Every new homeowner eventually hits the same wall: a garage full of stuff that trash day just won’t take. Old paint cans, a busted lawn mower, a fridge from the last owner, a decade of yard waste. That’s when you find out Montgomery County actually has a pretty solid answer for this problem, and it’s one of the most useful resources I point new homeowners toward when they move here.

I’m talking about the county’s solid waste transfer station, better known to most residents as the dump. It’s not glamorous, but it’s one of those quiet quality-of-life features that makes owning a home here easier. Here’s what you need to know before your first trip.

Where It Is and Why the Location Works

The transfer station sits right at the intersection of Route 355 and Shady Grove Road in Derwood, which puts it just about two minutes off I-270. That’s a genuinely convenient spot no matter where in the county you live, whether you’re coming from /rockville, /gaithersburg, /north-potomac, or points further out.

There’s a bonus to the location too: it’s within a mile of a Goodwill Industries drop-off. My usual routine when I’m clearing out a house is to swing by Goodwill first for anything still useful, donate it, and then head straight to the transfer station for whatever’s left. It turns a dreaded chore into a fifteen-minute errand.

Hours of Operation

The transfer station is open seven days a week, which is more generous than a lot of people expect from a county facility:

• Monday through Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

One important thing to bring with you: proof of Montgomery County residency. This is a service funded by county residents, so they check for it at the gate. A driver’s license with a county address or a piece of mail works fine.

What They’ll Actually Take

This is the part that surprises new homeowners most. The transfer station accepts far more than typical curbside trash pickup. Along with general household trash, debris, and yard waste, they’ll take:

• Textiles, including clothing, shoes, and belts

• Metal appliances and metal scraps

• Electronics

• Fluorescent, LCD, and LED tubes and bulbs

• Hazardous household waste, including old paint cans, antifreeze, and motor oil

• Large bulky items like lawn mowers, refrigerators, and yes, that ancient widescreen TV sitting in the basement

If you’re moving into a house that came with a garage full of the previous owner’s leftovers, or you’re finally getting around to a renovation cleanout, this is where it all goes. It’s a big reason I recommend new buyers keep this place on their radar before they even close.

What It Costs

The good news is most of what you’ll bring is free to drop off:

• Trash, debris, and yard waste under 500 pounds: free

• Trash and debris over 500 pounds: $60 per ton

• Yard waste over 500 pounds: $46 per ton

For the average homeowner doing a garage cleanout or seasonal yard work, you’re very likely staying under that 500-pound threshold and paying nothing. It’s one of the better deals in the county for something that would otherwise cost real money through a private hauler.

One Fun Fact

Believe it or not, the Montgomery County solid waste transfer station carries a 4.0 rating on Yelp from local residents who took the time to review it. Not every county facility earns that kind of local love, but it says something about how well this one runs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Montgomery County solid waste transfer station located?

It’s located in Derwood, Maryland, at the intersection of Route 355 and Shady Grove Road, about two minutes off I-270 and within a mile of a Goodwill Industries donation center.

What are the hours for the transfer station?

It’s open seven days a week: Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Do I need to bring anything to use the transfer station?

Yes, you’ll need proof of Montgomery County residency, such as a driver’s license or a piece of mail showing your county address.

Is it free to drop off items at the transfer station?

Trash, debris, and yard waste under 500 pounds are free to drop off. Above that, trash and debris run $60 per ton and yard waste runs $46 per ton, which is still a great deal for larger cleanouts.

Little local details like this are exactly the kind of thing I walk new buyers through when they’re relocating to Montgomery County. If you’re planning a move here, my /moco-relocation guide covers a lot more of these practical day-to-day essentials so you can settle in without the guesswork.

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