Howard County announces extensive closures for New Year’s Day

HOWARD COUNTY, Md. (WBFF) — The Howard County Government announced closings for the New Year’s Holiday this coming week.

Park gates will remain open on January 1st, but no staff will be on duty.

Starting at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31, the Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum will be closed.

Additionally, on New Year’s Eve, several closures will take place starting at 5:00 p.m. This includes the Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel, and Roger Carter Community Centers, as well as the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center.

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The following closures will take place on Thursday, January 1st, 2026:

• County Government offices
• Local Maryland Courts
• Animal shelter
• 50+ centers
• No curbside trash, recycling, yard trim and food scrap collection; holiday “slide” schedule in effect
• Alpha Ridge Landfill
• Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel, and Roger Carter Community Centers
• Meadowbrook Athletic Complex
• Cedar Lane and Schooley Mill Activity Rooms
• Robinson Nature Center
• Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum
• Harriet Tubman Cultural Center
• Kiwanis-Wallas Hall
• County historic sites
• No RTA service
• Parking fees not enforced

No Thursday curbside trash, recycling, yard trim, or food scrap collection on New Year’s Day. For more details on that schedule, visit: Holiday/Inclement Weather Trash & Recycling Schedule | Howard County.

The 911 Center, Police, and Fire departments will remain staffed throughout the holidays. For non-emergencies, please call 410-313-2200.

County operations will resume on Friday, January 2nd, at regular business hours.

Please note that January 2nd is an Energy Saving Day. For more information, visit: County Energy Saving Days | Howard County