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Pop Quiz

 School is back in session, it's time to test your knowledge!

   
  1. Can tissues and paper towels/napkins be placed in your curbside recycling?
  2. By what time should your recycling cart be placed at the curb in Frederick County?
  3. True or False? Recycling carts belong to the recyclers that use them.
  4. Name two things that plastic bottles typically get made into during recycling.
  5. Where do you go to recycle large, rigid plastic objects, such as playground toys, lawn chairs or picnic coolers?
  6. True or False? The average Marylander generates about two pounds of trash per day.
  7. Do jars (such as for peanut butter or pasta sauce) need to be washed clean before being recycled?
  8.  What's the quickest way to find out if something is recyclable?
 
Answers are at the bottom of the page.  
Business Waste Reduction & Recycling Award Program
Application period now open to local organizations. 
 
 The Waste Reduction and Recycling Award is an annual Frederick County Government program designed to recognize organizations that have reduced their impact on the local waste stream. The entry period for the 2015 award is open until October 9 and businesses are invited to apply. Applications can be found online at:
www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/BusinessRecycle.

The program is administered by the Department of Solid Waste Management. Award winners are commended by Frederick County Government, receive plaques and are featured in online and print advertising and media releases. An application form can be completed online or downloaded from the County's website. Completed applications must be received by Friday, October 9, 2015 to be considered.
 
Any Frederick County organization that utilizes tactics to reduce, reuse or recycle may be recognized for their efforts. Past winners have demonstrated a broad array of "green" business practices, such as composting, bulk purchasing programs, equipment exchange and donation, materials reuse and recycling programs, use of recycled-content materials, and reduction of disposable supplies.   

The goal of this award is to encourage local organizations to consider ways to recycle and reduce waste and to recognize businesses already demonstrating leadership in this area. The actions taken by past award winners show that there are many ways to practice wise waste management strategies and that can sustain both the environment and the business's bottom line. In support of such endeavors, Frederick County Government offers a free handbook titled, 'Mind Your Business: Guide to Integrated Waste Management for Organizations and Workplaces' which is available online. Additional information on this award and other waste reduction strategies presented by the Department of Solid Waste Management can be obtained by calling 301-600-2960 or visiting www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/BusinessRecycle.
Upcoming Events & Dates to Remember
 
August 24-October 9:
Business Waste Reduction & Recycling Award Application Period  
Local organizations that compost, buy recycled-content supplies, reuse equipment or take other actions to reduce their impact on the waste stream can apply to receive recognition for their efforts! More info on our website:
             
September 7-12: Labor Day Holiday Week = Curbside Recycling Shift 
Our facilities will be closed and there will be no curbside recycling collection on Monday, September 7.  ALL recycling collections for the remainder of the week will shift one day later than their normal pick-up. 
             
September 12: Frederick's 'In the Street' Festival 
Come celebrate our community at this popular festival!  Office of Recycling staff will host an information and activity booth in the "Going Green" block-an area that features organizations that strive for sustainability.

September 12: Document Shredding Event
Sponsored by ReMax realtors, open to the public, 9am-12pm. Held at the Emerald Farms community pavilion (located at the intersection of Hunting Ridge Drive where it meets Swallowtail Drive). For more information, call 301-874-1480.

September 18-26: The Great Frederick Fair 
Check out our booth in the "City Streets Country Roads" pavilion to learn about recycling and composting! You can test your knowledge of waste reduction, check out compost bins on display, ask questions - and win a prize too!

October 8-11: Tot Swap Consignment Sale 
Another great opportunity to go green and save greenbacks. Stock your closets- or empty them out- by buying and selling via consignment. More info at www.totswap.net

October 17: Fall Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Day 
Hazardous wastes (like driveway sealers, cleaners, garden chemicals, rechargeable batteries, etc.) should be kept out of the environment-and our landfill.  Join us for our free drop-off of residential hazardous materials from 8am-12pm at the Public Safety Training Facility located at 8349 Reichs Ford Road.   More information available on our website: www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/hazwaste
 
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Info On-The-Go:
Events and programs sponsored by the Department of Solid Waste Management (such as Household Hazardous Waste drop-off days, Christmas tree drop-off sites, etc.) are listed in our free mobile app. To get event notifications and recycling reminders, download the app today:
     
The Department of Solid Waste Management does not endorse any particular business or service. These listings are provided for general information. If you know of a local event designed to reduce waste, let us know and we may be able to help spread the word! Email notices to recycle@FrederickCountyMD.gov. 
Need to Up-Size?
There are three sizes of recycling carts in Frederick County. Which size suits you?
To swap your recycling cart for another size -or get a cart if you don't already have one- visit
www.LearnMoreRecycleBetter.org to place an online request, or call 301-600-2960.
Answers to the Quiz...
  1. Nope.  The fibers in low-grade paper such as tissues and paper towels are worn out and not suitable for recycling.
  2. No later than 6am on your collection day.
  3. False. Recycling carts are the property of Frederick County Government. Please do not permanently mark or alter them in any way. Carts should remain at the address they are assigned to even if the home's occupant moves.
  4. New products made from old plastic bottles include: carpeting, poly-fill for coats and sleeping bags, fleece jackets, polyester fabric for clothing, yarn, playground equipment, plastic lumber, plastic auto parts, and, of course, new bottles too!
  5. Large plastic items can be placed (for no charge) in the collection bin specially designated for them at the 9031 Reichs Ford Road recycling drop-off center.
  6. False!  According to the Maryland Department of the Environment, Maryland residents average about 7 pounds of trash per day, per person.
  7. Not completely.  Containers are required to be empty but not spotless!  Rinsing is helpful, but small amounts of food residue will burn off when materials are heated and processed for recycling into new products. As a matter of fact, you can use up the peanut butter (or mayonnaise, or salad dressing, etc.) then simply re-cap the jar and toss it in the bin!
  8. Ask the app! Our handy mobile app has a database of thousands of common items, from light bulbs to banana peels, so you can quickly find out which bin to toss something in! www.my-waste.mobi/FrederickMD
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