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 America Recycles Day
There are many holidays this season, but the one nearest and dearest to our hearts, is of course, America Recycles Day! Each year on November 15, national recognition is given to the importance of recycling and its impact on our economy, environment and communities. The act of placing items in a blue cart may seem small, but it makes a big difference. Recycling saves energy and resources, prevents pollution, conserves landfill space and even creates jobs. So, thank you for recycling! If you'd like to participate in one more small action in honor of America Recycles Day, take the online pledge to recycle. Each pledge is an entry to win one of ten park benches made of recycled plastic! Visit www.americarecyclesday.org/pledge.
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Announcing the 2013 Business Waste Reduction & Recycling Award Winners
 Each year, Frederick County Government honors local businesses and organizations that have taken steps to reduce the amount of waste they create. Beyond recycling, award-winners have taken steps such as reuse
of materials, purchasing in bulk, reduction of packaging, equipment sharing programs, composting and other sustainable ways to waste less.
This year's winners are: Circle of Life Cooperative Preschool and Life Technologies.
Both businesses strive to decrease the amount of waste they produce, with Life Technologies instituting numerous policies and programs to increase their landfill diversion rate. Circle of Life makes decisions about its purchasing, materials use and disposal practices with a keen regard for the idea that their actions serve to "educate young children about the world of which they are a part".
We commend these local organizations for demonstrating that waste reduction is not only good for our community, but good for business as well.
For more information on the Department of Solid Waste Management's programs for businesses, please visit www.FrederickCountyMd.gov/BusinessRecycle.
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Recycling Schedule & Tips
Please note that our facilities will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. That means there will be no curbside collection on those days and all recycling pick ups for the remainder of those holiday weeks will shift one day later than usual.Additionally, our administrative offices will be closed on November 29 and December 26 as well, but the landfill will be open for business and there will be curbside recycling on those days.
If all the pie tins, cans of cranberry sauce, gift wrapping and boxes add up... just place extra recyclables that won't fit in a blue cart or bin inside a paper bag (lawn & leaf bags work great), cardboard box or an open-top container that has been very clearly marked for RECYCLING, then set the excess materials out next to your cart. Don't place recyclables in trash bags, as they're likely to be disposed of at the sorting facility!
 Keep an eye out in your mailbox-- the new, 2014 recycling calendar will be arriving in December!
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   Simple Ways to Waste Less at the Holidays
According to the EPA, the volume of household waste in the United States generally increases 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day - about 1 million extra tons. Here are some tips to help your household enjoy more and waste less: - Give a reusable travel mug! It's the perfect accompaniment to a coffee shop gift card or a box of tea and will be appreciated on the cold days ahead. The paper, foam and plastic cups that restaurants and cafes serve their hot and cold beverages in are not recyclable, so your small gift can make a big difference!
- About 40 percent of all battery sales occur just during the holiday season. Give a battery charger and rechargeable batteries to accompany your electronic gifts. Rechargeable batteries save money in the long run, as they typically last for more than 1,000 charges. Plus, newer models can hold their charge for long periods of time (a year or more!) while in the drawer waiting for use.
- Remember-disposable plates, cups and cutlery are not recyclable! Nope, not even "styrofoam" or Solo cups with a "recycling symbol" stamped on the bottom. So, whenever possible, try to utilize reusable cups, plates and serving ware.
- According to the Washington Post, if every family in the U.S. used just two feet less of holiday ribbon, the 38,000 miles of ribbon saved could tie a bow around the planet! Save money on bows, and conserve resources too! We love the idea of using scraps of leftover wrapping paper to make bows for your packages (find out how here). It's efficient, economical and creates a recyclable add-on for your gift!
- Don't waste trees to wrap presents-try a reusable wrap! Place gifts inside a gift by wrapping up in a towel, shirt or scarf. Or use a sturdy cloth bag-something that can be easily reused or re-gifted. Remember, bows, ribbons and metallic or plastic gift wraps are not recyclable. Try using hair ties, small toys, rubber bands, post-it notes or other fun- and reusable- decorations!
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 Help Your Guests Recycle More and Waste Less!
Hosting a holiday gathering? Help out-of-town guests know which bin to put their waste in--download our free printable guides to holiday recycling! Place a few extra bins around the house and use these posters to ensure that the right materials get recycled. - Thanksgiving Recycling Guide - Winter Holidays Recycling Guide |
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Winter is Coming...
If storms impede traffic and cause closings, chances are they could affect curbside recycling service too. Staying up to date and knowing when to set your cart out is easy...
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Receive Instant Notifications: our mobile app quickly lets users know if their curbside pickup has been changed. Download for free at www.my-waste.mobi/FrederickMD
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Give Us A Call: call in to hear updated messages about recycling service and facility information- dial 301-600-2960.
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Find Us On Facebook: We post status updates that reflect any changes to the curbside schedule. Plus, you can post questions if needed.
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Tune In to Local Radio: If curbside recycling is cancelled or shifted, we send information to WFMD, WFRE (Frederick's Free Country), WAFY (Key 103) and WWEG (The Eagle).
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Looking for a Unique Gift? Think COMPOST!
Bins: We sell compost bins- boxed and ready for wrapping- at our administrative office (9031 Reichs Ford Road); office hours are 7:30am - 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Bins cost $20, payable by check only. Mention this newsletter and we'll include a free aluminum water bottle and a reusable tote bag with your purchase! Revive: Our premium quality compost would be a welcome addition to any garden- and a unique way to surprise your favorite gardener! $15 a ton, available Monday - Saturday, 7am - 4:30pm at our Reichs Ford Road yard waste recycling site. We load all bulk purchases...all you have to do is figure out how to wrap it!
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