Howard County’s New Year’s Day Holiday: What You Need to Know About Government Closures on January 1st

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Government offices, courts, 50+ centers, animal shelter, Alpha Ridge Landfill, Cedar Lane and Schooley Mill Activity Rooms, Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers, Meadowbrook Athletic Complex, Robinson Nature Center, Harriet Tubman Cultural Center, Kiwanis-Wallas Hall, Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum, and county historical sites will be closed on Wednesday, January 1st in celebration of the New Year’s holiday. 

As there will be no curbside refuse, recycling, yard trimming, or food scrap collection on New Year’s Day, the County’s holiday “slide” timetable will be enacted for the remainder of the week, with Wednesday’s pickup moving to Thursday, Thursday to Friday, and Friday to Saturday. Furthermore, County park entrances will be accessible on the 1st; however, no personnel will be on duty. 

On New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, December 31st, the Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel, and Roger Carter Community Centers along with the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center will conclude operations early at 5:00 p.m.  Additionally, the Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum will close at 3:00 p.m. 

The Regional Transportation Agency (RTA) buses will not be in service on January 1st. For further details on RTA, call 1-800-270-9553 or visit www.transitrta.com. Moreover, parking charges in Howard County will not be enforced on January 1st. 

The 9-1-1 Center, along with Police and Fire departments, will remain staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For emergencies, dial 9-1-1; for non-emergency matters, please contact 410-313-2200. 

County services will recommence on Thursday, January 2nd during normal business hours. 

Open on Tuesday, December 31st 

• The Baltimore & Ohio Ellicott City Station Museum closes at 3:00 p.m.
• Gary J. Arthur, North Laurel and Roger Carter Community Centers close at 5:00 p.m.
• Harriet Tubman Cultural Center closes at 5:00 p.m.

Open on Wednesday, January 1st 

• County parks (NO personnel present)

Closed Wednesday, January 1st

• County government offices
• Courts
• Animal shelter
• 50+ centers
• No curbside refuse, recycling, yard trimming, and food scrap collection; holiday “slide” timetable 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 historical sites
• No RTA service
• Parking fees not enforced