Prince George’s County Closes Schools, Courts, Facilities; Many Curbside Services Suspended

Prince George’s County shut county government buildings, courts and Prince George’s County Public Schools Monday as a winter storm made roads and outdoor work unsafe, forcing the suspension of several essential services that affect daily life across the county.

Curbside collections for food scraps, yard trim and some recycling were canceled rather than collected on route, and the county announced those pickups will resume on a slide schedule, with some services not restarting until Feb. 2. Residents were specifically advised not to place carts at curb. The guidance aims to prevent missed or damaged containers and to keep collection crews safe while equipment is off schedule.

The county closed several public facilities to the general public, including the Brown Station Road landfill and related drop-off centers, reducing disposal options for residents and contractors who typically rely on those sites for bulk trash and yard debris. Courts were closed to nonessential business, producing delays in hearings and filings that will require rescheduling through the court system.

Local warming centers and overnight shelter options were activated for people who need heat or shelter; county officials reposted a list of locations and operating hours for those centers. The county also provided links and contact information for residents seeking assistance or updates, and encouraged people who need help to use those channels for the most current information.

The closure of schools and courts compounds the disruption from canceled sanitation and disposal services. Families who depend on school facilities for meals or childcare saw services paused, while litigants and attorneys faced postponed proceedings. Households now must hold food scraps and yard waste longer, increasing the need for safe indoor storage and careful handling to avoid pest or sanitation issues. Small contractors and landscapers who planned pickups or drop-offs at Brown Station Road faced added costs and scheduling changes.

Operationally, the county framed the actions as safety-driven measures to protect staff and residents from hazardous travel and field conditions. The slide schedule for resumed collections means pickups will shift later in the week to make up missed routes; residents should expect altered pickup days and keep carts off the curb until officially scheduled.

For residents, the immediate steps are practical: keep carts and yard waste off the curb until notified, monitor county alerts for revised pickup schedules and facility reopenings, and use warming centers or shelter options if heat or housing is a concern. The county will update schedules and facility status as roads and conditions improve; watch county alert channels for confirmations of resumed services and any additional relief measures.