Gaithersburg, MD Public Health Rules: Rodent Control (2026)

Section 18-3(c) sets the container standard: noncorrodible metal, plastic, or similar material, tight-fitting lids at all times, and, if recessed into the ground, built so no waste or water can seep into the buried portion. The presence of solid waste outside a proper container, offensive odors, or insects, rodents, or other vermin, or evidence they have been present, is defined in the same subsection as improper maintenance or a sign that more frequent collection is needed. If the city manager finds this kind of deficiency, the city can remove the waste itself after written notice to the owner, occupant, lessee, or agent, and bill the cost as a debt.

Composting is separately addressed in Section 18-4(c): a compost pile used to dispose of garbage is only lawful if it is completely rodent-proofed, though a pile made entirely of leaves, grass, and dirt is exempt from that requirement. Chapter 12's general nuisance provisions reinforce the same policy: Section 12-2 bars anyone from allowing accumulations of garbage or animal or vegetable matter on property they own or occupy, and Section 12-8 lets the city manager order an owner or occupant to abate the condition by a stated deadline, with Section 12-9 allowing the city to abate it directly at the violator's expense if the deadline passes.