Montgomery County Bulk Trash Pickup, Scrap Metal & Garbage Schedule 2026
This guide is written like a Montgomery County resident trying to get rid of a couch, mattress, extra bags, appliance, scrap metal item, yard trim, electronics or construction debris without getting a rejected pickup. It explains who is eligible, how to schedule, what the 5-pickup limit means, what goes to scrap metal instead of bulk trash, what must go to Shady Grove, and when to call MC311.
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Montgomery County bulk trash pickup garbage schedule service applies only when your trash collection is provided by Montgomery County. Eligible residential properties get 5 bulk trash collections per calendar year for large non-metal items that do not fit in normal trash containers or bags.
Bulk trash must be scheduled before your regular County trash collection day. Online requests are due by 11:59 PM the day before pickup. Phone requests through MC311 are due by 7:00 PM on the business day before pickup. Put scheduled bulk items at the curb by 7:00 AM on collection day, adjacent to regular household trash but separate from recycling, yard trim and scrap metal.
Montgomery County Bulk Trash Eligibility — County Service vs Private Hauler vs Municipality
Before you drag a couch or mattress to the curb, confirm who provides your trash service. Montgomery County’s free bulk pickup applies when your property receives County-provided trash collection. If your trash is collected by a private subscription hauler, apartment/condo management, HOA contractor, or municipality, the County bulk pickup rules may not apply.
Use the County bulk trash request system. You are generally eligible for 5 bulk trash pickups per calendar year.
Contact your private collector. Some private haulers charge extra for bulk pickup or require a separate appointment.
Check your municipality, such as Rockville, Gaithersburg, Takoma Park, Kensington, Poolesville or another local jurisdiction.
Not sure who collects your trash? Use the official County collection day lookup before scheduling bulk pickup.
Check Collection ServiceReal resident mistake: Many Montgomery County addresses receive County recycling but not County trash. You might have County recycling and yard trim service while your trash is private. Bulk trash pickup depends on trash service, so check before scheduling.
How to Schedule Montgomery County Bulk Trash Pickup — Online, Phone and Deadline Rules
Bulk pickup is not automatic. The County expects you to request the pickup before your regular trash day and provide an itemized list. If you submit the request after the deadline, the County says the bulk items will be collected the following week on your trash collection day.
Make an itemized list
Write down exactly what you want picked up: sofa, mattress, box spring, non-metal table, rolled carpet, plastic trash can, bathroom fixture, or 5+ trash bags.
Separate non-metal bulk from scrap metal
Large items that are 51% or more metal do not go through regular bulk trash pickup. Schedule scrap metal collection instead.
Submit before the deadline
Online form: submit by 11:59 PM the day before collection. Phone via MC311: call by 7:00 PM on the business day before collection.
Put items out by 7:00 AM
Place scheduled bulk items next to regular household trash, but keep them separate from recycling, yard trim and scrap metal.
Official request page: Use the County bulk trash request shortcut to schedule eligible non-metal bulk items.
Schedule Bulk TrashBest local habit: Schedule the request before moving items outside. If the request is rejected, late, or should have been scrap metal, you avoid leaving an ugly curb pile for a full week.
What Counts as Bulk Trash in Montgomery County MD?
Bulk trash generally means large non-metal household items that do not fit into a regular trash can or trash bag. It can also include 5 or more bags or cans of trash on one collection day.
- Non-metal furniture such as sofas, bookcases, loveseats and chairs.
- Mattresses and box springs.
- Rugs and carpet, rolled and tied.
- Large non-metal toys.
- Plastic trash cans.
- Non-metal bathroom fixtures such as tubs, sinks and toilets.
- Single large non-metal item from minor home repair, such as a wood door or bathroom vanity.
- Five or more bags or cans of trash.
- Extremely large bulk items must be disassembled.
- At least one side of the item must be less than 4 feet wide.
- Items with all sides larger than 4 feet will not fit in the County collection truck.
- Mirrors or glass table tops must be covered with newspaper and taped to prevent breakage.
- Bulk items must be separate from recycling, yard trim and scrap metal.
Simple test: If it is large, from your home, mostly non-metal, not hazardous, not construction debris, and does not fit in normal trash, it may be bulk trash. If it is mostly metal, schedule scrap metal instead.
What Montgomery County Will Not Collect as Bulk Trash
Montgomery County bulk trash pickup is helpful, but it is not a construction dumpster, hazardous waste service, animal waste service, or scrap metal pickup. Sorting before you schedule avoids the most common rejected pickup problems.
- Large items that are 51% or more metal.
- Propane tanks.
- Uncovered glass mirrors or glass table tops.
- Debris from major construction, remodeling, demolition or repair.
- Bricks, concrete, lumber, drywall, shingles, rocks or sod.
- Auto parts.
- Grand pianos.
- Hazardous materials.
- Human or animal fecal or urine matter, infectious waste, or dead animals.
- Items too large for the collection truck or unsafe for collectors.
- Mostly metal item: schedule scrap metal collection.
- Usable item: donate, sell, reuse or give away first.
- Household hazardous waste: use Shady Grove HHW drop-off.
- Construction debris: check Transfer Station rules and fees.
- Private trash service: contact your hauler.
- Municipality service: follow your city or town rules.
Hard truth: If you put a rejected item at the curb without checking the rules, it may sit there with a tag and become your problem for another week. The County does not treat “too big,” “mostly metal,” “hazardous,” or “construction debris” as regular bulk trash.
Montgomery County Bulk Trash Video Guide — Bulk Trash and Scrap Metal Pickup
Montgomery County has an official video explaining bulk trash and scrap metal pickup. It is useful for residents who are unsure whether a large item belongs in bulk trash, scrap metal collection, or another disposal route.
Best for: New residents, homeowners, renters with County-provided trash service, residents cleaning out furniture, and anyone confused about the difference between non-metal bulk trash and scrap metal pickup.
This video supports the practical guidance in this article. For exact pickup dates, holiday changes, missed collection, bins, fees, tags, transfer-station hours, and service alerts, residents should still verify details through the official Montgomery County links above.
Montgomery County Scrap Metal Pickup — Appliances, Metal Furniture and Items That Are Not Bulk Trash
If a large item is 51% or more metal and does not fit in a trash bag or can, it belongs in Montgomery County’s scrap metal recycling stream, not regular bulk trash. Properties receiving County-provided recycling collection are eligible for scrap metal collections.
- Refrigerators and freezers.
- Washers and dryers.
- Stoves and ranges.
- Dishwashers.
- Metal bed frames.
- Metal patio furniture.
- Microwaves.
- Metal shelves or metal cabinets.
- Exercise equipment with metal frame.
- Schedule scrap metal in advance.
- Place items out by 7:00 AM on your collection day.
- Keep scrap metal separate from bulk trash.
- Do not place electronics or batteries in regular recycling bins.
- Use MC311 if you are unsure whether the item is scrap metal or bulk trash.
Appliance reminder: Montgomery County says appliances are picked up through the County’s scrap metal recycling program, and scrap metal pickups must be scheduled in advance.
Schedule Scrap MetalMontgomery County Regular Trash Rules — When Extra Bags Become Bulk Trash
If you receive County-provided trash service, normal household trash is collected once a week. The County’s regular trash rules are separate from bulk trash. The confusing part is that large amounts of extra trash can trigger the bulk pickup process.
- Collected once per week for County-provided trash customers.
- Containers must be 45 gallons or less.
- Each container must weigh 45 pounds or less.
- Each bag must weigh 45 pounds or less.
- Items must be at the curb by 7:00 AM on collection day.
- You have 5 or more bags or cans of extra trash.
- You have large items that do not fit in a trash bag or can.
- You have non-metal furniture, mattresses, rugs or rolled carpet.
- You have a large non-metal item from minor home repair.
- You need a special collection on your regular trash day.
Private-hauler warning: If your trash pickup is not provided by Montgomery County, do not assume these container and bulk pickup rules apply. Use the Collection Day Lookup tool, your private hauler, HOA, apartment manager or municipality.
Montgomery County 2026 Holiday Trash and Bulk Pickup Schedule — Actual Holiday Rule
Montgomery County adjusts collection schedules when the actual holiday falls on a collection day. If your County-provided trash, recycling, yard trim, bulk trash or scrap metal collection day is affected, pickups slide one day later for the rest of that week, with the last pickup usually on Saturday.
| 2026 Holiday | Date | Likely County Collection Effect | Resident Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Thursday, January 1 | No County-provided collection on the holiday; affected routes slide. | Check the official holiday page and leave items out only according to the slide notice. |
| Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Monday, January 19 | Monday holiday can create a slide week. | Check official alerts before setting out bulk items. |
| Presidents Day | Monday, February 16 | County lookup results show no County-provided collections on that Monday. | Use the County schedule lookup for your address. |
| Memorial Day | Monday, May 25 | Monday holiday can create a full slide week. | Bulk pickup may move with your trash day. |
| Juneteenth | Friday, June 19 | Friday collection may move to Saturday if County schedule marks no service. | Verify with the County holiday page. |
| Independence Day | Saturday, July 4 | Official holiday page lists normal collection / no holiday slide for Saturday July 4. | Weekday routes usually remain normal, but verify current alerts. |
| Labor Day | Monday, September 7 | Monday holiday can create a full slide week. | Check the official County holiday schedule. |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thursday, November 26 | Thursday and Friday routes can slide later. | Bulk or scrap metal requests follow the affected collection day. |
| Christmas Day | Friday, December 25 | No County-provided collection on Christmas Day; Friday may slide to Saturday. | Use official holiday page before placing items out. |
Bulk pickup holiday tip: Bulk trash is tied to your regular trash collection day. If your trash day slides because of a holiday or weather closure, your scheduled bulk pickup can also shift. Do not put large items out early unless the County tells you to.
Shady Grove Transfer Station — When Bulk Pickup Is Not the Right Option
If your item is not accepted for curbside bulk pickup, Montgomery County residents may use Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station or Poolesville Beauty Spot, depending on the material. The Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station is located at 16101 Frederick Road, Derwood, MD 20855.
| Need | Official Detail | Resident Note |
|---|---|---|
| Address | 16101 Frederick Road, Derwood, MD 20855 | Use the correct entrance for trash, recycling or hazardous waste. |
| Phone | 240-777-0311 | Use MC311 for service questions and current operating status. |
| Hours | Monday-Saturday 7:00 AM-5:00 PM; Sunday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM | Verify current hours and holiday closures before loading your vehicle. |
| Small Loads | Trash under 500 pounds may be accepted without charge for residents. | Rules can vary by material and vehicle type. |
| PPE Warning | The main tipping floor requires PPE: high-visibility vest, hard hat and closed-toe shoes. | Without PPE, you may be asked to leave and return prepared. |
- Rejected bulk items.
- Trash loads under 500 pounds.
- Some appliances and electronics.
- Scrap metal.
- Yard trim.
- Household hazardous waste through the correct drop-off area.
- Construction and demolition material may have special limits and fees.
- Hazardous waste must go through the correct program.
- Some large tree stumps and large auto parts are not accepted.
- Commercial, industrial or medical waste is not handled like residential waste.
- Verify current transfer station rules before arrival.
Shady Grove Processing Facility Map
Missed Montgomery County Bulk Trash Pickup — What to Check Before Calling MC311
If your bulk item was left behind, do not assume the crew simply missed it. Most problems come from missed deadlines, wrong service provider, wrong material type, mixed piles, unsafe glass, metal items scheduled as bulk, or items too large for the truck.
Confirm County-provided trash service
If your trash is private or municipal, County bulk pickup may not apply. Use the collection lookup or call MC311.
Confirm the request deadline
If you missed the 11:59 PM online deadline or 7:00 PM phone deadline, the County may collect the items the following week instead.
Check whether the item was actually scrap metal
Appliances, mostly metal furniture and metal-heavy items must be scheduled as scrap metal, not regular bulk trash.
Check item size and safety
If all sides are larger than 4 feet, the item may not fit in the collection truck. Uncovered glass can be rejected for safety.
Call MC311 with the details
Have your address, request number if available, itemized list, photos, collection day, and whether the item is bulk or scrap metal.
Need help? Call MC311 from inside the County or 240-777-0311 from outside the County.
Call 240-777-0311Montgomery County Bulk Trash Phone Number, Transfer Station, Map and Official Links
| Need | Official Contact / Link | Use This For |
|---|---|---|
| MC311 | 240-777-0311 | Bulk pickup, scrap metal, missed pickup, service questions and collection lookup help. |
| Bulk Trash Shortcut | montgomerycountymd.gov/bulktrash | Schedule eligible non-metal bulk trash pickup. |
| Collection Day Lookup | Official lookup tool | Find trash, recycling, yard trim and service provider details by address. |
| Shady Grove Transfer Station | 16101 Frederick Road, Derwood, MD 20855 | Drop-off for trash, recycling, HHW and items not handled curbside. |
| Transfer Station Phone | 240-777-0311 | Hours, operating status, materials, closures and customer support. |
Official Montgomery County Waste Links
Related Trash Pickup Guides — Internal Links for Bulk, Holiday and Nearby Collection Help
Use these related trash-pickup.org guides when comparing appointment-based bulk pickup, holiday slide rules, address-based lookup tools and large-item disposal systems.
Montgomery County Bulk Trash Pickup FAQ — Real Resident Questions Answered
Source Verification and Editorial Note
Independent information guide — not affiliated with Montgomery County Government. trash-pickup.org is a public information resource. We do not operate bulk trash pickup, MC311, scrap metal collection, recycling pickup, yard trim collection, Shady Grove Transfer Station or municipal trash services.
Bulk pickup limits, request deadlines, accepted and rejected items, scrap metal guidance, 7:00 AM set-out rules, recycling service notes, holiday slide guidance, transfer station address and drop-off details were checked against Montgomery County DEP and MC311 resources as of May 2026. Collection days, holiday slides, fees, drop-off rules and service status can change. Always verify through official Montgomery County links before placing items outside.
Official Sources — Verified May 2026
- Montgomery County — Bulk Trash Pickup Request
- Montgomery County — Collection Day Lookup
- Montgomery County DEP — Trash, Recycling and Yard Trim
- Montgomery County — Recycling Service Details
- Montgomery County — Holiday Slide Schedule
- Montgomery County — Shady Grove Transfer Station Location
- Montgomery County — Hazardous Waste Drop-Off
- Montgomery County — MC311 Customer Service
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