Recycling Requirements: Gaithersburg vs Rockville
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Gaithersburg, MD and Rockville, MD?
Gaithersburg and Rockville have similar restriction levels.
Gaithersburg, MD
Montgomery County
Gaithersburg provides curbside recycling collection for single-family homes. Recycling is mandatory under Montgomery County law. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, and plastics numbered 1-7. Recycling must be placed in designated bins and set out on the same day as trash collection. Yard waste composting is collected separately during the growing season.
View full Gaithersburg rules →Rockville, MD
Montgomery County
Rockville operates a mandatory single-stream recycling program. Residents must separate recyclables from trash and place them in the city-provided blue bin. Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, glass bottles, metal cans, and plastics numbered 1 through 7. Contamination with non-recyclable items may result in the bin being left uncollected.
View full Rockville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gaithersburg | Rockville |
|---|---|---|
| Recycling | Mandatory under county law | - |
| Collection | Single-stream curbside | - |
| Accepted Materials | Paper, glass, metal, plastics 1-7 | - |
| Yard Waste | Separate collection March-December | - |
| DPW Contact | 301-258-6370 | 240-314-8570 |
| Program Type | - | Mandatory single-stream |
| Accepted Plastics | - | Numbers 1 through 7 |
| Glass | - | Bottles and jars, all colors |
| Not Accepted | - | Plastic bags, Styrofoam, food-soiled paper |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Gaithersburg FAQ
Is recycling mandatory in Gaithersburg?
Yes. Montgomery County law requires all residents and businesses to recycle. Gaithersburg provides curbside single-stream recycling for single-family homes. Accepted materials include paper, glass, metals, and plastics 1-7.
What cannot go in the recycling bin in Gaithersburg?
Plastic bags, Styrofoam, flexible packaging, food-soaked paper, greasy pizza boxes, and electronics are not accepted. Only clean, dry recyclables should go in the bin.
How is yard waste collected in Gaithersburg?
Yard waste is collected separately from March through December. Place grass clippings, leaves, and small branches in paper bags or open containers at the curb on your collection day. Plastic bags are not accepted for yard waste.
Rockville FAQ
What can I recycle in Rockville?
Rockville accepts paper, cardboard, glass bottles and jars, aluminum and steel cans, and plastics numbered 1 through 7. All materials go in one blue bin. Rinse containers but they do not need to be spotless.
Can I recycle plastic bags in my blue bin?
No. Plastic bags and film are not accepted in curbside recycling. Return them to grocery store collection bins or take them to a Montgomery County drop-off center.
What happens if I put the wrong items in the recycling bin?
Contaminated bins may be tagged and left uncollected. Repeated contamination can result in temporary service suspension. Check the city website or call DPW at 240-314-8570 for a complete list of accepted items.
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