Knowing your Howard County garbage collection schedule is crucial for maintaining a clean and organized community. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the collection process, find your specific schedule, and offer tips for efficient waste management.
Understanding Howard County's Waste Collection System
Howard County offers a robust waste collection system designed for residential and commercial properties. The system emphasizes recycling and responsible waste disposal to minimize environmental impact. Understanding the different collection streams is key to proper waste management:
1. Garbage Collection:
- Frequency: Typically collected weekly.
- Acceptable Items: Household trash, including food scraps (in appropriate containers), soiled paper towels, and other non-recyclable materials. Please note that bulk items generally require separate scheduling.
- Container Requirements: Use provided county-issued trash carts or containers of appropriate size. Overfilled carts will not be collected.
2. Recycling Collection:
- Frequency: Typically collected weekly, often on the same day as garbage.
- Acceptable Items: Newspapers, magazines, cardboard (flattened), plastic bottles and jugs (#1 and #2), glass bottles and jars, aluminum cans, steel and tin cans. Check the Howard County website for the most up-to-date list of accepted recyclables. Contamination can result in entire loads being rejected.
- Container Requirements: Use provided county-issued recycling carts or containers. Rinse containers and remove lids when possible for efficient processing.
3. Yard Waste Collection:
- Frequency: Seasonal, typically from spring to fall. Check the specific schedule for your area.
- Acceptable Items: Grass clippings, leaves, small branches (cut to manageable sizes), and other yard waste. Please avoid placing any plastic bags or other non-organic material in your yard waste bins.
- Container Requirements: Use designated yard waste containers or compostable bags (check county guidelines).
Finding Your Specific Collection Schedule
Several methods are available to determine your exact garbage, recycling, and yard waste pickup dates:
- Howard County Website: The official Howard County website is the most reliable source. Their waste management section provides interactive maps and tools to find your specific schedule based on your address.
- Mobile App: Many counties now offer mobile applications for waste management services. Check the Howard County website for available apps.
- Calendar: Once you locate your schedule, you can add these dates to your personal or online calendar for easy reference.
- Neighborhood Groups: Local community groups and social media platforms can offer additional information, including updates and reminders from neighbors.
Tips for Efficient Waste Management in Howard County
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Follow the three R's to minimize your waste footprint. Composting food scraps at home can significantly reduce the amount of garbage you generate.
- Proper Sorting: Correctly sort your recyclables to avoid contamination. Improperly sorted materials can delay or prevent recycling, leading to increased landfill waste.
- Bulk Item Disposal: For large items, such as furniture or appliances, Howard County offers special disposal services. Check the county website for details on scheduling and fees.
- Stay Informed: Check for updates and changes to the collection schedule on the Howard County website or through their mobile app. Seasonal changes might impact collection frequencies.
By following these guidelines and utilizing the resources available, you can effectively manage your waste and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable Howard County. Remember to always refer to the official Howard County website for the most accurate and updated information.
