Cute illustration of a green overflowing recycling bin

How to Get a Free Trash Can in Baltimore City

You finally decide to move into your new place and realize, “oh wait… my landlord doesn’t provide anything!” 

Of those things, likely absences will include the following:

  • Window blinds.
  • Light bulbs.
  • Door knobs with questionable functionality.
  • Big, glorious plastic trash cans.

So, what are the best alternatives in Baltimore, specifically? An Ace Hardware store or Home Depot—Lowes? Eh, I prefer to save the $40-50. Luckily, Baltimore has a fantastic program for this! You can save time and money by utilizing the city’s free trash can delivery (which it provides to all local residents).

One of the many positive aspects of larger cities is that they are often keenly aware of infestation and bug/rat problems. It’s always in a city’s best interest to provide residents with everything they need to dispose of their trash correctly. Baltimore City’s trash bin delivery program is for those looking to save money on buying trash cans, providing one (1) large trash bin to residents upon request at no charge! That’s right, a free trash bin (take that, Craigslist!).

Call 311 (ext. #1) to get started and request your waste bin. Once the operator confirms your information, you can also ask questions about your address’s trash and recycling days and times. The operator will collect your name, email, phone number, and address. They will then send over an email containing information for scheduling a time to deliver your trash can. The city will replace trash bins stolen, lost, or damaged due to normal wear and tear; they will offer up to one (1) replacement.

For more information, visit the Baltimore City Public Works website.

8 Comments

Harrison Greenough
September 30, 2021 9:33 am

Questions? Let me know in the comment section!

Janine Spresser
August 2, 2023 9:42 am

Address 8332 Lock Raven Blvd I know it’s Baltimore County but would like to know why free trash bins are not free for the county, my daughter moved to this address I believe in February or March of 2023, purchased $ 80.00 in trash bins only for the trash disposal workers to throw in other neighbor’s yards or can’t find them at all, missing trash lids, holes in them from the rodents and received a fine for no lid on the trash bin due to the workers tossing them anywhere!!! I don’t understand why the county is. Not Entitled to the free bins like Baltimore City .

Harrison Greenough
August 25, 2023 4:06 pm

Hey Janine, it looks like there has been some improvement! Here is an update from Baltimore County: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/public-works/solid-waste/trash-cart-pilot

Nancy therien
October 4, 2023 6:38 pm

how do you track a stolen trashcan?

Harrison Greenough
October 12, 2023 7:17 pm

Hi Nancy! Call 311 and request a replacement trash can. Residents can request one free replacement (for lost/stolen trash cans) and two repairs (for existing trash cans that are damaged). More details on this here.

Helen Purcell
February 8, 2024 2:02 pm

so I called to apply for a recycling bin. however when they send u the application to your email, you can’t fill it out unless u have it printed. which is insane to me. what are you supposed to do if you don’t have a printer?

Harrison Greenough
February 17, 2024 2:30 pm

Hey Helen, I recommend using a free PDF or Word editing application on your computer or mobile device to fill it out!

Deangelo brown
August 5, 2024 4:19 pm

Hello I need two. Trash cans my address is 103 n carlton st..

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