Fed Hill residents say 311 calls, requests go unanswered while trash builds up in streets

FEDERAL HILL (WBFF) — Federal Hill residents spent months raising concerns about overflowing trash, missed collections and garbage left sitting in neighborhood alleys for days or even weeks.

Through a Maryland Public Information Act request, FOX45 obtained 466 Baltimore City 311 service requests concerning solid waste in Federal Hill from January through June 2026.

Residents pleaded for help in some of the requests writing, “Our trash is piling up on the street,” and, “Our recycling hasn’t been picked up for like two weeks. Please, please, please come.”

One resident told FOX45 that some alleys have not been serviced and that the buildup of waste contributed to an increase in rodents.

The records show many requests were closed with explanations including “citizen error” or “obstruction of alley.” However, some neighbors say those responses do not match the conditions they continue to see outside their homes.

FOX45 previously brought these concerns to Baltimore City Councilmember Zac Blanchard, who represents District 11.

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“There are different things that cause the trash to be overflowing,” Blanchard said at the time. “Sometimes it might be businesses, or it might be residents who don’t have the trash access that they’re supposed to.So there’s multiple things that are causing it.”

Residents say the issue extends beyond the appearance of the neighborhood. They say garbage left outside attracts rats, creates unpleasant odors, and affects their quality of life.

FOX45 contacted Blanchard with the newly obtained figures and asked whether he was surprised by the number of missed-collection complaints, if he believes there is a problem with the city’s 311 response process and how confident he is that requests citing “citizen error” were correctly closed.

We also contacted Mayor Brandon Scott and City Council President Zeke Cohen and we are waiting to hear back.

The investigation continues Thursday, when FOX45 will hear from more Federal Hill residents about the ongoing trash concerns and what they believe needs to happen next.