initiatives - such as reducing energy use via targeted building and office closures - the County aims to maintain a balanced budget without raising taxes or cutting services.