Recycling Requirements: Rockville vs Takoma Park
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Rockville, MD and Takoma Park, MD?
Rockville has fewer restrictions than Takoma Park.
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 →Takoma Park, MD
Montgomery County
Takoma Park mandates recycling for all residents and businesses under Chapter 9.04 of the Municipal Code. Single-stream recycling accepts paper, cardboard, glass, metals, and plastics #1-7. Contamination of recycling with non-recyclable materials may result in service suspension.
View full Takoma Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Rockville | Takoma Park |
|---|---|---|
| Program Type | Mandatory single-stream | - |
| Accepted Plastics | Numbers 1 through 7 | #1 through #7 |
| Glass | Bottles and jars, all colors | - |
| Not Accepted | Plastic bags, Styrofoam, food-soiled paper | Plastic bags, Styrofoam, food-soiled paper |
| DPW Contact | 240-314-8570 | - |
| Code Section | - | Ch. 9.04 Solid Waste |
| Recycling Type | - | Single-stream |
| Multi-Family | - | Must provide bins and signage |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Takoma Park FAQ
Is recycling mandatory in Takoma Park?
Yes. Chapter 9.04 requires all residents and businesses to separate recyclables from trash. The city provides curbside single-stream recycling pickup every other week.
What plastics can I recycle in Takoma Park?
Plastics numbered #1 through #7 are accepted. Plastic bags, film wrap, and Styrofoam are not accepted and should go in the trash.
Compare other topics
See how Rockville and Takoma Park compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool