Neighborhood Nuisances: Trash

Welcome to Neighborhood Nuisances, a series dedicated to addressing the issues that disturb the tranquility and well-being of our communities. Avoid being a neighborhood nuisance by ensuring you properly dispose of trash, recyclables, and food waste. Let’s clean up our act this year by committing to:

Don't dump, donate! Whether you're spring cleaning or moving out for the semester, donate items instead of throwing them away. There are several organizations with options to drop off or schedule pickups for furniture, clothing, food, and item donation. Help keep reusable goods out of the landfill!
Have trash and recycling carts out on time. When you miss a collection day, the waste collects and creates a filthy environment. Have a plan to gather the trash and recyclables in your home in time to have your carts out at the curb by 7AM on your collection day, or the night before. Emptied carts need to be removed from the curb by midnight on collection days, and stored in the rear or side yard of your property.
Recycle. Cardboard quantities too large to fit in the cart should be flattened, bundled with string, and placed next to the recycling cart. Recyclable materials should be placed loose in the recycling cart and not in plastic bags.
Compost food scraps. Join the City’s Curbside Food Scrap Collection program to turn your food waste into compost! Simply register your household, purchase a container, and begin recycling your food scraps! A contractor will collect containers City-wide every Tuesday. Learn more at www.collegeparkmd.gov/foodscraps.
Schedule an appointment for special trash collections. Whether you’re moving out for the year or replacing big appliances, don’t leave bulky trash items at the curb without scheduling a collection appointment! The City collects bulk trash, white goods and metals, electronics, and woody yard waste by appointment only. Contact the Department of Public Works at 240.487.3590 or publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov to schedule a collection appointment.