Handbook made for Montgomery county, MD residents on refuse and recycle services. Designed by Jonathan Louis 9/23/2009

1. Montgomery County Government
Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Solid Waste Services
101 Monroe Street, 6th Floor
Rockville, Maryland 20850
rECYCLING & rEFUSE
CollECtion HAnDBooK
PlEASE HAvE your
mAtEriAlS At tHE CurB
BEforE 7:00 A.m.
on tHE DAy of your
CollECtion.
QuEStionS? PlEASE CAll 311
out-of-county: 240-777-0311, tty: 240-773-3556
www.montgomerycountymd.gov/311

2. glASS, mEtAl & PlAStiC rECyCling
• All recyclables must be placed at the curb by 7:00 a.m.
on your recycling collection day.
• NO PLASTIC BAGS.
• Please do not mix paper with these recyclables.
ACCEPtABlE itEmS for BluE Bin
• All plastic bottles, jars, tubs, lids, buckets and pails (up to
five gallons), flower pots, and plastic reusable containers.
• Glass and metal food and beverage containers.
• All aluminum food and beverage containers, and foil.
• All empty, non-hazardous aerosol cans.
Glass jars/bottles Aluminum/metal
beverage and food
containers, foil, and
non-hazardous aerosol cans
Plastic, reusable
containers
Plastic bottles, beverage cups, tubs,
buckets, lids, and flower pots
What about clamshell containers?
Currently, clear plastic “clamshell” and
Styrofoam® containers are not accepted
in our recycling program.

3. PAPEr rECyCling
ACCEPtABlE itEmS for BluE CArt
• All clean and dry paper, newspaper, unwanted mail,
books, magazines, and cardboard and paperboard boxes.
• Wax-coated milk and juice cartons, juice and drink boxes,
paper beverage cups, and frozen food boxes.
• If you don’t have a blue cart, paper must be in a small
paper bag, a box with a secure lid, or bundled with twine.
Each container, bag or box must weigh less than 45 pounds.
• Shredded paper must be in a small paper
bag, or a box with a secure lid.
• Flatten boxes to maximize your cart’s
capacity.
Cardboard boxes
Wax-coated milk
and juice cartons, Newspapers
frozen food boxes and magazines
Mixed paper and Paperboard boxes
unwanted mail and clean pizza boxes
Paperback and
hardcover books
Do cardboard boxes need to be flattened?
Cardboard boxes no longer need to be flattened
for collection. However, flattened boxes make
collection more efficient and allow you to put
more paper in your cart. Oversized boxes can be
placed next to your blue cart for collection.

4. yArD trim rECyCling
ACCEPtABlE itEmS for yArD trim
• Grass, leaves, and brush may be placed in large paper
yard trim bags, or reusable cans with a green County
provided YARD TRIM label on it. Each bag and container
must weigh less than 45 pounds.
• Brush may also be tied
into bundles up to 30”
in diameter. Each piece
of brush can be no more
than 4” thick and 4’ long. Brush Grass Leaves
• Bundles must weigh less than 45 pounds each.
PlEASE PrEPArE yArD trim in tHE folloWing mAnnEr:
Cans labeled Lawn/leaf Securely
“Yard Trim” Paper bags tied bundles
mAtEriAlS not ACCEPtABlE
• no PlAStiC BAgS • Tree stumps
• Dirt or sod • Lumber
• Root balls • Rocks
How much yard trim can I put out for collection?
Since Montgomery County
encourages residents to recycle
as much as they can, there is
no limit on the amount of yard
trim that can be placed
curbside. However, we do
encourage residents to - Please have the label facing the street for proper collection -
YARD TRIM
GRASS - LEAVES - BRUSH
Montgomery County, Maryland
grasscycle and compost their
-
for proper collection
label facing the street
YARD TRIM
- Please have the
-
TRI M
collection
for proper
the street
BRUSH
GRASS - LEAVES - Maryland
facing
YAR D
label - Please have
have the the label facing
YARD TRIM
County,
Montgomery - Please the street for
proper collection
-
- BRUSH
- LEAVESMaryland
GRASS
Montgomery
County,
GRASS - LEAVES
Montgomery
County,
- BRUSH
Maryland
yard trim.

5. grASSCyCling AnD ComPoSting
WHAt iS grASSCyCling?
Grasscycling is the simple practice of leaving grass clippings
on the lawn during the lawnmowing process.
it’S EASy & EConomiCAl.
Grasscycling reduces the time and effort spent cutting and
maintaining your lawn by eliminating the need to place
clippings in lawn bags or containers for yard trim recycling
collection. It also saves money by eliminating the need for
paper lawn bags.
Basic rule: Do not cut any more than 1/3 of the length of the
grass blade when mowing.
it’S ECologiCAl.
Through the process of natural recycling, lawn clippings
release valuable nutrients. Properly maintained lawns can
slow runoff from rain and melting snow, prevent erosion, and
trap sediment and chemicals before they enter streams and
waterways. They also contribute to cleaner air by capturing
dust and other airborne particles.
Interested in Composting?
Composting is an easy way to turn yard trimmings, such
as grass clippings and leaves, into a soil that will benefit
your lawn and garden, rather than using fertilizers that are
potentially harmful to the environment.
HoW to ComPoSt uSing A ComPoSt Bin
1. Pick a location near a water source, and at least one foot
from a tree or fence.
2. use a mixture of leaves, grass and vegetable scraps (no bones or meat).
3. Keep the mixture moist, but not soaked.
4. turn pile on occasion to aerate it.
5. it can be used for your lawn or garden within 6 to 12 months.
For more information and locations on where to pick-up a free compost
bin, please call 311 or visit our MC311 website at:
www.montgomerycountymd.gov/311

6. SCrAP mEtAl rECyCling
SCrAP mEtAl rECyCling
• Scrap metal can be collected on your regular recycling
collection day. You must call us to schedule this service
no later than 11:00 a.m. on the business day prior to your
collection day. Contact our customer service line at 311.
• Scrap metal is any item made of 51% or more metal.
• We do not accept paint cans, oxygen or propane tanks,
or items longer than 8 ft.
ExAmPlES of SCrAP mEtAl itEmS:
Appliances Grills Lawn
equipment
Metal Metal sports
furniture equipment
Safety First!
For gas-powered equipment, please remove the
flammable liquid. For lawnmowers, please drain the gas
and oil into a proper container and dispose of correctly.
For gas grills, please remove the propane tank. For
refrigerators/freezers, please remove the doors or tape
them shut.

7. trASH rulES
TRASH MUST BE AT THE CURB BEFORE 7:00 A.M.
tyPE AnD SiZE of ContAinErS
• Trash must be in containers made of rigid plastic or metal,
must have a tight fitting lid, and a capacity between 15
and 45 gallons. Larger containers may be used, but
cannot be filled with loose trash. Trash in oversized
containers must be secured in large plastic bags. Each
can or bag cannot weigh more than 45 pounds.
• Do not place containers at the curb more than one day
prior to the collection day, and remove within 24 hours
after collection. Loose piles of trash will not be collected.
BulK trASH
• Each residence is entitled to five bulk trash collections
per calendar year. Bulk trash collection consists of large
items that will not fit into a bag or container.
For example:
- Bookcases - Stereos
- Chairs - Tables
- Couches - TV stands
- Several trash bags - TVs
• Bulk collections can be scheduled by calling 311.
Please have an itemized list prepared when you call.
The deadline for scheduling a bulk pick-up is 11:00 a.m.
the business day before your collection day.
How can I have a trash can collected as trash?
To have an old trash container collected
as trash, call our customer service line
to schedule a bulk trash collection and
place a note stating “PlEASE tAKE”. Turn
the empty container upside down and
place at the curb on your collection day.

8. trASH rulES
DiSPoSAl of trASH By rESiDEntS
• Trash not acceptable for residential collection may be
disposed by residents at the Solid Waste transfer Station:
16101 frederick road, Derwood, mD. For further information on
the Transfer Station, please call 311.
• There is no disposal charge for residential trash under
500 pounds delivered in privately owned and operated
automobiles, station wagons, or trailers. Up to four (4) tires
can be disposed of at the Transfer Station at one time.
lAtEx PAint DiSPoSAl
• If you must dispose of latex paint,
to avoid spills, please make sure it is
completely dry. Air dry it or add paint
hardener, cat litter or shredded paper.
• Place up to 4 cans of dried paint for
collection with your regular trash. For
more than 4 cans, please call and
request a bulk collection.
mAtEriAlS not ACCEPtABlE
The following materials cannot be collected at anytime:
• poisons • dead animals/fecal
• acids material
• caustics • oil based/alkyd paints
• explosives or ammunitions • dirt, rock, sod
• hazardous materials • tree trunks or stumps
• infectious waste
• gasoline, oil or other flammable substances
For more information about trash colleciton or requests,
please call 311or visit our website below:
www.montgomerycountymd.gov/311

9. PlEASE CAn it!
Please place trash bags into a trash can with a
tight fitting lid before you set your trash at the
curb for collection.
tHE ProBlEm
Plastic bags at the curb
create litter caused by
scavenging birds, squirrels,
raccoons, cats and other animals tearing into plastic
bags of trash. Preventing littered trash helps keep
neighborhoods safe and clean.
tHE Solution
Use trash cans with tight fitting lids to hold your trash.
These will prevent birds and other animals from tearing
plastic bags open and allowing
trash to blow around.
Trash cans, which are required,
may be plastic or metal.

10. HoliDAy SliDE SCHEDulE
The following holidays may alter your collection schedule.
When your recycling day falls on one of these holidays, the
collection will be made the next day, and remaining pickups
that week will slide one day later. The Transfer Station will also
be closed on these holidays:
new year’s Day (January 1)
martin luther King, Jr. Day (third Monday in January)
memorial Day (last Monday in May)
independence Day (July 4)
labor Day (first Monday in September)
thanksgiving Day (last Thursday in November)
Christmas Day (December 25)
When a holiday falls Monday through Friday, collection days prior
to the holiday will stay the same.
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
no Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
CollECtionS Collections Collections Collections Collections Collections
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
HoliDAy
Monday Tuesday Wednesday no Thursday Friday
Collections Collections Collections CollECtionS Collections Collections
When the actual holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday (not the
observed holiday), collections occur on the regular schedule.
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
HoliDAy
normAl Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
CollECtion Collections Collections Collections Collections Collections

11. SoliD WAStE SErviCES gEnErAl informAtion
ClAimS for loSS or DAmAgES:
• If you have damages resulting from collections, notify the
Division of Solid Waste Services as soon as possible, but
no later than five (5) days after the incident.
• The County and/or the collection contractor are not
responsible for any items not intended for collection which
are placed at or near the curb or roadway on collection
day, which are removed by collectors.
QuEStionS or CommEntS?
For information or to schedule a service, please call:
311 is Montgomery County’s phone
number for non-emergency government
information and services.
Hours of operation.....Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
in montgomery County, call.....................................................311
outside of montgomery County, call......................240-777-0311
the tty number is.......................................................240-773-3556
Call 311 to Get It Done!
All items must be at the curb by 7:00 a.m.
on your collection day.
For new and updated information,
please visit our MC311 website:
www.montgomerycountymd.gov/311

12. HouSEHolD HAZArDouS WAStE
Montgomery County provides an onsite Household Hazardous
Waste (HHW) drop off area at our Transfer Station. Residents
bringing HHW to the Transfer Station should use the Route 355
(Frederick Road) entrance leading to the Public Unloading
Facility.
Hours of operations are
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Seven days a week.
the following items are ACCEPTABLE for disposal as HHW:
• Insecticides, herbicides • Oil based/Alkyd paints
and other pesticides • Batteries from small
• Fertilizers with herbicides or household appliances
insecticides such as portable phones
• Paint thinners and solvents and electric toothbrushes
• Swimming pool chemicals • Rechargeable household
• Corrosive household nickel/cadmium batteries
cleaners • Fluorescent light bulbs and
• Unwanted fuels tubes
• Motor oil • Mercury or items
• Photographic chemicals containing mercury such
• Button-type batteries used as thermometers or
in watches, hearing aids thermostats
and calculators • Vehicle batteries
What about Alkaline Batteries?
Alkaline batteries are no longer considered
hazardous waste. Manufacturers now produce
batteries that are virtually free of mercury.
Therefore, these batteries may be disposed of in
your household trash.

13. HouSEHolD HAZArDouS WAStE
The HHW program is open to Montgomery County residents
with home-generated hazardous waste. All patrons must
present a valid maryland Driver’s license, with a montgomery
County address.
the following items are UNACCEPTABLE
for disposal at the HHW site:
• Explosives • Asbestos
• Commercial, industrial or • Dioxins
medical waste • Kepones
• Radioactive materials • Any unidentifiable item
Information about HHW community collection events can be
found on our website or in your local Montgomery County
newspaper.
The HHW program does not accept materials from businesses
or other non-residential entities.
For further information about our HHW program,
please call 311.
You may also visit our MC311 website to learn more about
HHW at:
www.montgomerycountymd.gov/311

14. SHADy grovE SoliD WAStE
SHADy grovE WAStE trAnSfErCEntEr
trAnSfEr StAtion/rECyCling StAtion
SHADy grovE WAStE trAnSfEr StAtion
recyclable materials include:
recyclable materials include:
> > Electronics
Appliances > > Lawn Mowers
> Electronics > Used OilOil
Used
> > Computers
Bicycles
> Computers > Antifreeze Paper
> > Mixed
Antifreeze
> > Appliances
Bottles and Cans > Household Haz. Waste
> Appliances > > Reusable Haz. Waste
Household Building
> > Scrap MetalTextile > Building Materials
Clothing and Material
> Scrap Metal > Building Materials
> > Lawn Mowers > Bottles and Cans
Computers
> Lawn Mowers > Bottles Metal
> Scrapand Cans
Great
Great > > Bicycles and > Clothing and Textiles
Cooking Oil
> Bicycles
Used Oil
> > Yard Trim Textiles
Clothing and
> Tires
> Tires > Mixed Paper
> Mixed Paper
Indoors
Indoors > Electronics
yardWaste
yard trim
yard Waste
grass
grass
grass
leaves
leaves
leaves
Commercial
Commercial Brush
Brush
Entrance
Entrance Brush
Scale House
Scale House
Directionsto to Public Drop-off
Directions Public Drop-off
Directions to to Public Drop-off
DirectionsPublic Drop-off
South onon route 355
South route 355
South on on Route 355
South Route 355
Cross Shady Grove Road Road
Cross Shady Grove
Cross Shady Grove Road Road
Cross Shady Grove
Turn leftleft thethe traffic light (Ridgemont Ave)
Turn at at at light (Ridgemont Ave)
Turnthe the traffic light (Ridgemont Ave) Ave)
Turn left left at traffictraffic light (Ridgemont
north onon route 355
north route 355
transfer
North on on Route 355
North Route 355
Station
Cross Redland Road /RoadBlvd
Cross Redland Redland / Redland Blvd
Cross Redland Redland Blvd
Cross Redland Road /Road / Redland Blvd
Pass Reed Brothers Dodge and Public and Public
Pass Reed Brothers DodgeDodge Storage Storage
Pass Reed Brothers and and Storage Storage
Pass Reed Brothers Dodge PublicPublic Pick up Area
Turn right atright thethe(Ridgemont Ave) Ave)
Turn right at the light light (Ridgemont Ave)
Turn at at light (Ridgemont
Turn rightthe light (Ridgemont Ave) Pick-up Area
Pick-up Area
(recycle &
from interstate 270 (north or South)
from interstate 270 (north or South) (Bins)
(Bins)
From Interstate 270 (North or South)
From Interstate 270 (North or South) Compost Bins)
Navigate to Local Local Lanes
Navigate to Lanes
Navigate to Local Local Lanes
Navigate to Lanes
Take ExitExitExitShady Grove Road Road
TakeExit Shady-Grove Road Road
Take 8 - 8 -- 8 Shady Grove
Take 8 Shady Grove
n
At light, turnturn turn onto Shady Road Road
At light, onto Shady Grove Grove Road
At light, turn onto Shady Road
At light, onto Shady Grove Grove
(go (goEast East Gaithersburg)
(go (go towards Gaithersburg)
towards towards Gaithersburg)
East East towards Gaithersburg)
FollowFollow to mile Frederick Rd Rd (Route 355 )
1 1 to to Frederick 355 )
Follow 1 mileFrederick Rd Rd (Route 355 )355 )
1 milemileto Frederick (Route (Route
Right turnturnRouteto Route 355 South
Right turnto Route 355 South
Right to turn Route 355 South
Right to 355 South
Left turnturnthe the traffic traffic light (Ridgemont Ave)
Left turnat traffic traffic light (Ridgemont Ave)
Left at turn thethe light (Ridgemont Ave)
Left at at light (Ridgemont Ave)
frederick road
frederick road
route 355
September 12, 12, 2008
September 2008

15. mAP & DirECtionS 16101 Frederick Road Rd
16101 Frederick
16101 Frederick Road
mAP && DirECtionS
mAP DirECtionS Derwood, MD 20855
Derwood, MD 20855
Derwood, MD 20855
240-777-6560
240-777-6560
the transferStation has two entrances.
the transfer Station has two entrances.
the transfer Station has two entrances. transfer Station Drop-off Hours:
transfer Station Hours
transfer Station Hours
The Route 355 entrance (below) is used byby
The Route 355 entrance (below) is used
The Route 355 entrance (below) is used by Small vehicles Drop-off
Car (resident)
Car (resident) Drop-off
cars and trailers bringing less than 500 pounds
cars and trailers bringing less than 500 pounds
small vehicles bringing less than 500 pounds Mon - Fri Fri 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Mon - 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
of trash. Pickup trucks may use this
of trash. Pickup trucks may use this
of material. Sat
Sat 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
only if delivering recycled materials.
only if delivering recycled materials. Sun
Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The Shady Grove entrance (left) is used truck Entrance
truck Entrance
The Shady Grove Road entrance (left)
The Shady Grove Road entrance (left)
primarily by commercial trucks, pick-up Mon - Sat 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Mon - Sat 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
is used primarily by by commercial trucks,
is used primarily commercial trucks, Sun
Sun CLOSED
CLOSED
pick-up trucks,county County vehicles.
trucks, and and County vehicles.
pick-up trucks, and vehicles.
free mulch
free mulch
PubPubli
legend
legend
lic u c u
n
nloa loa
d
ding ing
facfacil Trash Only Area
Only Area
Trash Only Area
ility ity
Yard Waste Area
Yard Waste Area
Trim
materials
materials
recycling
recycling Recycling Area
Recycling Area
Recycling Area
facility
facility
(mrf)
(mrf)
Facility Buildings
Facility Buildings
Facility Buildings
Roads
Roads
Public
Public Public
Public
Entrance
Entrance Storage
Storage
frederick road
frederick road
route 355

16. montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Solid Waste Services
101 Monroe Street, 6th floor
Rockville, MD 20850-2589
This information is available in an alternate format
by calling 311.
In Montgomery County, call 311
Outside of Montgomery County, call 240-777-0311
The TTY number is 240-773-3556
www.montgomerycountymd.gov/311
Printed on Recycled and Recyclable Paper.