Keeping our community clean and healthy is important, and knowing how trash pickup works in Baltimore County can help with that. This guide will help you understand how trash pickup works, what services are available, and how you can make the most of these services.
Understanding Baltimore County Trash Pickup
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Baltimore County has a waste management program to help residents easily get rid of their trash. Trash pickup schedules are different depending on where you live, and there are services for regular trash as well as special waste collection. Here, we’ll explain how the system works and what you need to know.
Baltimore County Trash Pickup Schedule
Trash pickup in Baltimore County is based on zones, which means residents have specific pickup days depending on where they live. You can check the Baltimore County website or local community boards to find out your collection day. Usually, regular household trash is picked up once a week, and recycling and yard waste may have different schedules.
To make sure your trash gets picked up, put it out by 6 a.m. on your scheduled day. This helps avoid trash building up, which can cause bad smells and attract pests.
How to Prepare Trash for Pickup
Getting your trash ready the right way helps keep the community clean and makes it easier for collection workers. Here are some tips:
- Bagging Trash Properly: Put all trash in sturdy plastic bags to avoid spills. Make sure the bags are securely tied.
- Using Trash Containers: Put the trash bags in approved containers. Baltimore County recommends using containers with lids to keep animals away and streets clean.
- Weight Limits: Trash containers should not weigh more than 40 pounds so that collection crews can handle them easily.
By following these rules, residents can help keep their neighborhoods clean and tidy.
Bulk Trash Collection
Sometimes, you might need to get rid of big items that can’t go out with regular trash. Baltimore County offers bulk trash collection for things like furniture, appliances, and other large items. To use this service, you need to make an appointment with the county’s waste management department.
Keep in mind that there are limits on the types and number of items they will collect. Check the Baltimore County website for more details and to schedule a pickup.
Recycling in Baltimore County
Baltimore County has a single-stream recycling program, which means you can put all recyclable items together in one container. Recycling is usually picked up on a different day than regular trash, and here are some things you should know:
- Accepted Materials: Items like cardboard, paper, glass bottles, metal cans, and certain plastics can be recycled. Make sure all items are clean and free of food residue.
- Non-Recyclable Items: Things like plastic bags, Styrofoam, and some types of glass (like windows or mirrors) are not accepted in curbside recycling.
- Container Guidelines: Recyclables should be placed in containers marked for recycling. Baltimore County recommends using containers without lids to make it easier for collectors to see them.
By recycling, residents can help reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills and help save resources.
Yard Waste Collection
Baltimore County also collects yard waste, which includes things like grass clippings, leaves, branches, and garden trimmings. Yard waste is collected at different times depending on the season and location.
- Bagging Requirements: Yard waste should be put in biodegradable paper bags or bundled with natural twine. Do not use plastic bags for yard waste.
- Weight and Size Restrictions: Yard waste bags or bundles should not weigh more than 30 pounds. Branches should be no longer than three feet.
Special Considerations for Holidays and Weather Events
Trash pickup schedules may change during holidays or bad weather. On major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving, trash pickup might be delayed by one day. Baltimore County will let residents know about any changes, and you can sign up for alerts on the county’s website.
During severe weather, like snowstorms or hurricanes, trash pickup may be delayed for safety reasons. Residents should secure their trash and recycling containers during high winds to prevent them from becoming hazards.
Reducing Waste and Being More Sustainable
Reducing the amount of trash you make at home can help make the trash collection system more efficient and the environment healthier. Here are some tips:
- Composting: Composting food scraps and yard clippings is a great way to reduce trash and make nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
- Reducing Single-Use Plastics: Use reusable bags, containers, and bottles to cut down on household waste.
- Donation and Reuse: Instead of throwing away items that are still in good condition, consider donating them to local charities or offering them through community groups.
These practices can help reduce the amount of waste Baltimore County has to handle.
Common Issues and How to Fix Them
Sometimes, residents have problems with trash pickup, like missed collections, overflowing containers, or bulky waste disposal issues. Here are some solutions:
- Missed Collections: If your trash, recycling, or yard waste is not picked up, contact the county’s waste management department. Make sure everything was out by 6 a.m. and followed the county’s guidelines.
- Overflowing Containers: To avoid overflow, try to recycle more and compost organic materials. If needed, you can request an extra trash or recycling container from the county.
- Improper Disposal: Some items like electronics, chemicals, and construction debris cannot go in regular trash. Baltimore County has special collection events for hazardous materials, so use those services to get rid of such items safely.
Conclusion
Baltimore County trash pickup is a well-organized service that helps residents manage their trash while promoting sustainability. By following the county’s rules and using services like bulk collection, recycling, and yard waste pickup, residents can help keep the community clean and safe.
Check your local schedule, prepare your trash properly, and stay informed about any changes to make trash disposal easier. By doing this, you will help make your community a better place.
Whether you are new to the area or just want a refresher, understanding how Baltimore County trash pickup works can help you stay organized and help the environment.