Recycling and Waste Prevention
The Recycling Division is responsible for promoting recycling and waste prevention (reduction and reuse). Baltimore County's only active landfill, Eastern Sanitary Landfill, is already more than half full. Learn more about how we can preserve the life of the County's landfill by reducing our waste and recycling as much as possible.
RESIDENTIAL SINGLE STREAM RECYCLING PROGRAM
The Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) receives, sorts and prepares single stream recyclable materials (a mixture of paper, plastic and metal items) for marketing. By marketing the recyclables, the County is able to retain the value of these materials and maximize the financial benefits of its single stream recycling program. You have a direct impact on the County’s success—the more you recycle, the more money the County will earn.
REQUEST A TOUR OF THE MRF
At the MRF, workers are stationed along the conveyor belts to screen out material missed by the sorting equipment, which includes 86 conveyor belts, six sorting screens, three optical sorters and two balers. Watch a video to learn more or request a free, public tour of the MRF.
REQUEST A PRESENTATION
To request a recycling presentation or waste prevention information, call 410-887-2790.
FOR BUSINESSES
Although the County does not offer recycling collection service to businesses, the Bureau offers advice and guidance to businesses interested in recycling. This includes making presentations about recycling and, in some cases, allowing businesses with advance permission to drop off recyclable paper, cardboard, aluminum, steel and plastic items at one of the County's three drop-off centers.
CLEAN GREEN BALTIMORE COUNTY
Learn more about how you can help you reduce your environmental impact by participating in Clean Green Baltimore County initiatives, like planting trees, participating in community cleanups, recycling, switching to renewable energy and more.
Read the Resource Newsletter
The Resource is Baltimore County's Solid Waste reduction, reuse, recycling and refuse disposal newsletter. Read the most recent and past issues online.
SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE THE NEWSLETTER IN YOUR INBOX
Residents can subscribe to the Bureau's email list to receive this monthly newsletter and additional Bureau-related updates in their inbox.
SUGGEST AN ARTICLE TOPIC
If you have a suggestion for an article that you would like to see in The Resource, email recycle@baltimorecountymd.gov.
INTERN WITH US
The Bureau of Solid Waste Management offers paid internships, with a focus on promoting recycling in Baltimore County. The internship starts at $11 per hour, while academic credit is also available (depending on college and university requirements). Flexible start dates and length of internship are available to accommodate academics, jobs and other commitments.
The Bureau accepts resumes on an ongoing basis from motivated, talented individuals with an interest in recycling and waste prevention. Email your resume and cover letter, including grade point average, to Richard Keller at rkeller@baltimorecountymd.gov. For more information, call 410-887-2791.
Interns work closely with Bureau staff promoting recycling, waste prevention and best solid waste management practices. Other benefits include:
- Purposeful work in an office environment engaging in sustainable practices, as well as a team setting that encourages input and ensures feedback
- Opportunities to initiate your own projects and the freedom to contribute creatively to newsletter and web content
- Apply and develop skills in public relations, graphic design, research, writing or other areas
- The chance to represent the Bureau at public events and educational programs
- Valuable experience working with various agencies in the County government
- Visit solid waste and recycling facilities and attend meetings
- Free garage parking
PUBLICATIONS
Read our publications about recycling, composting, reuse, and the County's collection program.
- 2021 to 2022 Reuse Directory—Find groups, organizations, and businesses that accept various types of materials for reuse.
- The Resource Newsletter—Quarterly resources about recycling, waste prevention, special events and more.
- Home Compost Bins—Learn how to build one yourself.
- Keeping Your Lawn Healthy—Learn more about fertilizing, watering, aerating, mowing and more.
On November 19, 2018, the Baltimore County Council voted to adopt the following 2019 through 2028 Ten Year Solid Waste Management Plan. After the County Council vote, the Plan was submitted to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) for review, and MDE gave final approval to the Plan on February 20, 2019. In accordance with the Annotated Code of Maryland, Environment Article Section 9-1714, and following opportunities for community input, the Plan was later amended to address the availability of recycling in office buildings 150,000 square feet or larger; this amendment was approved by MDE on April 21, 2021.
VIEW THE PLAN
The Executive Summary, five Plan chapters and appendices are listed below:
- Executive Summary—Summary of the Plan
- Chapter One—Goals, Organizations and Regulations
- Chapter Two—Population, Zoning and Land Use
- Chapter Three—Solid Waste Generation, Import and Export, Collection and Acceptance Facilities
- Chapter Four—Assessment of Existing Solid Waste Management System
- Chapter Five—Plan of Action
- Appendices—Plan Appendices
DEVELOPMENT OF THE PLAN
A lengthy and extensive public participation process (including a telephone survey in 2016 of 223 County residents, five public discussion meetings around the County and a public hearing) preceded the submission of the Plan to the County Council in 2018. As part of the Plan development process, a County Executive-appointed Solid Waste Management Citizens Review Committee was also formed to provide input and recommendations to the County regarding the content of the new Plan. Further details of the public participation process are on record and available for review. For more information, email solidwaste@baltimorecountymd.gov or call 410-887-2000.