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Recycling is Good...Recycling Right is Better!
Take a quiz to see how well you know your local recycling program! 
Answers are at the bottom of the page. 
  1. Why can't recyclables be set at the curb inside plastic bags?
  2. Are disposable cups from fast-food restaurants or cafes recyclable?
  3. Should lids be left on or off bottles and jars?
  4. Do containers have to be washed before recycling?
  5. How many different sizes of recycling carts does Frederick County offer to residents?
  6. What's the easiest way to figure out if something is recyclable?
Free Home Composting Classes   
 
Whew, spring is here...FINALLY! Celebrate by starting - or  stirring - a compost pile! New to composting? Need a refresher course? We're here to help!

Our free, two-hour classes cover the basics and beyond - plus, include a behind-the-scenes tour of our facilities and large-scale composting process. It's the ultimate way to go green this spring!

All classes are held at the landfill facilities (9031 Reichs Ford Road in Frederick). Class dates and times are:
  • Tuesday, April 14, 10am - 12pm 
  • Thursday, April 16, 5 - 7pm
  • Wednesday, April 22 (Earth Day!), 2 - 4pm
  • Saturday, May 16, 9:30 - 11:30am
  • Sunday, May 17, 1:30 - 3:30pm
  • Saturday, June 6, 1:30 - 3:30pm
All participants get a half-off coupon for the purchase of a GeoBin compost bin, plus a free t-shirt and handouts to take home.

Space is limited for each class, so advance registration is required!
Sign up by calling 301-600-7405 or sending an email to: [email protected]

Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Event
Safe Disposal of Common Hazardous Wastes hazardous waste

When: Saturday May 9, 2015, 8am - 12pm    
          
Where: Public Safety Training Facility
             8349 Reichs Ford Road

What:   A program of the County Department of Solid Waste Management, these twice-per-year events are offered to provide safe, appropriate disposal for items that could pose a hazard if placed in a  landfill.  Items accepted include rechargeable batteries, CFL light bulbs, pool chemicals, stains and sealants, household cleaners, fuels and much more. There is no charge to drop off residential hazardous materials at these events.  

Who:   Frederick County residents only, no businesses.
 
More info available on our website: www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/HazWaste

 
Community Events to Help You
"Go Green" This Spri
ng!
Know of a local event that promotes waste reduction or proper disposal  of materials?  Let us know!  Send event info to: [email protected]


What:    Drug Disposal Event
When:   Saturday, April 18
Where:  Harry Grove Stadium, Frederick 
Citizens are encouraged to drop off unused and expired medications. You may remove all personally identifiable information from medicine bottles or containers. For more information, please contact Corporal Rebecca Carrado at the Frederick Police Department, 301-600-6236.


What:   Earth Day 
When:  April 22 
Where: Everywhere! 
Details: Earth Day occurs annually with events worldwide held to demonstrate support for awareness of environmental issues. It was first celebrated in 1970 and is now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network, with participation by residents of more than 192 countries each year. 


What:    Kids Closet Consignment Sale
When:   Thursday - Sunday, May 7-10
Where:  Frederick Fairgrounds
Details:  Shop green by purchasing (or selling) gently used items- clothes, toys, sports gear, baby supplies, etc. More information is available online at www.kidscloset.biz/sale?sale_id=17
   
Coloring Book Contest  
 
Through April 10 (original deadline extended), local K-12 students can create a black-and-white drawing based on the Department of Solid Waste Management's motto of "Recycle More, Waste Less." Selected entries will be featured in a coloring book to be distributed in the community, promoting the value of the "three R's": reduce, reuse and recycle.

 

To participate in the "Recycle More. Waste Less." Coloring Book Contest, students may draw or digitally create a picture and submit their original artwork along with an official entry form.   

Submissions will be judged in 4 grade-level categories: K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Each category will award a first place prize of $100, a second place prize of $50 and a third place prize of $25. (Prizes funded through a grant from Waste Management Recycle America.)

The announcement of contest winners will be made on Earth Day, April 22.    

 

For more information on this program please visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/ColoringBook.  

Answers to the "Recycling Right" Quiz:

 

1. Why can't recyclables be set at the curb inside plastic bags?

Unlike trash, recyclables have to be sorted, and for that to happen, the materials need to be loose. Check out the video link at the top of the page to see how sorting happens. And please never place recyclables inside trash bags...if it looks like trash, it may get disposed!  

 

Of course, the one exception to this rule is recyclable plastic bags...these must be gathered together and stuffed inside one bag for collection. Did you know that loose plastic bags can shut down the entire sorting process by getting wrapped up in the sorting machinery?  

 

2. Are disposable cups from fast-food restaurants or cafes recyclable?

Nope. Soda cups, coffee cups, even water cups - none can be recycled. It doesn't matter whether it's made of paper, plastic or "styrofoam," disposable cups get disposed.  

 

3. Should lids be left on or off bottles and jars?

Leave 'em on! Loose lids are not easy to sort, but caps left on bottles can be collected for recycling.

 

4. Do containers have to be washed before recycling?

No they do not! A quick rinse may help reduce recycle bin odors, but it isn't required for recycling. All containers must be empty, but you can simply use up that peanut butter then cap the jar and toss it in the bin!

 

5. How many different sizes of recycling carts does Frederick County offer to residents? 

Three! Residents may choose to recycle using wheeled carts in three different sizes: 35-, 65- or 95-gallons. You can swap your cart for a different size by visiting www.LearnMoreRecycleBetter.org

 

6. What's the easiest way to figure out if something is recyclable?
Use our free mobile app! With its searchable database of thousands of common items, its a handy way to end recycling arguments. Simply type in an item and get instructions for reuse, recycling, disposal or composting. Download today at www.my-waste.mobi/FrederickMD.
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