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Recycling and Refuse Program
Frequently Asked Questions
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What do I do with my recycling bins and old garbage cans?
Keep them for an alternate use; old garbage cans can be used for yard waste. To dispose of old cans/bins, label them “recycle” and place next to your carts on collection day.
Why do I have to use the City-provided carts?
The carts are necessary for the semi-automated system to work. Carts have attached wheels that eliminate much of the lifting for residents and workers. They also have lids, are more stable, less susceptible to animals and insects and help provide for a cleaner and more attractive neighborhood.
I live on an alleyway. Where do I place my items for collection?
Residents will place their recycling and refuse carts in the alleyway. Yard waste, special, and electronics collections must be placed at the curb.
When should I begin using the new recycling and refuse carts?
On the first day of your new collection. The first day of collection was included with your welcome packet. Visit www.rockvillemd.gov/recycling-refuse for your specific collection day.
Do I need to place my recycling cart out for collection every week?
Because of the extra capacity of the cart, you may find you can skip a week. You are not required to set carts out each week.
Does my recycling and refuse need to fit in the cart?
Yes. You will no longer be able to place recycling and refuse at the curb or in the alleyway in containers other than the carts. Exceptions are for large plastic recyclable items that should be marked “recycle” and placed next to the cart.
Large metal items (refrigerators, washers, dryers) and electronics (computers, televisions, etc.) are collected by appointment.
Bulk refuse that is too big to fit in the cart (furniture, bicycles, mattresses, etc.) is collected by appointment. Each home is provided with six special bulk refuse collections each year.
To schedule a special collection, call 240-314-8568.
Are additional carts available if I need one?
Additional recycling and refuse carts are available on a case-by-case basis by calling 240-314-8568. There is a limit of two carts of each type.
Who owns the carts?
The carts are the property of the City of Rockville. If you move from your residence, contact the City to collect your carts. Final recycling and refuse accounts will be charged for carts that are not returned.
What if my cart is severely damaged, lost or stolen?
If this occurs, call 240-314-8568 so that it can be replaced at no charge.
Can I put my address on the carts?
No, please do not place any other marks on the carts. The carts are the property of the City of Rockville. An address strip is on the cart lid. Your house number should be printed on the lid. Each cart also has its own serial number imprinted on the side.
Do I have to sort my recycling?
Recycling does not need to be sorted. The City operates a single-stream recycling program, which means all recyclables can be placed together in the brown recycling cart. Please refer to the Recycling and Refuse Guide or visit the City’s Web site at www.rockvillemd.gov/recycling-refuse for a sample list of accepted items in the City’s recycling program.
Can I put out construction debris?
Yes. Construction debris should be placed inside the refuse cart or you should call for one of your six special collections. Construction debris set out under special collection cannot exceed 500 pounds or 60 cubic feet.
What are the collection times?
All carts should be placed at the curb or alleyway the night before your collection, but not later than 6 a.m. on collection day.
During heavy wind my cart lid has blown open or my cart has blown over, how can I avoid this?
Some residents have found success by placing an object, such as a brick, on the lid of the cart. Lids cannot be strapped shut as this will not allow the automated equipment to properly dump the cart.
Can I leave my cart by the curb all the time?
No. Your cart must be removed within 24 hours of collection.
What are the scheduled holidays?
There will be no collections on the following seven holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. If a holiday falls on a weekday and your regularly scheduled collection is on or after the holiday, your collection will be delayed one day. Friday collections will be made on Saturday.
The truck has been on my street but I have not received collection, was I missed?
The City uses a special system to run the most efficient collection routes. This may mean servicing parts of one street, then coming back to that same street later in the day. Please wait to report a missed collection until the afternoon.