The Public Works Department plays a vital role in enhancing the daily lives of our residents by providing essential services. Their responsibilities cover the construction, upkeep, and safe operation of the Town’s infrastructure, which includes water and wastewater systems, roads, sidewalks, and storm drainage. They also manage critical services like waste disposal, snow removal, and the maintenance of Town-owned properties and facilities.
Phone: (410) 634-2177
Report an After-Hours Emergency: (410) 479-2222
David Crist
Director of Operations
Email David
Water & Sewer
Our Public Works staff is responsible for all distribution and collection of water and wastewater. This includes checking three wells daily and performing tests on the drinking water to ensure it is safe to drink. Additionally, four wastewater pump stations are checked daily to ensure proper operation.
Public Works also operates and maintains miles of underground piping, as well as a wastewater treatment with nineteen acres of storage lagoons. A vigorous testing schedule ensures that the disposal of effluent from the plant does not have a negative environmental impact.
Water and sewer services are paid for by user fees, which cover the costs of daily operation, as well as long-term costs like construction, maintenance, and equipment costs. Water and wastewater fees are based on the type of property and amount of usage and are updated periodically.
Billing
Meters are read the third week of the month in March, June, September, and December.
Water, sewer, and garbage fees are billed quarterly on the first day of the quarter. Payment is due within 30 days. Unpaid accounts are assessed a late feel of 10% of the balance on the 31st day. Any accounts unpaid by the 42nd day will be disconnected without notice and be charged a $50 disconnection fee. Disconnected properties will be reconnected the same day payment is received if payment is made prior to 4:00 PM. For payments received after 4:00 PM, reconnection will be made the next business day.
Water and sewer bills may be paid online by credit or debit card. Credit and debit card payments can ONLY be made online.
Bills may also be paid by cash, check, or money order in person at the Town Office.
To set up a new water and sewer billing account or make changes to an existing account, please contact the Town Office at (410) 634-2177.
Water Quality
The Town’s water supply is routinely tested as required by State law to ensure it is safe and free from harmful contaminants. The three most recent Water Quality Reports are available here. To request copies of older reports, please contact the Town Office at (410) 634-2177.
- 2025 Water Quality Report
- 2024 Water Quality Report
- 2023 Water Quality Report
- 2022 Water Quality Report
Trash & Recycling
Standard Household Trash
Standard residential trash pickup takes place every Monday. If a major holiday occurs on a Monday, trash pickup will take place on Tuesday.
Trash cans are provided by the Town’s contracted collection company. To request a can, please contact the Town Office at (410) 634-2177.
To report an issue with your pickup services, please contact the Town’s contracted service provider, Republic Services at (302) 284-4440.
Recycling
The Town of Ridgely does not provide curbside recycling. Recycling is available at the Mid-Shore II Regional Landfill’s Homeowner Drop Off. Items must be sorted into the provided collection bins. Please visit the Mid-Shore II website for additional information and hours.
Bulk Trash
If you have any questions regarding other types of trash, what is permitted, and applicable fees, please contact the Town office at (410) 634-2177.
Additionally, you may haul your own bulk items to the Mid-Shore II Regional Landfill. See the next section.
Brush
- Picked up weekly on Tuesdays, weather permitting
- No charge for unbundled limbs and branches
- Cannot be mixed with any other type of material
- Limbs and branches may not exceed four inches in diameter or four feet in length
- Do not place an amount greater than the approximate size of the bed of a small pickup truck out at one time
Leaves
- Pickup done as needed, but more routinely as leaves begin to accumulate
- Gather leaves (unbagged) at the curb
- Town will come by and collect with the leaf vacuum
Bulk Items & Yard Waste
- Must be scheduled in advance at the Town Office and pre-paid no later than 3:00 PM on Mondays
- Cost is $10/per item
- Picked up weekly on Tuesdays, weather permitting
- Acceptable items include:
- Household rubble (furniture, TVs, wooden doors, other household items)
- Metal items (bicycles with tires removed, appliances, lawn mowers, lawn furniture, air conditioners, swings, etc.)
- Bagged yard waste
- Unpermitted items:
- Flooring
- Construction materials or debris
- Porcelain, fiberglass, and ceramic items
- Paint cans containing paint (unless the paint has completely dried and hardened)
- Chemical cans or bags
- Tires or tubes
- Items containing asbestos
- Stumps and tree trunks
- Hazardous materials
Other Trash Options
The Mid-Shore II Regional Landfill outside of Ridgely offers additional trash disposal options.
The Caroline County government provides a free home-owner drop for regular household trash at the Mid-Shore II Homeowner Drop Off, operated by the Maryland Environmental Service. Visit their website for days and hours of operation, restrictions, and limitations.
Bulk trash can be taken directly to the landfill and is subject to tipping fees. Please visit the landfill website for additional information.
The Maryland Environmental Service, in cooperation with the Caroline County government, conducts occasional hazardous household materials and tire drop off days. Please contact the Caroline County Department of Public Works for more information.
Property Maintenance
All properties in Ridgely are subject to maintenance requirements under the Maryland Minimum Livability Code (see Code of Maryland Regulations 05.02.023.01) and the most current International Property Maintenance Code.
Property maintenance requirements exist to protect residents from safety hazards, as well as to protect the property value of surrounding properties by eliminating blight.
If you have questions about the town’s property maintenance requirements, we encourage you to contact the Town office. If you wish to make a complaint about property maintenance, you can call Town Hall or submit a form using the form linked below. You can also use this form to make a complaint or request maintenance of Town infrastructure and property.
Additional Services
The Department of Public Works provides a variety of other services, including:
- Maintenance of Town parks, streets, sidewalks, flower beds, trees, signage, and equipment,
- Snow removal,
- Assistance with special events, and
- Ensuring the proper operation of streetlights
Snow Removal
In the event of snow, please park off-street if at all possible. Additionally, do not shovel snow from sidewalks or driveways into the street after it has been plowed. We respectfully request that residents stay off roads while they are being plowed.