Northwood News ♦ June 2005

County Waste Collection: What and How to Recycle

By Beth Ginter

Gabriel George of the Montgomery County Division of Solid Waste Services spoke at the April 20 membership meeting about the county’s recycling program.  According to George, the county currently recycles 32 percent of its waste, with the ultimate goal of reaching 50 percent recycling.

Recently, a new contractor has assumed responsibility for trash and recycling collection.  The new contract requires collection trucks with two people, shorter routes, trucks equipped with global positioning satellite (GPS) for monitoring, and trucks with mechanized lifts to accommodate paper recycling carts.  Members present at the meeting commented that they’ve noticed instances of trash dropped in the street and empty cans thrown haphazardly about.  Mr. George replied that contractors may be fined for leaving cans in the driveway or street and he encouraged residents to report complaints.

With regard to missed collections, the County’s website states that, “The recycling and trash trucks may make collections until 7:00 p.m.  Call 240.777.6410 after 9:00 p.m. or the next morning to report a missed collection.  Leave a message on the recorder if you call after business hours.  Missed collections must be reported within 48 hours of the incident.  In the meantime, do not remove your items from the curb.”

Below are some interesting facts we learned at the meeting about our waste collection and recycling services:

• Bulk pick-up is available for items like furniture; each household may request up to five bulk collections per year.  Residents must call to request this service.

• Unlimited scrap metal collections are available to residents.  Please call to schedule.

• Yard trim (leaves, grass, etc.) may be placed in large brown paper bags available at most grocery stores, home improvement stores, and garden centers, or yard waste may be placed in containers market as yard trim.  The bright green “ YARD TRIM” decals are available at county libraries, regional service centers, online, or by calling 240.777.6410.  Total weight must not exceed 45 pounds per container.  Place the green decal facing the street so collectors recognize it.

• Large brush (e.g., storm debris) can also be tied into bundles with twine.  Bundles should not exceed 30 inches in diameter.  Each branch should not be larger than four feet in length and four inches in diameter

• Mulch made from recycled yard collections is available at no cost to county residents at the Shady Grove transfer station.

• Only plastic items that have a neck (such as bottles) are recycled by the county.  Thus, plastic butter tubs, yogurt cups, salad bar or produce containers, and similar items are not recyclable.  The county no longer recycles plastics based on the number marked on the bottom of the item.  Plastic caps may be left on plastic bottles.  Metal tops should be removed.

• Many other items — such as hazardous household waste, computers, bicycles, and unused construction materials — are recycled at the county transfer station on Shady Grove Road.

If you’re unsure about how to dispose of various items, or if you need information about other waste services, visit the county’s informative website.

MoCo Solid Waste

[Note:  The above link to Montgomery County’s solid waste website has been updated since the newsletter was printed.]   ■