Official Public Notice: Saturday Sanitation Makeup and Cold Weather Advisory

DPW Trash Collection Makeup Schedule

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) reminds residents that trash collection for the Tuesday, January 27 route is being conducted today, Saturday, January 31, 2026. This makeup date follows a modified holiday-style schedule implemented to recover from recent winter storm conditions and service disruptions earlier in the week. To ensure the safety of sanitation crews and the efficiency of the collection process, DPW has temporarily suspended all alley collections. Residents who typically receive alley pickup are required to move their green trash containers to the front of their property or to the designated end of the alleyway. Crews will not enter alleys to retrieve cans until further notice.

Please note that curbside recycling collection remains suspended today to allow DPW to prioritize the removal of accumulated household refuse. Mechanical street sweeping operations are also canceled for the remainder of the weekend due to freezing temperatures and hazardous ice conditions along curb lines. Residents are encouraged to report any missed pickups by calling 311 or by submitting a service request through the city’s mobile application.

Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert Extension

Baltimore City Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Taylor has officially extended the current Code Blue Extreme Cold Alert through Sunday, February 1, 2026. This extension is a direct response to forecasted sub-zero wind chills and sustained freezing temperatures that pose a significant health risk to the public. Under a Code Blue declaration, the city activates a coordinated effort to provide warming centers and increased outreach to vulnerable populations, including those experiencing homelessness.

The Health Department urges residents to limit their time outdoors and wear multiple layers of warm clothing if they must travel. Residents are also reminded to check on elderly neighbors and those with limited mobility. If you encounter an individual in need of emergency shelter or heat, please contact 311 to be directed to the nearest warming center or available facility.

Water System Protection and Infrastructure

Due to the prolonged period of extreme cold, DPW has issued a public service advisory regarding residential plumbing and city water infrastructure. To prevent frozen or burst pipes, homeowners are advised to let a thin, steady stream of cold water (approximately the thickness of a pencil lead) run from a faucet on the lowest level of the home. This small amount of moving water significantly reduces the risk of ice blockages. Additionally, residents should open cabinet doors to allow warm indoor air to circulate around pipes and ensure all outdoor hoses are disconnected. City crews are currently monitoring the network for water main breaks; any sightings of water surfacing in the roadway should be reported immediately to the 311 center for emergency investigation.

Public Parking and Transit Updates

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation and the Parking Authority have announced that the Johns Hopkins University South Garage, located off Wyman Park Drive, will remain open to the public for free parking through 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 1. This initiative is intended to assist residents in moving vehicles off narrow side streets to facilitate ongoing ice removal and emergency vehicle access. Furthermore, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) reports that while local bus service has expanded, some routes may still experience minor detours due to residual icy patches in residential neighborhoods.