Grass Clippings

As you take care of your lawn this season, do not sweep or blow grass and leaves into the street. Lawn clippings and debris that are left in the street wash into storm drain systems, potentially clogging them, which may result in flooding. Debris that washes into storm drains is transported through local waterways and eventually to the Chesapeake Bay, threatening aquatic life and drinking water quality.

Instead, you can leave the grass clippings on the lawn to recycle the nutrients or start a compost pile in your backyard (click here for a brochure from the Maryland Department of Agriculture.) You may also place clippings in paper bags or reusable containers for weekly curbside pickup on the same day as your trash and recycling collection.

Styrofoam Recycling

A drop-off container is at the entrance to Public Works for block Styrofoam recycling. Only block Styrofoam is accepted. No peanuts, cups, plates, or egg cartons are accepted.

Free Wood Mulch for City Residents

Bulk Trash Collection

For a single-family, owner-occupied residence: Up to four (4) bulky trash collections per fiscal year, with a maximum total of 20 bulky refuse items per year, will be free of charge to the resident.

For a single-family rental property that pays for City trash services: Up to four (4) bulky trash collections per fiscal year, with a maximum total of 29 bulky refuse items per year, will be free of charge.

For quantities and/or frequency more than stated above, a $20 collection fee per item over the allowable number of items will be imposed. A waiver may be available for a major extenuating circumstance on a limited basis.

Bulky trash includes items such as furniture, carpet, lumber, fencing, mattresses, etc. All bulky trash collections must be scheduled in advance and the caller must identify the quantity and type of items when scheduling a collection.

Bulky refuse items must be set out neatly for collection and separated by type.

Other Types of Special Collections

The City collects four different types of special trash by appointment on Thursdays and Fridays. Different trucks are assigned to each category. Please source separate items into:

• Appliances & Metals: Appliances include stoves, air conditioners, refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, hot water heaters and ovens and have a $20 fee per item for collection. Other metals such as bikes, file cabinets and radiators, do not incur a fee.
• Electronics for Recycling: computers, printers, keyboards, modems, gaming consoles, etc. Please note that TVs, monitors, and microwaves have a $20 fee per item. Residents have the option of bringing these items to the electronics drop-off box at Public Works for free.
• Brush, Branches, and Logs: All woody material must be bundled and tied in bunches no longer than four (4) feet in length, up to two (2) feet in diameter and no more than 50 lbs. Material can also be placed in City approved containers or bags. Individual branches cannot be wider than four (4) inches in diameter while logs must be cut into 12 inch lengths that are no more than 12 inches in diameter (a maximum of 25 logs will be collected per pickup).