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Baltimore County, MD Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

Earliest set-out
6 p.m. evening before
Curb placement
In front of your property
Alley, no fence
Within 5 feet of alley
Alley, with fence
Outside fence / open gateway
Recyclables
Where trash is collected

Summary

Baltimore County trash and recycling must be set out the evening before collection, but set-outs before 6 p.m. the evening before are prohibited. Containers go at the curb in front of your property, or within 5 feet of the alley where alley collection is designated.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Baltimore County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Due to varying pickup times, to ensure collection, trash should be set out the evening prior to the scheduled collection day. However, to promote residential appearances, and deter rodents, trash set-outs prior to 6 p.m. the evening before collection are prohibited.

Full Breakdown

Under the County's collection regulation, trash should be set out the evening before the scheduled collection day, but to promote residential appearances and deter rodents, set-outs prior to 6 p.m. the evening before collection are prohibited; the same 6 p.m. rule applies to recyclables and yard materials. Where the curb is the designated point, residents place containers at the curb in front of their property (or at a designated central point for some townhouses/condos). Where the alley is designated: if there is no fence, containers go within five feet of the alley; if there is a fence, outside it or in an open gateway; if a terrace adjoins the alley, at the bottom step.

Violations & Fines

Setting containers out before 6 p.m. the evening before collection is prohibited under the County regulation. Non-conforming placement or containers can result in non-collection; blocking an alley with vehicles (needing 12-foot clearance under Section 18-2-202) can interrupt service.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I put my trash out in Baltimore County?
The evening before your collection day, but no earlier than 6 p.m. Set-outs before 6 p.m. the evening before collection are prohibited to deter rodents and keep neighborhoods tidy.
Where do I place my containers?
At the curb in front of your property where curb collection is designated, or within 5 feet of the alley (or outside a fence/gateway) where alley collection applies.
Does the 6 p.m. rule apply to recycling too?
Yes. Recycling and yard-material set-outs before 6 p.m. the evening before collection are also prohibited, and recyclables must go where trash is regularly collected.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Baltimore County

All Baltimore County rules

Compare Baltimore County to another location·View the Maryland trash & recycling overview

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