Corner Cans, Median Strips and Public Rights-of- Way Are Not for Household Trash

Green banner with DPW logo and text "Department of Public Works Press Release"

Today, Baltimore City Department of Public Works Acting Director Matthew W. Garbark reminds City residents and businesses that corner cans are not for household or business trash.  These cans are for pedestrian litter only. Placing household trash in public corner cans results in overflowing cans and rodent problems.

Director Garbark also reminds residents that placing household trash in median strips and/or other public rights-of-way for collection is and has never been appropriate. It is unattractive and can also cause rodent problems.

Municipal Trash Cans were distributed for residents to properly dispose of trash. If your residence does not have a Municipal Trash Can, please call 311 to request one.

We all have a role in keeping the city clean. Residents and business owners are encouraged to clean any litter and trash from the front and rear of their homes and business establishments, including curbs and gutters.

Crews from the Departments of Public Works, Transportation, and Recreation and Parks are working to address trash issues in median strips, public rights-of-way, and parks.

Dumping trash in the street, alleys and/or empty yards is illegal. Any concerns about trash in these locations should be reported to 311 or called in to 410-396-5352.

Related Stories

DPW to Start Trash and Recycling Collections at 5:00 a.m. During Summer Months Earlier Start Time Aims to Protect Workers from Extreme Heat –Seasonal Change Begins Tuesday, July 8

To protect sanitation workers from the dangers of extreme summer heat, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) will begin trash and recycling collections one hour earlier—starting at 5:00 a.m.—beginning Tuesday, July 8. This seasonal adjustment will run through Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

DPW Offices and Sanitation Yards Closed for Independence Day

Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Khalil Zaied reminds residents that Friday, July 4, 2025, is Independence Day, a City holiday. As a result, all DPW offices and sanitation yards will be CLOSED in observance of the holiday. There will be no trash or recycling collections on Friday, July 4. Collections will resume on the makeup day, Saturday, July 5, 2025. Additionally, there will be no street sweeping due to the holiday closure.

DPW Releases 2024 Water Quality Report

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) today announced the release of its 2024 Water Quality Report, providing residents in Baltimore City and Baltimore County with important information about the quality of their drinking water.