Frederick, MD Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)

Section 10-12 governs residential refuse collection City-wide. Every residential property receives service through either the manual collection system (bags and cans emptied by hand) or the automated collection system (City-supplied carts lifted mechanically), as the Director determines, and each dwelling generally receives collection once per week on Director-designated days. Under the manual system, residents may set out no more than 180 gallons of refuse total per collection, with all refuse contained in individual cans or bags no larger than 35 gallons each and not exceeding 50 pounds apiece.

Under the automated system, residents may set out one City-provided automated refuse container not exceeding 220 pounds; a resident may lease one additional cart from the Department after paying a refundable deposit set in the annual fee schedule, which then allows setting out two containers. Section 10-16 separately governs placement: manual-system refuse must be placed as close as possible to the public street in front of the residence, with collectors never entering houses, buildings, or fences; automated carts must be wheeled to the curb with lids facing the street, kept at least three feet from any obstruction and five feet from fire hydrants, and disabled residents with a state-issued parking placard can request accommodated collection. 5 mm thick, each capped at 35 gallons.