Fall Leaves and Pumpkins in Arbutus: Where They Go
28 October 2026
In Baltimore County, fall leaves go out in heavy-duty paper bags on your "Y" days, or with your regular trash if your schedule has no Y days. After Halloween, the county's free Great Pumpkin Smash on Saturday, November 7 turns old jack-o'-lanterns into compost. Here is a simple fall cleanup guide for Arbutus neighbors.
Raking leaves on a crisp afternoon is one of my favorite fall chores, as long as I know where the bags are supposed to go. These are the county rules as they stand today.
How does Baltimore County collect leaves in the fall?
It depends on your collection schedule. According to the county's yard materials collection page, if your schedule shows Y days, yard materials are collected separately for recycling from April 1 through the last Y day on your schedule each year. After your last Y day, yard materials go out with your trash until March 31.
If your schedule has no Y days, yard materials are collected with trash all year. You can look up your own schedule online through the county or call 410-887-2000 for a copy.
What are the rules for setting out leaves and branches?
| Item | County rule on Y days |
|---|---|
| Leaves and grass | Heavy-duty, two-ply paper lawn and leaf bags only |
| Branches and limbs | No more than 3 inches across and 3 feet long, tied in bundles |
| Other yard materials | Bag or bundle them |
| How many | No more than 20 bags per collection |
| Not accepted | Dirt, food scraps, garden hoses, lumber, poison ivy, oak or sumac, giant hogweed |
The county also reminds everyone not to rake or blow leaves into the street or storm drains. That is a violation of County Code Section 18-3-109 and can bring a fine.
What can I do with my Halloween pumpkins?
Baltimore County's Department of Public Works and Transportation is hosting the second annual Great Pumpkin Smash on Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Honeygo Run Regional Park, 9033 Honeygo Boulevard in Perry Hall. It is free, held rain or shine, and no registration is needed.
Kids can safely smash their pumpkins with tools the county provides, and the pumpkins are taken to the county's composting site at the Eastern Sanitary Landfill in White Marsh. If you would rather not smash yours, you can just drop it off for composting. There will also be giveaways, games, snacks and activities from county agencies, and you are invited to bring canned food or clothing to donate.
Can I drop off yard materials myself?
Yes, Baltimore County runs residential drop-off centers, and the closest one to Arbutus is the Western Acceptance Facility at 3310 Transway Road in Halethorpe. The county lists its hours as Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and county residents can usually drop off materials free for up to 10 visits a year.
Each center accepts different materials, so check the county's drop-off centers page and Accepted Materials Directory before you load the car.
What does fall cleanup mean for homeowners and sellers?
A tidy yard is one of the easiest ways to make a good first impression, especially if you plan to list your home in the next few months. Clearing leaves off walkways and out of gutters also keeps things safe once the cold weather comes.
If you are thinking about selling, my selling your home page has more ideas for getting ready. New to the area? Start with my Moving to Arbutus guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Baltimore County pick up leaves?
If your schedule has Y days, leaves are collected separately from April 1 through your last Y day of the year. After that, and all year for schedules with no Y days, leaves go out with trash.
Can I put leaves in plastic bags?
Not on Y days, because the county requires heavy-duty paper lawn and leaf bags for separate yard collection. Paper bags are composted along with the leaves.
When is the Great Pumpkin Smash?
It is Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Honeygo Run Regional Park in Perry Hall. The event is free and held rain or shine.
Do I need to register for the Pumpkin Smash?
No registration is required. You can smash your pumpkin or simply drop it off for composting.
Where is the closest county drop-off center to Arbutus?
The Western Acceptance Facility is at 3310 Transway Road in Halethorpe. The county lists its hours as Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Disclaimer: This post is based on Baltimore County Department of Public Works and Transportation pages and its 20 October 2026 Great Pumpkin Smash announcement, checked on 28 October 2026. Please confirm your own collection schedule with Baltimore County.
Getting Your Home Ready for Spring?
Fall is a great time to start planning if you are thinking about selling next year. I am happy to walk through your home and share what buyers notice first. Call or text me at 443-421-6855.
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