Trash Pickup Schedule Changed, County Buildings Closed Due To Winter Storm

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The winter storm blanketing Maryland has prompted officials to close county government offices Monday. School also has been canceled for Howard County Public School System teachers and students for Monday and Tuesday.

As of late Sunday night, Howard County had received between seven to 10 inches of snow and precipitation shifted from snow to sleet to freezing rain. County snowplows started their final plowing and salting routes, focusing on primary and secondary roadways Sunday night before switching to local roads. The goal is to have all county roads cleared with 12 to 18 hours after a storm ends. Residents can track the snowplows at https://citizeninsights.geotab.com/#/hocosnowplowtrackerbeta.

The county government closure includes all county department of recreation and parks facilities and parks, which also were closed Sunday, the department of community resources and services' 50+ centers, and the county’s Alpha Ridge Landfill.

Monday curbside trash, recycling and food scraps/yard trim for Monday also have been canceled, prompting the inclement weather slide schedule to be in effect for the rest of the week with Monday's collection sliding to Tuesday, Tuesday to Wednesday, etc. Residents are aske dto make sure garbage containers are free of snow and ice, and easily accessible for collection.

The Maryland State Police's snow emergency plan for Howard County prohibits parking on roads and streets designated as snow emergency routes in the county.

The county's Bureau of Highways is currently plowing and salting primary and secondary roadways to make sure they are passable for emergency and essential vehicles. Residents can track the snowplows progress at the snowplow tracker website.

Related:

• Wintry Mix Falling As MD Winter Storm Continues: Updated Snow Totals, Forecast
• Storm Alters Work Schedule For DC-Area Federal Employees On Monday

All schools and offices with the Howard County Public School System are closed both Monday and Tuesday, officials announced Sunday late afternoon. Students already had Monday off for a staff workday, which now will be virtual for the staffers, officials noted. Afternoon and evening activities for HCPSS students and staff, as well as community-sponsored programs in HCPSS buildings, are all canceled.

All activities involving HCPSS students and staff were canceled Sunday, as were all community-sponsored programs in HCPSS buildings and on school fields.

On Tuesday, only emergency employees are to report to work if directed to do so by their immediate manager/supervisor.

Decisions regarding closings due to inclement weather will be made no later than 5:30 a.m., the school district stated. Two-hour delays will be called by 5:30 a.m. and reevaluated for closure no later than 7:30 a.m., officials noted.

Related:

Howard Co. Schools Make Schedule Decision For Jan. 26-27