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Prince George's County, MD Trash & Recycling: Bin Placement Rules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing section
County Code Section 21-113(d)(1)
Remove carts
By end of collection day
No placement behind
Gates, fences, backyard
Grace after notice
48 hours
Enforcement
DPIE inspector / PGC311

Summary

Prince George's County requires residents to place carts curbside no earlier than 6 p.m. the day before collection and to remove them from the curb on the collection day after service. Carts left out draw a DPIE notice and, if still out after 48 hours, are taken by the County.

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

Trash and recycling containers … must be removed from the curb the day of the scheduled collection.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 2026 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

County Code Section 21-113(d)(1) governs cart placement: containers may be put at the curb after 6:00 p.m. the day prior to collection and must be removed the day of the scheduled collection. The Department of the Environment instructs residents to place carts curbside with the lid arrow and lift bar facing the street, and not behind gates, fences, or in the backyard, since crews cannot retrieve them there. Carts may not be used to block parking spaces. If a Service Request is filed with PGC311 about carts left at the curb after collection, a County inspector issues a removal notice; if containers remain 48 hours later, the County retrieves the carts and does not replace them. Landlords must inform tenants.

Violations & Fines

Carts left at the curb after collection generate a DPIE inspector notice for removal and storage. Containers still at the curb 48 hours after the notice are taken by the County and not replaced; blocking parking with carts is prohibited.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I have to bring my carts back in?
On the scheduled collection day, after service is completed. Section 21-113(d)(1) requires carts be removed from the curb the same day.
Where should I set my cart for pickup?
At the curbside with the lid arrow and lift bar facing the street. Do not place carts behind gates, fences, or in the backyard: crews cannot reach them.
Can the County take my cart if I leave it out?
Yes. After a removal notice, carts still at the curb 48 hours later are retrieved by the County and will not be replaced.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Prince George's County

All Prince George's County rules

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