Montgomery County, MD Trash & Recycling: Yard Waste Collection (2026)
Key Facts
- Bag/can limit
- 45 gallons, 60 lbs max
- Brush size limit
- 4 in. diameter, 6 ft. long
- Bundle limit
- 36 inches in diameter
- Plastic bags
- Prohibited for yard trim
- Penalty
- Class B violation, per container
Summary
Montgomery County requires grass, leaves and brush to go out as "yard trim" in paper bags or labeled containers under strict size limits: never in plastic bags, under COMCOR 48.00.03.03.
Yard trim. Grass and leaves must be placed in containers or large paper bags labeled "yard trim". Containers or bags must not exceed 45 gallons in volume and 60 pounds by weight. Brush must not exceed 4 inches in diameter and 6 feet in length, and must be placed in labeled containers or paper bags or tied in bundles no greater than 36 inches in diameter. Plastic bags must not be used to contain any yard trim or Christmas trees.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-90: Montgomery County Code contains legislation effective through May 7, 2026 | Zoning Updated Effective: April 13, 2026 | COMCOR Regulations effective as of July 1, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Grass and leaves must be bagged or bin-set as "yard trim," capped at 45 gallons and 60 pounds per container or bag. Brush cannot exceed 4 inches in diameter or 6 feet in length, and must go in labeled containers or paper bags, or be tied into bundles no more than 36 inches across. Plastic bags are barred outright for yard trim and Christmas trees. The rule runs countywide for the areas the County collects, per COMCOR 48.00.03.03(a)(2)(C), adopted under Chapter 48 of the County Code.
Violations & Fines
Improper yard trim disposal is a Class B violation under County Code § 48-49: each violating container is a separate offense, civil penalty up to $100 for a first offense and $150 for a repeat, or a criminal fine up to $200.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put yard trim out in plastic bags?
How big can brush pieces be for collection?
Does this rule apply in Rockville or Gaithersburg?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
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