Queen Anne's County, MD Trash & Recycling: Collection Schedule (2026)

Section 25-22 of the Queen Anne's County Code fixes the minimum schedule: garbage and refuse shall be collected at least once each week in a solid waste subdistrict providing collection service. The weekly floor applies only inside subdistricts that the Department of Public Works has set up under § 25-3, which lets the Department divide the Sanitary District into solid waste subdistricts when that will best serve the needs of the district, promote convenience and economy of operation, and permit the raising of revenue. The Sanitary District is Queen Anne's County exclusive of any incorporated municipality.

Who collects is set by § 25-10: all refuse accumulated or produced in households within a solid waste subdistrict providing collection service shall be collected by a collector contracted by the County. The specific day is not in the code. Under § 25-4 B the Director of Public Works can establish rules consistent with the chapter concerning the days of collection, types and locations of waste containers, and other collection matters.

Service is paid for. Under § 25-11 the rates consist of a minimum or ready-to-serve charge, uniform throughout each subdistrict for each class of property. Under § 25-12 the cost is charged to property owners according to a fee schedule established by the Director, with bills sent quarterly, semiannually, or annually as the County determines, payable at any place the County Commissioners designate. Under § 25-13 the charges bear interest at 1.5% per month after 30 days. If a bill is unpaid after 30 days from the date it was sent, the County, after written notice is left on the premises or mailed to the last known address of the owner, shall cease to serve the property. Solid waste system assessments are liens on the property served under § 25-13 B, subject only to liens for state and County taxes.

Businesses sit on a different track: § 25-24 states the intent that industries, commercial establishments, hospitals, schools, churches, and other institutions shall have their refuse collected by a privately contracted collector. Large bulky items such as appliances, furniture, and similar materials are not picked up by the County's collector under § 25-23.

These rules cover unincorporated Queen Anne's County, including Kent Island. Centreville, Queenstown, Church Hill, Sudlersville, Barclay, Templeville, and the county's part of Millington have their own codes.