Baltimore County collects mixed paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, and glass together as single-stream recycling. Recyclables must not be set out in plastic bags of any type or color, which would jam the sorting facility; set-outs are limited to sturdy containers no over 45 gallons/45 pounds.
Under the County's collection regulation (authorized by County Code Section 13-4-213), residents may mix all acceptable recyclable paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, and glass when set out for 'single stream' collection. Recyclables go in sturdy outdoor containers clearly marked for recycling (an 'X' or 'RECYCLE'), limited to 45 gallons and 45 pounds filled, or in cardboard boxes or paper bags/bundles up to 30 pounds. Recyclables must not be set out in plastic bags of any type or color, because they cause processing complications at the single-stream sorting facility, and must not be in red, pink, or yellow containers. Maryland's Recycling Act requires the County to meet at least a 35% recycling rate; the County set a voluntary 45% goal.
Recyclables set out in plastic bags, in prohibited-color containers, or exceeding weight/size limits may not be collected. Scavenging recyclables set out for an authorized County collector is prohibited under Section 17-1-112.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
baltimore-county-md
Home backyard composting is allowed in Baltimore County and supported through the Bureau of Solid Waste Management. The county collects yard trim (leaves, gr...
baltimore-county-md
Baltimore County has no ordinance banning residential artificial turf. Installation is governed by general zoning, lot-coverage, and stormwater rules, since ...
baltimore-county-md
Native and pollinator plantings are permitted in Baltimore County and encouraged for Bay-friendly landscaping, but tall native beds must still respect the 8-...
baltimore-county-md
Rain barrels and rainwater harvesting are legal in Baltimore County and encouraged as stormwater best-management practices. Maryland has no statute banning r...
baltimore-county-md
Maryland has no year-round mandatory watering ban; restrictions follow drought conditions set by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). As of 2026...
baltimore-county-md
Baltimore County's weed ordinance (Code 13-7-401) bars grass, weeds, or other rank vegetation over 8 inches tall. Noxious weeds are separately regulated stat...
See how Baltimore County's recycling requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.