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Prince George's County, MD Trash & Recycling: Pickup Rules & Schedules (2026)

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

Key Facts

Program operator
SWMD / Dept. of Environment
Homes served
~180,000
Collection hours
6 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Curb-out window
After 6 p.m. day prior
Info / missed pickup
PGC311 / 3-1-1

Summary

Prince George's County provides curbside trash collection to about 180,000 homes through the Department of the Environment's Sustainable Waste Management Division. Containers may go out after 6 p.m. the day before collection, and all collections occur between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.

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 must be placed in a metal or tough plastic container with handles and a tight-fitting lid, with a maximum weight of 60 lbs.

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

The Sustainable Waste Management Division (SWMD), within the Department of the Environment, provides trash collection to approximately 180,000 homes in County-contracted areas. Under County Code Section 21-113(d), containers may be put at the curb after 6:00 p.m. the day prior to collection and must be removed the day of collection; all collections occur between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Each household receives one trash, one recycling, and one organics cart, which are County property and stay with the address. Trash must be in a container with a tight-fitting lid under 60 lbs, or one securely tied opaque bag; the container number is unlimited. Residents use the County's online address tool to confirm service and report missed pickups via PGC311.

Violations & Fines

Placing containers out too early, leaving carts at the curb after collection, or overweight containers can prompt a DPIE removal notice or missed collection. Repeat Section 21-113 violations at commercial or multifamily properties bring fines of $1,000 up to $5,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who collects my trash in Prince George's County?
The County's Sustainable Waste Management Division (Department of the Environment) provides contracted curbside collection to about 180,000 homes. Use the online address tool to confirm your service.
What time is trash collected?
Collections can happen anytime between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Have containers out by then; you may set them out after 6 p.m. the day before.
How do I report a missed collection?
Submit a service request at PGC311.com or call 3-1-1 on your collection day starting at noon.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Prince George's County

Bulk Item DisposalHeavy RestrictionsRecycling RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsYard Waste CollectionSome RestrictionsMandatory Organics RecyclingFew RestrictionsBin Placement RulesSome RestrictionsIllegal DumpingHeavy RestrictionsRecycling RequirementsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: BeekeepingFew RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionSome Restrictions

All Prince George's County rules

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