Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Harford County, MD Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)

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

Key Facts

Minimum residential frequency
Once per week
Where to place cans
Front curb or agreed site
Leaf bag limit
6 bags per collection day
Bundle weight limit
60 lbs, 4 ft length
Bulky items
Handled by Dept. of Public Works
Max penalty
$1,000/day or 6 months jail

Summary

Harford County Code Section 109-7.1 requires contractors to collect residential trash, garbage and recycling at least once a week, sets curb placement rules, and caps bagged leaves at six bags per collection day.

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

G. Collection frequency. All contractors engaged in the collection of trash, garbage and recyclable materials shall establish and maintain a minimum collection frequency of once per week to all residential customers within the County for trash, garbage and recyclable materials. Recyclable materials shall be segregated from the waste stream and delivered to designated recycling disposal facilities authorized by the Department. The frequency of collection from commercial and industrial establishments will be determined on an individual basis.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4988582; v46 updated 2026-06-09; through 06-09-2026).

Full Breakdown

1G sets the baseline every resident depends on: contractors collecting trash, garbage and recyclable materials must maintain a minimum collection frequency of once per week for all residential customers in the county, and recyclables must be segregated from the rest of the waste stream and delivered to a designated recycling facility authorized by the Department. Commercial and industrial pickup frequency is set on a case-by-case basis instead. 1B tells residents where and how to leave their cans: on the collection day, containers go at the front curb, the property line, or another site agreed with the collector, and collection points must be left clean and free of debris once the truck has come through.

1C governs bundled yard waste and bulky paper items: boxes, crates, magazines and trimmings must be broken down and tied into bundles no heavier than 60 pounds and no longer than four feet, while grass, weeds and leaves may go in regular containers or heavy-duty bags, capped at six plastic bags of leaves per collection day. 1E instead, with the Director of Public Works authorized to set a separate fee for that service. 1A requires leakproof bodies and, for open-type trucks, a heavy canvas or other cover between the collection point and the disposal site so refuse doesn't escape onto the road.

Violations & Fines

Chapter 109's Article I enforcement provisions at Section 109-16 apply to collection-schedule violations by contractors and property owners alike: the Health Department or Department of Public Works can issue a notice of violation and corrective order, and a person who violates any Article I requirement is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 per day and up to six months in jail, or the county may instead pursue a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per day. Section 109-2C separately makes it a licensing violation for a hauler to operate without the annual solid-waste collection license and vehicle placard the county requires before any collection route can run.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often must trash be collected in unincorporated Harford County?
At least once a week. Section 109-7.1G requires every licensed contractor to maintain a minimum weekly collection frequency for trash, garbage and recyclable materials for all residential customers.
Where do I put my trash cans for collection?
Section 109-7.1B requires containers to be placed at the front curb, the property line, or another location agreed upon with the collector, and collection points must be left clean once the truck has passed.
Is there a limit on leaf bags for collection?
Yes. Section 109-7.1C caps bagged leaves at no more than six plastic bags per collection day, while grass, weeds and small garden debris can go in regular containers or heavy-duty bags.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Harford County

All Harford County rules

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

Get notified when Collection Schedule in Harford County, MD changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.