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

Section 10-4 of the Bowie City Code sets where refuse-collection receptacles may be stored between pickups. The default rule in Subsection B requires containers to be kept either inside an enclosed structure, such as a garage or shed, or at the rear of the residence. Two exceptions apply: an attached dwelling with no side yard, where collection happens at the front curb, may store containers in the front yard if they are screened from public view, and any household may instead store containers in a side yard as long as they sit at least 10 feet from the front corner of that side of the house.

Subsection A defines the 'screening' required for front-yard storage as fences or walls under four feet tall, landscaping, or a combination that blocks direct visual access to the container from adjoining properties and public streets year-round. Subsection C places the return-trip burden on the resident rather than the City: City crews will not carry empty containers back to their storage spot after collection, so the owner or occupant must move them back to a permissible storage location by 10:00 p.m. on the day of pickup.

Public Works and Code Compliance enforce these storage rules, and a container left visible at the curb past that hour, or stored somewhere other than the enclosed, rear or qualifying side-yard location, is a violation of Chapter 10 subject to the Chapter 1 municipal infraction citation process.