PROGRAMS

MANDATORY TRASH AND RECYCLING REQUIREMENTS

Prince George's County has a range of waste collection programs servicing more than 180,000 residents to help clear the curb and keep our County clean, healthy, and sustainable.

Our Clear the Curb collection programs modernize and streamline our residential collection services. County residents eligible to participate in our waste collection programs receive a free, wheeled trash, recycling, and compost cart to help ensure items are properly disposed of. All residents pay into a Solid Waste Fund for trash and recycling collections and other County beautification programs.

Our waste collection programs include a faster and improved bulky trash collection program, regular trash and recycling, yard trim, and an expanding curbside composting program.

Curbside Compost

Residents can now get rid of their food scraps on Monday! Our curbside composting program diverts a lot of useful materials from our landfill. These natural materials, like food scraps, yard trim, paper and cardboard, and more are used to create an organic soil supplement.

Read all about PGC Compost’s collection of yard trim, food scraps, and organics here.

Recycling

Our single-stream recycling provides curbside recycling collection for more than 175,000 County residents and citizens. With our recycling program:

All recyclable items are placed in the same container, and equipment at the Materials Recycling Facility sorts them.

A box or any receptacle (other than the county-issued trash can) marked with an "X" or the word "Recycling" may be used as a recycling collection container.

Corrugated cardboard boxes will be collected with their contents.

Be sure to have your cart out by 6 a.m. on your pickup day! Learn more about our recycling and view inclement weather and holiday changes here.

Bulky Trash

If you receive County trash and recycling services, you can now put out up to two items of regular bulky trash, with your regular trash collection - no appointment needed! Scrap tires and white goods including refrigerators, air conditioners, washers, dryers, and other appliances, will still need to be scheduled for pickup through PGC311. Learn more about our bulky trash collection here.

All items must be placed next to the trash cart to ensure collection.
This collection doesn't pick up household trash or materials from evictions, foreclosures, unoccupied properties, commercial properties, apartment complexes, home renovations, remodeling projects, or clean lot enforcement.
Please be sure there is nothing blocking access to the items.
For the health and safety of staff, mattresses and box springs must be covered in a protective plastic covering if they are being picked up with bulky trash.
Residents in a townhome community should place their bulky items or bags at the curb in front of their townhome or assigned parking space for pickup.

Trash Collection

Trash will be collected between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. on your collection day. For missed pickups, requesting service to a new residence, or any issues with your collection, contact PGC311 or dial 3-1-1.

Trash collection includes any standard household waste. Please do not dispose of hazardous household waste! This can be taken to our hazardous waste site.

For inclement weather, holiday pickups, and services for seniors and people with disabilities, click here.