Keeping our neighborhoods and waterways clean and healthy

Baltimore City provides one municipal trash can to every residence receiving trash collection in the City. The city also provides blue recycling cans to single-family residences. Both cans come in smaller sizes and can be requested via the 311 call system. 

These durable, wheeled carts are equipped with attached, tight-fitting lids to help keep streets and alleys clean, and prevent rodents and other animals from getting into curbside material. 

Municipal trash cans and recycling cans are the property of the City of Baltimore. They are assigned to specific residential addresses and may not be transferred to another location or address. Residents are not charged for these carts.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I use municipal trash carts and recycling carts? 

A durable can with a tight-fitting lid is one of the best ways to reduce debris and litter, keep food away from rats and other animals, and keep our neighborhoods clean and safe. 

Each can comes with an attached lid, so trash won’t blow away and animals won’t climb in. Each cart has wheels, making them easy to move.

What if my cart is lost, stolen, or damaged?

The property owner or resident must notify 311 to report the problem and begin the City’s process of replacing or repairing it. Property owners are allowed one free replacement cart (or two free repairs) but must pay for subsequent replacements.

Residents do not have to cover the cost of repairing/replacing carts due to normal wear and tear. 

What do I do with the municipal trash or recycling carts if I move?

The city-issued municipal trash carts are the property of the City of Baltimore. Please leave your trash and recycling carts in the rear yard of the residence when you move and notify 311.

What if there are no carts at the property when I move in?

Notify 311 to begin the process of getting a municipal trash cart and/or recycling cart for the property.

May I use additional, personal cans?

Collecting trash from additional cans is possible as long as the total amount of trash per address does not exceed 96 gallons, the legal limit for the City to collect. Remember to recycle and reuse  to minimize the amount of material you need to throw away. Trash set out in bags is not an acceptable means to contain trash.

Other containers for recycling

In addition to your City-issued recycling can, you can use other containers to put recyclables out for pickup. You can use paper bags, cardboard boxes, old laundry baskets – you can even use a trash can (just mark it “recycling”).  There is no limit on the amount of recycling items that are set out for collection. Recycling is picked up every other week—Check your recycling schedule. 

Make sure that items for recycling are clean and dry before you place them in the can or other containers. 

Do not place recycling in plastic bags. We won't collect recyclable items that are in plastic bags.

Is trash collected from multi-family dwellings?

Every address in Baltimore City is eligible for collection services under the restriction that they may only set out 96 gallons of mixed trash per week. 

Addresses that generate trash collection above this limit must contract with private waste haulers. Any address currently receiving sanitation collection services from the Bureau of Solid Waste will participate in the Municipal Trash Can Program.

Questions or concerns?

We're here to help. Please call 311 or visit 311 online to connect with us.