Rockville, MD Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

The City of Rockville requires all single-family and townhouse residents to participate in curbside recycling. The program is single-stream, meaning all accepted recyclables go into one blue bin without sorting by material type. Accepted materials include newspaper, magazines, junk mail, office paper, cardboard (flattened), paperboard (cereal boxes), glass bottles and jars (all colors), aluminum and steel cans, and plastic containers numbered 1 through 7. Containers should be rinsed but do not need to be spotless. Lids may remain on plastic bottles. Items not accepted in curbside recycling include plastic bags and film, Styrofoam, food-soiled paper, ceramics, mirrors, window glass, and tanglers such as hoses and wires. Cardboard boxes must be flattened and cut to fit inside or beside the bin. Excess recyclables can be placed in a clearly marked container next to the blue bin. Montgomery County provides additional recycling options at drop-off centers for materials not accepted curbside, including textiles, scrap metal, and electronics. The county also operates a composting program for food scraps. Multifamily properties must provide recycling access under Maryland law. Maryland's Recycling Act requires municipalities to achieve recycling rate targets. Contact DPW at 240-314-8570 for recycling questions or to request a replacement blue bin.