Transfer Station to Stay Open July 4 for Yard and Food Waste

To assist residents still without power and those who are recovering from the aftermath of Friday’s severe storm, the Montgomery County Shady Grove Transfer Station, 16101 Frederick Road, Derwood, will remain open for residential customers only on Wednesday, July 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, the County’s MC311 Call Center will remain open on July 4 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On July 4, residents visiting the Transfer Station should use the Route 355 entrance and follow the “Recycling, Trash and Yard Waste” sign. Customers are asked to be patient as there may be a waiting time. Division of Solid Waste officials say that the mid-morning and mid-afternoon hours are traditionally lighter. There is no charge to residents.

Once power has been restored throughout the County and operations are back to normal, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will provide special storm debris collection. The date the collections will begin and additional details will be provided as soon as the information is available. Residents will be asked to place storm debris in the public right-of-way, ensuring that sidewalks, driveways and roads are not blocked.

MCDOT’s Division of Highway Services is systematically working to open roads and intersections that are blocked by downed trees and limbs where they are not entangled with power or utility lines. Residents are encouraged to contact the MC311 Call Center by calling 311 or visiting www.montgomerycountymd.gov/311 to report debris locations.
Residents may also continue to use County-provided trash and yard trim curbside collection or drop off disposables at the Transfer Station.

Guidelines for preparing items follow:

Curbside Collection of Yard Trimmings:
Bag, bundle, or containerize branches, limbs and yard trim and place at curb on trash day. Bundles should not exceed 30 inches in diameter and branches should be no larger than four feet in length and four inches in diameter. Total weight must be less than 45 pounds for containers, bags and bundles.

Spoiled Food:
Residents without power may dispose of their spoiled food immediately at the Transfer Station. Normal hours of operation are: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Note: Special July 4 hours listed above.

Residents whose power has been restored and want to dispose of spoiled food with their next regular trash collection, are asked to place the food in containers in their freezer until their next collection day. This will slow decomposition and should also help neutralize odors. Pour liquids good down the drain. Double-bag food in trash bags, tie tightly and place bags into outdoor, sealed trash cans with tight-fitting lids. Remember to rinse and recycle any food or beverage packaging.

Using the Transfer Station:
If branches, tree limbs and stumps are too large (longer than four feet) for curbside collection, residents can drop materials off at the Transfer Station.

Using a Private Contractor for Debris Removal:
When using a tree service, landscaping or lawn service to remove and dispose of storm debris at the Transfer Station, residents should be aware that commercial businesses are charged fees at the Transfer Station.