Montgomery County, MD Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- County Code Section 48-24
- Screening rule
- Commercial/industrial/multifamily must screen from street
- Container standard
- Vermin-proof, waterproof, tight-fitting lids required
- Enforcer
- Department of Environmental Protection
- Penalty
- Class A violation, up to $1,000
Summary
Montgomery County requires commercial, industrial, and multifamily properties to screen trash containers and storage areas from street-level view under County Code Section 48-24, while every container countywide must be vermin-proof with tight-fitting lids.
The owner and occupant of commercial or industrial property must screen from view at street level any solid waste container or solid waste storage area on the property if the container or storage area can be seen from the street level of any residential property. The owner of multifamily residential property must screen from view at street level any solid waste container or solid waste storage area on the property if the container or storage area can be seen from the street level of any residential unit on the property or the street level of any other residential property. This paragraph does not apply to temporary solid waste containers at construction sites.
(5) It shall be the responsibility of the owner of vacant land to keep his property free of solid waste.
(6) Deficiencies observed in violation of the standards of this Chapter shall constitute prima facie evidence that the required maintenance is not adequate. The Director may remove or cause removal of solid waste material upon written notice to the owner, occupant, lessee or agent at his last-known address; and the cost of removal shall be a debt due the County and shall be collected as are other debts.
(c) Container standards. All containers for the storage of solid waste, except bins for the storage of bulky rubbish, shall be vermin-proof and waterproof, of noncorrodible metal or similar material, and shall be equipped
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Montgomery County Code Section 48-24 requires owners of commercial, industrial, or multifamily property to screen solid waste containers and storage areas from street-level view whenever they're visible from a residential property or unit; single-family homes aren't covered by that specific screening duty. The same section requires every solid waste container countywide to be vermin-proof, waterproof, and fitted with tight-fitting lids, and bans tip-prone slant-sided containers outright. Chapter 48 applies countywide, except for federal reservations and Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission facilities, and is enforced by the Department of Environmental Protection.
Violations & Fines
Storage and screening violations are Class A offenses under Section 48-30: up to $1,000 criminally or a $500 civil fine ($750 for a repeat offense), and each day the violation continues is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to hide my trash cans from the street in Montgomery County?
What kind of trash container does the County require?
What happens if I don't fix a storage or screening violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Maryland trash & recycling overview
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