Pickups Start at 5:00 a.m. Beginning Tuesday, July 8. trash and recycling will be collected earlier to protect workers from extreme heat. To help keep our sanitation workers safe during the hot summer months, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin trash and recycling pickups at 5:00 a.m., starting Tuesday, July 8. Crews will be out earlier than usual, so it’s important to set your items out on time.
This seasonal schedule will run through Tuesday, September 30, 2025, unless extended due to weather conditions.

What You Need to Know

• Your collection day stays the same.
• Only the pickup time is changing: Crews will start at 5:00 a.m. instead of 6:00 a.m.
• Set your trash and recycling out by 5:00 a.m. on your collection day, or the night before starting at 6:00 p.m.
• Use your city-issued trash and recycling bins. If you don’t have one, use a container with a tight-fitting lid.
• Expect early morning noise from collection trucks during this time.
• The early start schedule ends September 30, 2025, unless extende

 Why Is This Happening?
“With increasingly high summer temperatures, we are taking proactive steps to keep our employees safe while maintaining reliable service for residents,” said DPW Director Khalil Zaied. “Starting collections earlier helps reduce workers’ exposure to extreme heat and reflects our continued commitment to protecting the people who keep Baltimore clean.”
This change is part of DPW’s Heat Illness Prevention Plan (HIPP), which also includes:

• Heat safety training
• Hydration protocols
• Adjusted schedules during heatwaves

For questions or more information, call 311.