FAQs • Westminster, MD • CivicEngage

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Why do we have to write on a trash can, "TAKE ME," in order for the city to throw it away?: If we had to use our own judgment when trying to decide if trash cans are no longer usable, we may not make the same decision as the owner - after all, one man's trash is another's treasure.

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Garbage & Recycling

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1. How do I have bulk trash removed from my property?: Learn about bulk trash removal on our Special Waste Removal page.

2. Do I have to call for a special pickup?: Yes, please call no less than 24 hours in advance. Learn more on the Special Waste Removal page.

3. Why do I have to separate my household trash and recyclables?: In our contract, the trash haulers charge us tipping fees per ton. The recyclables are disposed of for free; therefore, the more we separate and recycle, the less money the city spends and the less landfill space is used.

4. Why must I separate my special pick up items?: Every item goes to a separate location; brush is taken to a storage area for the city to recycle into mulch; metal is taken to a recycling center; yard waste is taken to the landfill, which is then used for mulch; bulk trash is taken to the landfill for disposal. Each of these reduces the amount of trash for tipping fees.

5. Why do I have to use paper bags for my yard waste?: The County Landfill requires this and it makes it easier to mulch.

6. If I use a container for yard waste, why must it be no larger than a bushel size?: Larger containers become too heavy and cumbersome to dump.

7. Why can't the city pick up used oil, gasoline, and other hazardous materials from my house?: The city does not have the equipment or permits to haul hazard materials; however, you can dump used oil at the free drop of containers at 105 Railroad Avenue (Street Department Shop). Also, you can drop off used oil and anti-freeze at Northern Landfill.

8. If I live in an area that has common grounds, why can't I just put my trash there?: When no one take responsibility for an area, it quickly becomes a dumping zone and a haven for rodents and unsafe conditions. No one wants to have an area like this in their neighborhoods.

9. Why can't I put out my household trash or items for special pick up before noon prior to collection day?: The City Code states that household trash cannot be placed curbside more than 24 hours in advance. Wind can blow trash around and animals can get into trash. The less time your trash sits curbside, the less likely it is to make a mess.

10. Why can't I just add my trash to my neighbors' pile?: In the event that an item is not able to be collected, the owner is responsible for it and this can result in a code violation.

11. What does it mean when I have a bad address?: The city classifies addresses by whether or not they are entitled to service. Those not entitled to service are buildings with 4 or more apartments, commercial buildings, or mixed residential and commercial use buildings. These are based on water meters and are generated by the Finance Department. A "bad address" is an address that is not entitled to trash pickup.

12. Why do I have to allow the latex paint that is still in pans to dry?: This keeps the latex paint from running out of the cans and spilling onto the streets as they get thrown onto the back of the trucks.

13. Who do I notify if trash is on the curb from an eviction?: Notify the Code Enforcement Office at 410-848-2261. Or use the online reporting tool.
Online reporting tool

14. Why do we have to write on a trash can, "TAKE ME," in order for the city to throw it away?: If we had to use our own judgment when trying to decide if trash cans are no longer usable, we may not make the same decision as the owner - after all, one man's trash is another's treasure.