Bulk Trash & Scrap Metal Collection

Bulk trash collection is for broken items. Collected materials will be sent to a landfill. For gently used or unwanted items, see our Bulk Collection Guide for local organizations that offer curbside pickup.

When scheduling a bulk trash pickup for broken items:

1. Items must be placed at the curb within 5 feet of County roadway by the night before your trash collection day.
2. Do not block mailboxes, fire hydrants or cars.
3. Maximum of 4 bulk trash items per pickup.
4. Items must be less than 6 feet in width.
5. Items too large to be lifted by two workers will be tagged and left for resident's disposal

• Aquarium tanks
• Batteries*               
• Drum containers              
• Carpet/rugs      
• Chairs with electric plugs            
• Compressed gas tanks*              
• Computer monitors*
• Construction & demolition debris (including sinks, bathtubs, cabinets, toilets, carpeting, flooring and glass etc.)
• Fuel & oil tanks
• Medical Waste 
• Mirrors/plate glass   
• Moon bounces 
• Motorized toys*
• Pallets or pressure-treated wood 
• Pianos
• Picnic tables & Adirondack chairs
• Playhouses/swing sets (wooden)
• Sleeper sofas
• Stumps and logs*           
• Tires*  
• TVs*

*These items can be recycled at the Residents' Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill. Visit our Know Before You Throw page for other disposal options and our Bulk Collection Guide for donation options.

Large broken plastic items such as playhouses & play sets (disassembled), totes, sheds (disassembled), lawn furniture and coolers can be recycled at the curb on your regular recycling day. Plastic items must be free of all metal components. 

Rigid plastics can also be recycled at the Residents' Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill.

We do not accept:

• #1 plastic clamshell containers
• PVC pipe/tubing
• Vinyl siding
• Styrofoam or polystyrene
• Rigid plastics with metal components

Scrap metal collection is intended for oversized broken metal items only. Items that will fit in your vehicle (microwave, toaster, etc.) should be brought to the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill for recycling.

When scheduling a scrap metal collection for large broken items, please be aware:

1. Bulk scrap metal items must be scheduled. Contact us online or by phone at 410-313-6444.
2. Large items such as broken lawnmowers*, dryers, washers, stoves, dishwashers, refrigerators**, metal cabinets, desks, exercise equipment and grills* qualify for scrap metal collection. 
3. No items with batteries are accepted. Batteries must be removed from any lawnmowers, scooters, or other battery-operated devices. See below for all prohibited items.
4. Items must be less than 10 feet in length or width.
5. Only two collections may be scheduled per year.
6. A separate truck contracted by the County is assigned solely for the collection of scrap metal. Please do not place metal items in your trash or recycling container for curbside collection.

*All fluids (oil and fuel) and batteries (if applicable) must be removed before collection will occur.

**Please remove all contents of refrigerator. Secure the doors shut or remove them.

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

• Aquarium tanks
• Batteries*               
• Drum containers                 
• Chairs with electric plugs            
• Compressed gas tanks*              
• Computer monitors*  
• Fuel & oil tanks
• Medical Waste 
• Mirrors/plate glass   
• Motorized toys*
• Sleeper sofas        
• Tires*  
• TVs*

*These items can be recycled at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill.