Howard County 2026 Bulk Trash, Scrap Metal & Large Item Pickup Guide
Use this practical Howard County bulk trash guide to schedule large broken household items, prepare furniture and appliances, follow item limits, understand scrap metal rules, check holiday slide weeks, and avoid rejected curbside piles.
🧭 Quick Action Box: What Should You Do First?
If you need Howard County bulk trash pickup, first confirm that your home receives County curbside collections. Then decide whether the item is regular bulk trash, scrap metal, recyclable rigid plastic, construction debris, electronics, hazardous waste, or a landfill drop-off item.
Howard County Bulk Trash Pickup Schedule Overview
Howard county bulk trash pickup garbage schedule searches are usually from residents who need help with large broken household items such as old furniture, mattresses, non-working appliances, bulky plastic items, or scrap metal. Howard County separates normal weekly trash, bulk trash, scrap metal, recycling, hazardous waste, and Alpha Ridge Landfill drop-off options.
Howard County says residents who receive County collections are eligible for bulk trash and scrap metal pickups. Bulk trash collection is for broken items, and the county warns that collected bulk trash is sent to a landfill, so donation should be considered first when items are still usable.
Bulk trash collection is not the same as placing extra bags beside your regular trash. Regular trash has separate can, bag, bundle, weight, and weekly item limits. Large items should be handled through the county’s bulk trash or scrap metal request process, not hidden inside regular household trash.
Howard County Bulk Trash Pickup 2026 Quick Facts
| Topic | 2026 Rule / Detail | Resident Action |
|---|---|---|
| Official department | Howard County Bureau of Environmental Services, Trash and Recycling Division. | Use official county pages for bulk trash, scrap metal, recycling, holiday and landfill rules. |
| Official phone | 410-313-6444. | Call for bulk trash, scrap metal, collection day, request, complaint or disposal questions. |
| Bulk eligibility | Residents who receive County collections are eligible for bulk trash and scrap metal pickups. | Confirm your property receives County curbside collection service. |
| Bulk collection day | Bulk trash is collected on your regular trash collection day between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. | Use the county collection day tool or contact the division before setout. |
| Setout time | Items must be out after 6 p.m. the day before collection or before 6 a.m. on collection day. | Put items out the evening before to avoid missing the truck. |
| Bulk item limit | Maximum of 4 bulk trash items per pickup. | Do not place more than four large bulk items in one request. |
| Bulk size limit | Bulk trash items must be less than 6 feet in width. | Measure wide items before requesting pickup. |
| Alpha Ridge address | 2350 Marriottsville Rd, Marriottsville, MD 21104. | Use the Residents’ Convenience Center for many hard-to-dispose items. |
How to Schedule Howard County Bulk Trash Pickup
Howard County directs residents to use its official bulk trash and scrap metal collection page, online request form, collection day tool, or phone support at 410-313-6444. A request should include the item list and enough detail so the county can decide whether the material qualifies as bulk trash, scrap metal, recycling, landfill drop-off, or another disposal stream.
- Confirm County curbside service Bulk trash and scrap metal pickup is for residents who receive Howard County curbside collections.
- Identify the item type Decide whether the item is broken furniture, a non-working appliance, scrap metal, rigid plastic, electronics, construction debris, hazardous waste, or landfill material.
- Use the official request form Submit the county online request and include a clear item list and description for bulk trash or scrap metal.
- Check your regular trash day Bulk trash is collected on your trash collection day, while scrap metal collections are scheduled separately.
- Place items correctly Put approved bulk items within 5 feet of the County roadway by the night before your collection day.
Bulk Item Setout Rules for Howard County Residents
Howard County requires bulk trash items to be placed at the curb within 5 feet of the County roadway by the night before the resident’s trash collection day. Items should not block mailboxes, fire hydrants, cars, traffic visibility, sidewalks, or safe crew access.
The county lists a maximum of four bulk trash items per pickup. Bulk items must be less than 6 feet in width, and anything too large to be lifted by two workers may be tagged and left for the resident to handle through another disposal option.
✅ Do this
- Schedule or request bulk trash before setting large items out.
- Place approved items within 5 feet of the County roadway.
- Put items out after 6 p.m. the day before or before 6 a.m. on collection day.
- Limit the request to four bulk trash items per pickup.
- Keep items clear of mailboxes, fire hydrants, cars and blocked access points.
🚫 Avoid this
- Do not place unrequested bulk items at the curb and assume crews will collect them.
- Do not mix electronics, hazardous waste, tires, batteries or construction debris into bulk trash.
- Do not place items wider than 6 feet as regular bulk trash.
- Do not block fire hydrants, mailboxes, parked cars or road access.
- Do not place donation items near the curb unless they are clearly marked and kept close to the house.
What Items Usually Qualify for Howard County Bulk Trash?
Howard County describes bulk trash collection as a service for large broken household items that cannot be donated. Examples can include broken furniture, soiled mattresses, and similar large household items that do not belong in normal weekly trash containers.
🛋️ Broken household items
Use bulk trash for large broken household items that are not suitable for donation and cannot fit into regular weekly trash limits.
🛏️ Mattress-type items
Soiled or damaged mattresses and similar large household items may be handled as bulk trash when they meet county restrictions.
📦 Non-donatable items
If the item is still usable, donation is better. If it is broken and accepted, request bulk trash instead of placing it with normal bags.
Items Not Accepted for Regular Howard County Bulk Trash Pickup
Howard County lists many items that are not accepted in bulk trash collection. Some of these may be recyclable at Alpha Ridge Landfill, handled through Household Hazardous Waste, processed as scrap metal, donated, or disposed of through a private or approved disposal method.
| Item Type | Why It Should Not Go in Bulk Trash | Better Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Aquarium tanks | Listed as not accepted in bulk trash. | Check Know Before You Throw or Alpha Ridge options. |
| Batteries | Batteries are not accepted with bulk trash or scrap metal items. | Use approved battery recycling or HHW guidance. |
| Carpet and rugs | Listed as not accepted for bulk trash collection. | Use approved disposal; construction-style material may need landfill handling. |
| Construction and demolition debris | Includes sinks, bathtubs, cabinets, toilets, carpeting, flooring and glass. | Take eligible material to Alpha Ridge Landfill or approved disposal. |
| Computer monitors and TVs | Listed as not accepted for bulk trash or scrap metal curbside pickup. | Use electronics recycling or Alpha Ridge guidance. |
| Compressed gas tanks | Unsafe for curbside collection. | Use approved disposal guidance before transporting. |
| Pianos and sleeper sofas | Listed as not accepted in bulk trash. | Arrange private disposal or check reuse options if usable. |
| Tires | Not accepted for curbside bulk or scrap metal pickup. | Use Alpha Ridge or other approved tire disposal options. |
Scrap Metal, Appliances and Large Metal Item Pickup
Howard County treats scrap metal differently from bulk trash. Scrap metal collection is intended for oversized broken metal items only, and the county says bulk scrap metal items must be scheduled online or by phone at 410-313-6444.
Large items such as broken lawnmowers, dryers, washers, stoves, dishwashers, refrigerators, metal cabinets, desks, exercise equipment and grills may qualify for scrap metal collection. Items that fit in your vehicle, such as microwaves or toasters, should generally be taken to the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill for recycling.
| Scrap Metal Topic | Official Howard County Rule | Resident Action |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduling | Bulk scrap metal items must be scheduled online or by phone. | Submit a request or call 410-313-6444 before setout. |
| Accepted examples | Broken lawnmowers, dryers, washers, stoves, dishwashers, refrigerators, metal cabinets, desks, exercise equipment and grills may qualify. | List each item clearly in the request form. |
| Batteries and fluids | No items with batteries are accepted, and fluids must be removed where applicable. | Remove batteries, oil and fuel before collection. |
| Size limit | Scrap metal items must be less than 10 feet in length or width. | Measure large items before requesting collection. |
| Annual collection limit | Only two scrap metal collections may be scheduled per year. | Combine eligible metal items when possible. |
| Refrigerators | Contents should be removed and doors secured shut or removed. | Prepare refrigerators safely before pickup. |
| Legal note | Howard County says only county contractors may pick up scrap metal at the curb. | Do not invite unauthorized curbside scrap pickup. |
Rigid Plastic, Recycling and Donation Options
Howard County says large broken plastic items such as disassembled playhouses, play sets, totes, sheds, lawn furniture and coolers can be recycled at the curb on the regular recycling day if they are free of all metal components. Rigid plastics may also be recycled at the Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill.
The county also encourages donation first for gently used or unwanted items. Items marked for donation should be clearly labeled and kept close to the house so they are not accidentally collected as trash, bulk trash, or recycling.
♻️ Rigid plastic options
- Disassembled playhouses and play sets may qualify as recyclable rigid plastic.
- Totes, sheds, lawn furniture and coolers may qualify if metal-free.
- Rigid plastic can also be taken to the Residents’ Convenience Center.
- Plastic items must be free of metal components.
🚫 Not accepted as rigid plastic
- No #1 plastic clamshell containers.
- No PVC pipe or tubing.
- No vinyl siding.
- No Styrofoam or polystyrene.
- No rigid plastics with metal components.
Household Hazardous Waste, Electronics and Special Disposal
Do not place hazardous, toxic, flammable, electronic, battery-containing, or liquid materials with regular bulk trash. Howard County’s regular trash and bulk rules exclude many materials that can create safety issues for collection crews, trucks, landfills, and residents.
Howard County’s Household Hazardous Waste program operates at Alpha Ridge Landfill on Saturdays only from April through November, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with proof of county residence required. The county also directs residents to Know Before You Throw for item-specific disposal guidance.
| Material | Do Not Use Bulk Trash Because | Safer Howard County Option |
|---|---|---|
| Paint and chemicals | Liquids, chemicals and hazardous materials are not for curbside bulk pickup. | Use HHW guidance or solidify paint where allowed. |
| Rechargeable/lithium batteries | Batteries are not accepted with bulk or scrap metal items. | Use approved battery recycling or HHW season options. |
| TVs and monitors | Listed as not accepted for bulk trash or scrap metal curbside pickup. | Use electronics recycling or Alpha Ridge options. |
| Compressed gas tanks | Unsafe for normal curbside collection. | Check county guidance before transporting. |
| Construction debris | Not accepted in regular trash or bulk trash collection. | Use Alpha Ridge or approved construction debris disposal. |
| Car parts and tires | Not accepted in regular trash and not suitable for bulk pickup. | Check Alpha Ridge, tire retailers, or Know Before You Throw. |
Howard County 2026 Holiday Trash, Bulk and Recycling Slide Schedule
Howard County’s 2026 holiday slide schedule affects curbside collections during certain holidays. The county states that all items must be out by 6 a.m. on the day of collection. Bulk trash tied to your regular trash day can be affected when the regular day slides.
| 2026 Holiday | Date / Week | Official Collection Change |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day 2026 | Thursday, January 1, 2026 | Thursday collections slide to Friday; Friday collections slide to Saturday. |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25, 2026 | Monday collections slide to Tuesday; Tuesday to Wednesday; Wednesday to Thursday; Thursday to Friday; Friday to Saturday. |
| Independence Day | Saturday, July 4, 2026 | No change to collections. |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 7, 2026 | Monday collections slide to Tuesday; Tuesday to Wednesday; Wednesday to Thursday; Thursday to Friday; Friday to Saturday. |
| Thanksgiving | Thursday, November 26, 2026 | Thursday collections slide to Friday; Friday collections slide to Saturday. |
| Christmas Day | Friday, December 25, 2026 | Friday collections slide to Saturday. |
| New Year’s Day 2027 | Friday, January 1, 2027 | Friday collections slide to Saturday. |
What to Do If Howard County Bulk Pickup Is Missed or Rejected
If your requested bulk item was not collected, first check whether it was your correct collection day, whether the item was out by 6 a.m., whether a holiday or weather slide was in effect, and whether the item was actually eligible for the requested service.
- Check the request type Make sure you requested bulk trash for broken household items or scrap metal for oversized broken metal items.
- Review the setout deadline Items should be out after 6 p.m. the day before or before 6 a.m. on the collection day.
- Inspect placement Items should be within 5 feet of the County roadway and should not block mailboxes, hydrants, cars or crew access.
- Check the prohibited list Remove TVs, monitors, batteries, tires, construction debris, hazardous waste, carpet, pianos, sleeper sofas or other excluded items.
- Contact the county Use the online collections form or call 410-313-6444 for missed collection, rejection tags, or disposal guidance.
Landfill, Donation and Better Disposal Options
Not every large item should go to bulk trash. Howard County’s Residents’ Convenience Center at Alpha Ridge Landfill accepts residential household trash, unlimited recyclables, and many hard-to-recycle materials from residents and small businesses. Proof of residency is required.
The Residents’ Convenience Center is located at 2350 Marriottsville Rd, Marriottsville, MD 21104. Residential hours are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The county notes that trailers, box trucks and rental trucks may not enter the Residents’ Convenience Center.
🏠 Donation first
If furniture or household goods are still usable, donation is better than sending large items to a landfill.
♻️ Alpha Ridge option
Use the Residents’ Convenience Center for many hard-to-recycle materials, electronics, scrap metal and accepted drop-off items.
⚠️ Sort before lifting
Before moving heavy items, check if the material is bulk trash, scrap metal, recycling, HHW, donation, or landfill-only.
Howard County Disposal and Recycling Map
For howard county bulk trash pickup garbage schedule questions, contact the Bureau of Environmental Services at 410-313-6444. For many drop-off and hard-to-recycle items, use Alpha Ridge Landfill and the Residents’ Convenience Center at 2350 Marriottsville Rd, Marriottsville, MD 21104.
Frequently Asked Questions
🛋️ How do I schedule Howard County bulk trash pickup?
Use Howard County’s official bulk trash and scrap metal page or online request form, or call the Trash and Recycling Division at 410-313-6444. Include the item list and description so the county can route the request correctly.
⏰ When should I put bulk trash out in Howard County?
Place approved bulk items out after 6 p.m. the day before collection or before 6 a.m. on your collection day. Bulk trash should be within 5 feet of the County roadway.
📦 How many bulk items can Howard County collect?
Howard County lists a maximum of four bulk trash items per pickup. More items may require another request or a different disposal option.
📏 What is the size limit for Howard County bulk trash?
Bulk trash items must be less than 6 feet in width. Items too large to be lifted by two workers may be tagged and left for resident disposal.
🔩 Is scrap metal the same as bulk trash?
No. Scrap metal collection is for oversized broken metal items and must be scheduled. It is handled separately from regular bulk trash.
🧊 Can Howard County pick up refrigerators and appliances?
Some large metal appliances may qualify for scrap metal collection. For refrigerators, remove contents and secure the doors shut or remove them before collection.
📺 Can TVs and computer monitors go with bulk trash?
No. Howard County lists TVs and computer monitors as not accepted for bulk trash or scrap metal curbside pickup. Use electronics recycling or Alpha Ridge guidance instead.
🧱 Can construction debris go in Howard County bulk trash?
No. Construction and demolition debris such as drywall, lumber, cabinets, sinks, bathtubs, toilets, flooring and glass is not accepted as regular bulk trash.
♻️ What should I do with large broken plastic items?
Large broken plastic items such as disassembled playhouses, totes, sheds, lawn furniture and coolers may be recycled at the curb on your regular recycling day if they are free of metal components.
📆 Does bulk trash pickup change on Howard County holidays?
It can. Bulk trash linked to your regular trash day may be affected by holiday slide weeks. Check the official Howard County 2026 holiday slide schedule before setting items out.
⚠️ Where do I take hazardous waste in Howard County?
Howard County’s Household Hazardous Waste program operates at Alpha Ridge Landfill on Saturdays only from April through November, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with proof of county residence required.
ℹ️ Is Trash-Pickup.org an official Howard County website?
No. Trash-Pickup.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify pickup days, item limits, holiday slide weeks, landfill hours, hazardous waste rules, and service requests on official Howard County pages.
Editorial note: This guide is for public information only and is not an official Howard County page. Bulk trash rules, scrap metal limits, collection request forms, holiday slide dates, landfill hours, hazardous waste rules, accepted materials, and disposal fees can change. Always verify with Howard County Bureau of Environmental Services or call 410-313-6444 before placing unusual or oversized items at the curb.
Final Summary
For the howard county bulk trash pickup garbage schedule, use Howard County’s official bulk trash and scrap metal page, online request form, collection day tool, or phone support at 410-313-6444. Bulk trash is for large broken household items from eligible County collection customers.
Place approved bulk trash within 5 feet of the County roadway by the night before your trash collection day. Keep the request to four bulk items per pickup, make sure items are less than 6 feet wide, and do not block mailboxes, fire hydrants, parked cars, sidewalks, or collection access.
Scrap metal, appliances, electronics, hazardous waste, batteries, tires, construction debris, rigid plastics, and donation-ready items have separate rules. Before moving anything heavy to the curb, check the official county guidance so your item is not tagged, rejected, or left for resident disposal.