Plastic bags—even if marked recyclable—are not accepted in the County's recycling program.
Plastic bags of any type must not be used to set out recyclables for collection. These bags jam machinery at the single stream sorting facility. Many grocery stores will accept clean, dry plastic bags for recycling.
It is recommended that you bring reusable bags with you when shopping to eliminate the need for plastic bags.
In the County’s single stream recycling program, all acceptable recyclables may be mixed together in the same container for collection.
- Residents of single-family homes can view their collection schedule and set-out guide to learn how to place recyclables out for collection.
- Residents of apartments and condominiums should check with their property manager for details on how recycling collection works in their community.
Drop-Off Facility Locations
County residents may also take their single stream recyclables to one of our three drop-off facilities.
Types of Materials
Below are the basic five categories of materials accepted in Baltimore County’s single stream recycling program. By focusing on these common and often valuable materials, you're helping the environment and the County's bottom line.
If an item does not belong in any of these categories, or if you’re not sure, you can help to minimize recycling contamination by following this rule—"when in doubt, throw it out (in the trash).”
Acceptable Items
- Most paper, paperboard and cardboard
- "Clean" parts of pizza boxes
- Juice boxes
- Milk cartons
Unacceptable Items
- Paper items coated in wax
- Paper towels/napkins
- Shredded paper
Acceptable Items
The following items, either with any recycling "number" or no number:
- Bottles
- Jars
- Jugs
- Tubs
Unacceptable Items
- Antifreeze containers
- Motor oil containers
- Plastic bags
- Foam packaging
- Foam/clam-shell containers
Acceptable Items
- Aerosol cans (must be empty)
- Food and beverage cans
- Foil
- Pie tins
Unacceptable Items
- Pesticide cans
- Spray paint cans
Acceptable Items
- Bottles
- Jars
Acceptable Items
Rigid items made only of plastic, i.e.
- Buckets
- Flower pots
- Lawn furniture
