Rockville Trash Pickup, Recycling, Yard Waste & Bulk Collection Schedule 2026
Use this Rockville guide like a local resident checklist: find your collection day by address, see 2026 holiday delays, know what goes in the gray trash cart and brown recycling cart, schedule bulk waste, metal, electronics or large branches, report missed collection, and avoid the common mistakes that get carts skipped.
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Quick answer for Rockville residents
Rockville provides weekly curbside recycling, trash and yard waste collection for single-family homes and most townhouses within city limits. Businesses, apartments and condominiums are not serviced by the city and must follow Montgomery County or private-hauler requirements.
Rockville Trash Pickup Day Lookup — Confirm Your Address Before Using Any Calendar
The fastest way to find your Rockville trash pickup schedule is to use the official Find Your Recycle and Refuse Pickup Day map. Rockville collection is address-based, and the city also provides printable 2026 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday collection calendars.
Open the official collection-day map
Enter your address to confirm whether Rockville provides service and which weekly collection day applies to your home.
Check eligibility first
The city serves single-family homes and most townhouses. If you live in an apartment, condo, business property or private community, do not assume city pickup applies.
Download the matching 2026 calendar
After you know your regular day, use the official Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday printable calendar so holiday changes match your route.
Save the contact number
Save Rockville Recycling and Refuse at 240-314-8568 for cart requests, missed collection, special collection and service questions.
Resident shortcut: Use the map first, then the printable schedule. Do not use a neighbor’s pickup day if you live near a route boundary.
Open Pickup MapRockville Weekly Collection Rules — What Runs Every Week and What Needs an Appointment
Rockville’s regular curbside service is simple once you separate weekly carts from appointment-only material. Trash, recycling and yard waste are weekly. Bulk waste, metal, electronics and large branches are not weekly set-out items; they require a special collection appointment.
Weekly trash
Place trash in the gray trash cart. Up to five extra trash bags may be placed next to the cart. Anything beyond that may require a bulk waste collection appointment.
Weekly recycling
Place accepted recyclables in the brown recycling cart. Extra accepted recyclables may be placed beside the cart when prepared correctly.
Weekly yard waste
Place yard waste at the curb, not in the alleyway. Use biodegradable paper lawn bags or 32-gallon trash cans, with each bag or container under 50 pounds.
Set-out rule: Place recycling and trash carts at the curb or alleyway by 6 a.m. on collection day. Place yard waste at the curb. Remove carts from the curb or alleyway within 24 hours after collection.
Do not miss this: Bulk waste, metal, electronics and large branches are collected by scheduled appointment only. Setting a sofa, refrigerator, flat-screen TV, large branch pile or metal item at the curb without a request can lead to a skipped item.
Rockville 2026 Holiday Trash Pickup Schedule — Exact Delay Rules by Date
Rockville publishes a holiday collection schedule for recycling, trash and yard waste. Some holidays delay all routes, some affect only later-week routes, and some create no collection change. The safest rule is to check your normal collection day and then apply the city’s published holiday note.
| Holiday | 2026 Date | Rockville Collection Change | What Residents Should Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, Jan. 1 | Thursday collections occur on Friday. | Thursday route residents should set out for Friday pickup. |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday, Jan. 19 | All collections occur one day later than usual this week. | Monday-Thursday routes slide one day later. |
| Presidents Day | Monday, Feb. 16 | All collections occur one day later than usual this week. | Use the delayed week calendar. |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25 | All collections occur one day later than usual this week. | Expect a one-day route shift. |
| Juneteenth | Friday, June 19 | No changes. | Normal Monday-Thursday routes remain as scheduled. |
| Independence Day Observed | Friday, July 3 | No changes. | No change to regular Rockville pickup days. |
| Labor Day | Monday, Sept. 7 | All collections occur one day later than usual this week. | Monday-Thursday routes slide one day later. |
| Columbus Day | Monday, Oct. 12 | No changes. | Normal schedule. |
| Veterans Day | Wednesday, Nov. 11 | Monday and Tuesday collections occur as scheduled. Wednesday and Thursday collections occur one day later than usual this week. | Wednesday and Thursday routes should follow the delay. |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, Nov. 26 | Thursday collections occur on Friday. | Thursday route residents should use Friday pickup. |
| Day After Thanksgiving | Friday, Nov. 27 | No changes. | No additional Friday change listed. |
| Christmas Day | Friday, Dec. 25 | No changes. | Regular Rockville routes remain as scheduled. |
Local habit: If your usual day is Wednesday or Thursday, pay extra attention to midweek holidays. Rockville’s Veterans Day 2026 rule affects Wednesday and Thursday routes but not Monday and Tuesday routes.
Rockville Recycling Pickup — Accepted Items, Cart Mistakes and Extra Recycling
Rockville recycling goes in the brown recycling cart. The city warns residents not to rely only on recycling symbols or numbers on packaging because those symbols do not always mean the item is accepted in Rockville’s curbside program.
Accepted in Rockville recycling
- Empty aluminum and tin food and beverage cans.
- Empty glass bottles and jars.
- Empty plastic bottles, tubs, jars and jugs, including rigid plastic.
- Clean paper, cartons and cardboard.
- Mixed paper.
- Polypropylene plastic and paper to-go cups.
Do not put in recycling
- Plastic bags, film, wrap or air-filled packing pillows.
- Styrofoam or foam takeout containers.
- Hoses, cords, wires, strings, light strands or hangers.
- Paint cans, motor oil containers or pesticide containers.
- Mirrors, ceramics, dishes, windows, plates or light bulbs.
- Greasy pizza boxes, tissues, paper towels, napkins or shredded paper.
When in doubt: Rockville’s official guidance says questionable items should go in the trash cart, not the recycling cart. One contaminated item can disrupt sorting or damage equipment.
Extra recycling beside the cart
For regular recyclable items that do not fit in the brown cart, such as large cardboard boxes, plastic storage bins, trash cans or lawn furniture, Rockville says to place them next to the recycling cart with a clearly labeled note: “For Recycling.”
Rockville Trash Collection — Gray Cart, Extra Bags, Weight Limit and Non-Accepted Items
Rockville trash goes in the gray trash cart. Up to five additional trash bags may be set next to the cart. If you have more than that, or if the item is too large for the cart, use the special collection process instead of creating an overflow pile.
Trash pickup checklist
- Use your gray trash cart.
- Set the cart out by 6 a.m.
- Keep the cart accessible and not blocked by vehicles.
- Keep the lid able to close.
- Keep cart weight under 165 pounds.
- Limit extra bags beside the cart to five.
Not accepted in regular trash
- Batteries.
- Electronics.
- Metal items.
- Construction or contractor debris.
- Yard waste.
- Compact fluorescent bulbs.
- Animal carcasses.
- Shingles or bamboo.
Medication note: Rockville says medication may be disposed of in regular trash or dropped off at the prescription drug drop box in the front lobby of the Rockville City Police Station. Do not put medication in recycling.
Rockville Yard Waste Pickup — Bags, 32-Gallon Cans, Branches and Storm Debris
Rockville yard waste is collected weekly, but it must be prepared correctly. Yard waste must be placed in biodegradable paper lawn bags or 32-gallon trash cans. Each bag or bin must weigh 50 pounds or less. Rockville does not require residents to label yard waste cans, and the city does not provide yard waste stickers.
Accepted yard waste
- Bamboo less than 8 feet in length.
- Branches, small trees and stumps less than 8 feet long and 2 feet in diameter.
- Shrubs and pruning debris.
- Garden waste, grass clippings, leaves and weeds.
- Hay, straw, old mulch and flowers with dirt removed.
- Live holiday trees and wreaths with decorations, plastic, nails, bases and stands removed.
Not accepted as yard waste
- Whole trees, logs or large debris from tree removals.
- Large trees or large piles of branches without appointment.
- Materials in plastic bags.
- Dirt, rocks or sod.
- Pumpkins or tree fruit.
- Pest-infested yard waste or invasive plant species.
Current service alert: Rockville’s official page shows yard waste pickup delays due to staffing shortages. Residents are told to leave yard waste at the curb for collection, with crews collecting as soon as possible, including on Fridays and Saturdays. Check the official page before assuming the alert still applies.
Rockville also notes that free wood and wood chips are available for residents to cut and haul away at the city’s maintenance facility at 14625 Rothgeb Drive.
Rockville Bulk Trash Pickup — Bulk Waste, Metal, Electronics and Large Branch Collections
Rockville provides special collections by scheduled appointment only for bulk waste, metal, electronics and large branches. City staff email your scheduled collection date within one to two business days after you submit the request. These appointments are only available to Rockville residents who receive city recycling and trash service.
Bulk waste collection
Bulk waste is for large items that do not fit in carts and weigh less than 500 pounds and measure under 60 cubic feet. Rockville limits each household to six bulk waste collections per calendar year.
- Mattresses and box springs.
- Couches, desks and large wooden furniture.
- Rugs and carpet.
- Pianos and office chairs.
- Tube-style CRT televisions.
Metal and electronics
Metal, electronics and large branch collections are unlimited, but still require an appointment. Flatscreen televisions require electronics collection, while tube-style CRT televisions go under bulk waste.
- Refrigerators and freezers with doors removed.
- Washers, dryers, stoves and microwaves with doors secured.
- Computers, printers, cell phones and flat-screen TVs.
- Bicycles, grills, exercise equipment and scrap metal.
Do not place special collection items in alleys, on lawns, or under wires. Rockville says special collection items should be at the front public curb by 6 a.m. in an unobstructed area, away from parked cars, trees, fire hydrants and overhead wires.
Need bulk, metal, electronics or large branch pickup? Confirm city service at your address, then submit the official special collection request.
Request Special CollectionMissed Trash Pickup in Rockville — What to Check Before Reporting
If your recycling, trash or yard waste was not collected, Rockville lists several common reasons: holiday schedule changes, non-accepted items, items not set out, and weight limits. Carts must not exceed 165 pounds, and lids must be able to close.
Confirm Rockville provides your service
The missed collection form is only for residents provided recycling and trash service by the City of Rockville. Use the pickup day map first.
Check the holiday schedule
During holiday weeks, collection may be delayed by one day depending on your regular collection day.
Check set-out and cart rules
If items were not placed curbside, the lid could not close, the cart was too heavy, or non-accepted items were inside, the pickup may be skipped.
Report the missed collection
Complete the form or call 240-314-8568. Rockville says to leave items out until a decision is made.
Timing reality: Crews will not return until your next regular collection day, Monday through Thursday. Items missed on Thursday are generally collected the following Monday.
Official missed collection form: Use this only after confirming city service and checking the most common skip reasons.
Report Missed CollectionRockville Recycling and Trash Cart Requests — Sizes, Exchanges, New Residents and Moving Out
Rockville provides recycling and trash carts for weekly curbside collection. Carts are wheeled and have attached flip-open lids. Residents are responsible for maintaining the carts and must return them to the city when moving out.
Cart sizes
Rockville lists 45-, 65- and 95-gallon cart sizes, though availability can change. The city’s cart request page currently notes limited inventory, with 95-gallon carts temporarily unavailable and 45- and 65-gallon carts reserved for certain requests.
Exchange or replacement
Residents are limited to one cart exchange per year. A reasonable effort should be made to locate lost or missing carts before a replacement is issued. Delivery may take up to four weeks depending on staff availability.
Need a cart? Check whether Rockville services your address, then request or exchange a trash or recycling cart through the official form.
Request CartRockville Hazardous Waste, Batteries, Paint, Chemicals and Transfer Station Rules
Rockville no longer collects household hazardous waste items such as oil-based paints, cleaners, grease, oils, batteries and pesticides. These items should be taken to the Montgomery County Transfer Station or handled through Montgomery County’s hazardous waste guidance.
Do not place in carts
- Batteries and rechargeable batteries.
- Oil-based paint and cleaners.
- Grease, oils and automotive fluids.
- Pesticides and corrosive chemicals.
- Compact fluorescent light bulbs.
- Propane tanks, helium tanks or fire extinguishers.
Best disposal path
- Use Montgomery County hazardous waste guidance.
- Keep liquids and chemicals in original or clearly marked containers.
- Place containers in a box labeled “HAZMAT.”
- Use the Transfer Station for accepted items.
- Ask retailers about take-back for electronics or specialty items.
Rockville Apartments, Condos and Businesses — Do Not Assume City Pickup Applies
Rockville’s city service page says businesses, apartments and condominiums are not serviced by the city and must comply with Montgomery County requirements. If you live in a building, condo community, apartment complex, mixed-use property or business location, your waste collection may be handled through a private hauler, property manager, HOA or building contract.
Ask property management
- Which company collects trash and recycling?
- Where is the correct trash room or dumpster?
- Does the building accept glass, cardboard and bulky boxes?
- How are mattresses, sofas and move-out items handled?
- Is there a separate electronics or hazardous waste process?
Move-in / move-out warning
Do not leave mattresses, furniture, moving boxes or electronics beside a dumpster without asking. Many buildings charge residents for improper disposal, especially during lease turnover and move-out weekends.
Rockville Waste Video Guide — Official Video Check
No official relevant embeddable video was found from the City of Rockville recycling/refuse pages or official city video channel at the time of writing. Because no verified official waste video was found, this article does not embed a random YouTube or creator video.
Best for: Rockville homeowners, townhouse residents, new residents, and people unsure about recycling, yard waste, missed collection or bulk pickup should use the official written links in this guide.
If Rockville later publishes an official recycling, refuse, yard waste, cart, missed collection or special collection video, it should be added here using only the official city embed URL.
Rockville Recycling and Refuse Contact, Official Links and City Hall Map
| Need | Official Contact | Use This For |
|---|---|---|
| Recycling and Refuse Division | 240-314-8568 | Pickup day help, missed collection, special collection, cart requests and service questions. |
| recyclingrefuse@rockvillemd.gov | Written questions about recycling, trash, yard waste and appointments. | |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. | Public Works Recycling and Refuse office hours. |
| City Hall | 111 Maryland Ave., Rockville, MD 20850 | City government address and public services routing. |
Rockville City Hall Map
Related Trash Pickup Guides — Nearby, Bulk and Holiday Help
Use these related trash-pickup.org guides when comparing Rockville with nearby or similar pickup systems, especially appointment-based bulk pickup, holiday delays, recycling rules and missed pickup reporting.
Rockville Trash Pickup FAQ — Collection Day, Recycling, Bulk Pickup and Missed Collection
Source verification and editorial note
Independent information guide — not affiliated with the City of Rockville. trash-pickup.org does not operate Rockville trash collection, recycling collection, yard waste pickup, special collection appointments or missed collection forms.
Pickup rules, holiday schedule, phone numbers, recycling guidance, trash rules, yard waste limits, cart request notes, missed collection instructions and special collection details were checked against official City of Rockville pages in June 2026. City pages, service alerts, form links, cart availability and holiday changes can update. Always verify through official Rockville links before acting.
- City of Rockville — Recycling, Trash and Yard Waste Collection
- City of Rockville — Find Your Recycle and Refuse Pickup Day Map
- City of Rockville — Request a Special Collection
- City of Rockville — Report a Missed Collection
- City of Rockville — Request a Recycling or Trash Cart
- City of Rockville — Apply for Backdoor Collection
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