Montgomery County, MD Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Montgomery County Code Chapter 48 establishes mandatory recycling for all residents, businesses, and institutions. Residential properties must separate recyclable materials from trash and place them in the blue recycling bin. Accepted materials include mixed paper, cardboard, glass bottles and jars, aluminum and steel cans, and plastics numbered 1 through 7. Items NOT accepted include plastic bags, Styrofoam, food-contaminated paper products, ceramics, and window glass. Businesses and multifamily properties with 20+ units must submit a recycling plan to the county and provide recycling containers for tenants and employees. The county has set a goal of 70% waste diversion through recycling, composting, and waste reduction. Food scraps composting is available through the county curbside composting pilot program in select neighborhoods. The county bans yard waste from the trash stream; all yard trim must be separated for yard waste collection. Electronics recycling is available at the Transfer Station and periodic collection events. Contaminated recycling bins receive an educational tag (Oops tag) and may be left uncollected.