What day is yard waste collected in Howard County?

Yard waste is collected on the same day as your regular trash, typically weekly. Check the Howard County website for your specific collection schedule.

Can I put yard waste in plastic bags?

No, yard waste must be in paper bags, a reusable container marked 'Yard Waste,' or bundled. Plastic bags are not accepted.

What size branches can go curbside?

Branches must be bundled, no longer than 4 feet, no thicker than 6 inches in diameter, and bundles should weigh no more than 50 lbs.

How to Dispose of Yard Waste in Howard County

The short answer: Howard County offers free curbside yard waste collection. Use paper bags or a marked container, bundle branches, and place at the curb on your collection day.

Bags of leaves, grass clippings, and bundled branches for yard waste collection

Curbside Yard Waste Rules

Accepted

Leaves, grass clippings, garden plants, weeds, small branches, brush

NOT Accepted

Plastic bags, dirt/soil, rocks, treated lumber, tree stumps, food scraps

Curbside Collection

Free weekly pickup for Howard County residents.

Container options:

Paper yard waste bags (available at hardware stores)
Reusable container clearly marked "YARD WASTE"
Bundled branches (tied with string)

Branch rules: Max 4 feet long, 6 inches diameter, 50 lb bundles

Collection day: Same day as regular trash

Alpha Ridge Landfill

Free drop-off for yard waste at the composting area.

Cost: Free for Howard County residents

Address: 2350 Marriottsville Rd, Marriottsville, MD 21104

Best for: Large quantities from storm cleanup or landscaping projects

Composting Tip

Leaves and grass clippings make excellent compost! Howard County offers subsidized compost bins for residents. Check the county website for details.

No Plastic Bags

Yard waste in plastic bags will NOT be collected. The bags contaminate the composting process. Use paper bags or reusable containers only.

Frequently Asked Questions

What about tree stumps?

Stumps are not accepted curbside. Take small stumps to Alpha Ridge or hire a tree service for large ones.

Can I put sod in yard waste?

No, sod with soil attached is not accepted. Shake off excess soil or take it to Alpha Ridge.

Major Yard Cleanup?

If you have a large amount of branches, debris, or storm damage, we can haul it away same-day.

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