Regional Compliance Hub: HazMat, Electronics & Bulk Trash (Open 7 Days) — Montgomery County, MD

This regional hub is designed to keep communities compliant by directing residents to the correct, County-approved drop-off facility for items that are strictly not allowed in standard trash streams—especially household hazardous waste (HHW), electronics, and bulk items. Because Montgomery County strictly mandates recycling for multi-family properties through its TRRAC program, and because the County offers daily HHW drop-off (unlike many neighbors that are event-only), the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station is the County’s critical Compliance Hub. [1][2][3]

Why This Is the Best Choice

The “Daily” HazMat Solution: Uniquely, Montgomery County’s HHW program at Shady Grove is open to residents for home-generated hazardous waste and operates daily. This includes items like pesticides, solvents, and oil-based paint (per County accepted-materials guidance). [4][5]

Hours: Monday – Saturday (7:00 AM – 5:00 PM) and Sunday (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) (Sunday access uses the Shady Grove Rd entrance only). [2]

Electronics Recycling (Residents Only): Electronics drop-off is open daily in the Recycling Area (Upper Lot) and is listed as a County program for residents/businesses. [6][7]

Latex paint (space-saving rule): The County limits drop-off of wet paint and encourages alternatives when possible. For small amounts, dry it out (e.g., kitty litter) and dispose of the solidified material as trash per County guidance. [8]

  • Facility: Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station[1]
  • Address: 16101 Frederick Road, Derwood, MD 20855[2]
  • Hours: Mon–Sat 7:00 AM–5:00 PM  |  Sun 9:00 AM–5:00 PM[2]
  • HHW: Open daily for Montgomery County residents (proof of residency required)[4][5]
  • Electronics: Drop-off in Recycling Area (Upper Lot), open daily[6][7]

Crucial Rights: The “7+ Unit” Mandate (TRRAC Program)

Mandate Type: Mandatory Recycling / Mandatory Offer to Recycle (multi-family). [3]

Applicability Threshold: Montgomery County requires all multi-family properties (apartments and condominiums) to recycle, and properties with seven (7) or more dwelling units must report recycling activities annually to the County under TRRAC requirements. [3][9]

Your right: If your building does not provide recycling access (at minimum: bins/service for paper/cardboard and commingled bottles/cans), property management is out of compliance. [3]

Action: Report concerns to Montgomery County DEP (TRRAC) using County contact channels; reporting can be made without public confrontation. [3][9]

Bulk Trash: The <500 lbs Rule (Residents)

The benefit: Residents may drop off trash and bulky items (sofas, mattresses, etc.). Trash loads that are clearly under 500 pounds are listed as no charge. [10]

The cost: Trash loads 500 pounds and over are charged a tipping fee (posted as $70.00/ton on the County fee schedule). [10]

Planning tip: If you rent a large truck and your load may exceed 500 pounds, expect charges at the scale house. [10]

Textiles: Use the Blue Clothing/Shoe Bins (Not Trash)

The solution: Shady Grove provides a designated Textile Recycling Area with blue boxes for clothing, shoes, and other textiles—follow onsite signs. [11]

Glass Recycling: Yes — Single-Stream (No Sorting, No Bags)

Status: Montgomery County accepts glass bottles and jars in its recycling stream (including apartment recycling systems). [2]

Critical rule: Follow County drop-off rules and keep recyclables loose (do not present recyclables bagged in plastic at drop-off areas where prohibited). [2]

Satellite Option (Poolesville): Weekends Only, Limited — Shady Grove Is the Primary Hub

Note: If you live in western Montgomery County, the Poolesville Beauty Spot (19200 Jerusalem Rd) is a satellite option with Saturday-only hours and more limited acceptance. Shady Grove remains the County’s primary hub for recycling, HHW, electronics, and broader drop-off services. [12][13]

How We Solve This For You (National Doorstep)

Compliance is operational. For 7+ unit communities under TRRAC, we help property management run an inspector-ready recycling program by standardizing bin access, reducing contamination, preventing overflow, and building resident-facing routines that keep enclosures clean and compliant.

CTA: Request a Free Compliance Audit for your Montgomery County Property

EEAT Sources: [1] Montgomery County DEP: Shady Grove Processing Facility & Transfer Station (facility overview)  |  [2] Montgomery County DEP: Drop-Off Hours & Events (Shady Grove hours + Sunday entrance rule)  |  [3] Montgomery County DEP: Multi-Family Recycling Program (TRRAC) (all multi-family must recycle; 7+ units report annually)  |  [4] Montgomery County “How Do I”: Household Hazardous Waste (resident-only; proof of residency)  |  [5] Montgomery County DEP: Hazardous Waste Drop-Off (program details; paint notes)  |  [6] Montgomery County “How Do I”: Electronics (drop-off open daily; located in Recycling Area)  |  [7] MC311: Electronics Recycling Program (daily drop-off; Recycling Area at Shady Grove)  |  [8] Montgomery County “How Do I”: Latex Paint (wet paint limit; guidance to reduce handling)  |  [9] Montgomery County DEP: Annual Multi-Family Recycling Report (TRRAC reporting requirements)  |  [10] Montgomery County DEP: Transfer Station User Fees (under 500 lbs no charge; 500+ lbs $70/ton)  |  [11] Montgomery County “How Do I”: Clothing/Shoes/Textiles (Textile Recycling Area; blue boxes)  |  [12] Montgomery County DEP: Poolesville Beauty Spot (location, Saturday hours)  |  [13] Montgomery County Solid Waste Plan (PDF): Poolesville Beauty Spot (Saturday-only; limited acceptance)

 
National Doorstep - The Valet Trash Service Experts

Montgomery County property owners and community managers (including Gaithersburg): simplify apartment recycling compliance while boosting resident satisfaction. National Doorstep’s valet trash & recycling program aligns with the Montgomery County Code, County recycling regulations (COMCOR), and Executive Regulations to reduce contamination and lift NOI — all with a turnkey service.

Across Montgomery County — including municipalities that adopt County recycling regulations (e.g., Gaithersburg) and unincorporated communities like Bethesda, Silver Spring, Wheaton, Germantown, Aspen Hill, North Bethesda, Rockville (county-enforced sectors per plan), Potomac, Olney, Chevy Chase, Damascus, Montgomery Village, Glenmont, Kensington — apartment/condo properties must provide recycling, and properties with 7+ units must file an annual recycling report.

At a Glance: Montgomery County, MD (incl. Gaithersburg)

  • Jurisdiction: Montgomery County; Gaithersburg relies on County program/enforcement for multifamily recycling.
  • Mandate Type: Mandatory Recycling for apartments/condos (County Code & regs; enabled by state law).
  • Applicability Thresholds:
    • Recycling Program: All multifamily properties must provide on-site recycling service (same convenience as trash).
    • Annual Reporting: 7+ dwelling units — file the County Annual Multi-Family Recycling & Waste Reduction Report (due Feb 1).
  • Required Minimum Materials: Collect at least mixed paper/cardboard, commingled containers (glass, metal, plastics per County spec), yard trim, Christmas trees, scrap metal (per County forms/guidance).
  • Plan & Operations: Maintain a written Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan; use County-licensed collectors; provide clear signage/education.
  • Enforcement: County enforcement under Code §48-49 and COMCOR 48.00.03.05; state civil penalty authority up to $50/day for certain violations of §9-1711.
  • References: County TRRAC (Multi-Family) Program · ER 1-15 (Residential & Commercial Recycling) · COMCOR 48.00.03 · County Code §§48-45–51 · Annual Report Notice (deadline) · Md. Env. §9-1711

Property Manager Compliance Checklist

Task Action / Requirement Resources / Links
☑ Provide Recycling (County Mandate) All multifamily properties must provide on-site recycling with convenience comparable to trash; use County-licensed collectors. TRRAC Program · COMCOR 48.00.03
☑ Maintain a Written Recycling Plan Create/maintain a Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan covering storage areas, container counts, education, and contracted services. ER 1-15
☑ Collect Required Materials & Post Signage Collect the County’s required categories (mixed paper/cardboard, commingled containers, yard trim, scrap metal, Christmas trees) and post clear labels/education. TRRAC Guidance
☑ File Annual Report (7+ Units) Submit the Multi-Family Recycling & Waste Reduction Report by Feb 1; retain hauler weight tickets/invoices for tonnage support. County Notice (Deadline)
☑ Understand Enforcement & Penalties County enforcement under Code §48-49 / COMCOR 48.00.03.05; state statute authorizes civil penalties up to $50/day for certain violations. Code §§48-45–51 · Md. Env. §9-1711

Montgomery County Multifamily — Compliance Summary

  • ☑ Jurisdiction Type: County-run multifamily recycling; Gaithersburg follows County program/enforcement.
  • ☑ Mandate Type: Mandatory Recycling — all multifamily must provide service.
  • ☑ Applicability Thresholds: Reporting required for 7+ units (annual report due Feb 1).
  • ☑ Local Framework: County Code Ch. 48 (Art. V) + ER 1-15 + COMCOR 48.00.03; TRRAC program materials/forms operationalize compliance.
  • ☑ Best Practices: Co-located, clearly labeled containers; resident/staff education; contamination checks; documented audits & right-sizing.
  • ☑ Local References: TRRAC; Executive Regulation; COMCOR; Code; State statute & penalty provision.

Sources verified: Montgomery County Code Ch. 48 (esp. §48-47 to §48-49); COMCOR 48.00.03; Executive Regulation 1-15; County TRRAC program & annual reporting; Md. Env. §9-1711 (authority & civil penalty).

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