1. Don't mark the cart in any permanent way. If you wish to place your house number on the cart, do so with duct or electrical tape. This allows the cart to be reassigned to another household if the need arises.

2. Don't alter the cart. Our recycling carts have been manufactured to be rugged and durable, just the way they are. Do not drill holes, add straps or otherwise change the design.

If the cart is permanently altered or defaced (such as spray painted), it will be removed and the resident will be charged for the full replacement value of the cart.  A new cart will not be reassigned to the residence until the fee is paid.

3. Don't relocate the cart. We know you may have bonded with your cart, but it is assigned to a specific street address, not to the homeowner. If you move to a new location in Frederick County, we'll make sure you start off a great new recycling relationship with another cart.  

When setting your cart out at the curb, make sure it is within six feet of the street, at least 4 feet away from neighboring objects (like trash cans or mailboxes) and placed out for collection by 6am of your pick-up day. There are arrows imprinted on the front of the lid; these should point towards the road for proper cart placement.

That's it! We hope you and the cart assigned to your address have a long and happy recycling partnership. Want more to love?  Up-size to a larger cart at www.LearnMoreRecycleBetter.org. And remember, if the cart should ever damaged, it can be repaired or replaced - they are even recyclable! Just call 301-600-2960 or send email to recycle@FrederickCountyMD.gov.