Single Stream Recycling means that all mixed recyclables including, plastic bottles and jars, paper, cardboard, metal cans and glass bottles and jars will be collected from the same container on the same day.
Single stream recycling is collected citywide on your regularly scheduled recycling day which you can find by going to Baltimore City’s iMap. Enter your street address and click LOCATE
Plastic bags of any color will not be accepted because the single stream recycling material is sent to a Single Stream Processing Facility which uses an automated system to sort and bale the recyclables. The plastic bags will jam the automated machinery. Any jurisdiction that has gone to a single stream recycling program has pulled plastic bags from their collection programs. Residents can take their plastic bags to some grocery stores, and place in their outside containers for recycling. You are encouraged to ask for paper bags during shopping or opt for the cloth/mesh reusable bags. The first step to recycling is to reduce, so changing the type of bag used during shopping is a huge help to the environment.
The yellow promotional bins are available for sale at 111 Kane Street (across from Patterson High School). The 25 gallon bin is $12 each and the 18 gallon bin is $5 each. Purchases can be made Monday through Friday, 8 am to 2pm. A limit of four bins may be purchased by each individual (Kane Street Location only). Residents can buy bins for their block with proof.
As alternative bin sale locations become available, updates will be posted on the City’s website.
Community groups are welcomed to purchase the bins in bulk and resell them from their local community headquarters. Many other community groups have chosen to do so and the neighbors are quite happy with the convenience.
Yes. Once the material is collected from your home or business, it’s taken to our recycling processor, Waste Management Recycle America. There it is sorted, baled and marketed. Tours are available. If you are interested in scheduling a tour at one of the Waste Management Recycle America Single Stream facilities, please contact one of the sites below. Groups of 10 are preferred, and all tourists must be prepared to put on goggles, safety vest, hats and ear phones.
7175 Kit Kat Road Elkridge, MD 21075 443-755-9416 (Must be at least 18 years of age to tour this facility)
Waste Management Recycle America (WMRA) 1000 Ritchie Road Capital Heights, MD 20743 301-499-1707 (All ages are accepted – This site is more kid friendly)
*Baltimore’s single stream material is processed at the 7175 Kit Kat Road facility.
No. The bins are not mandatory nor required to participate in the new Single Stream Recycling Program. Please see next FAQ for container options.
You may use any of the following:
Please do not use plastic bags. Plastic bags will jam the automated equipment at the recycling processing facility. Please note that many grocery stores will recycle your plastic bags. Some examples of bags these stores may accept in their containers are grocery bags, retail bags (hard plastic and string handles removed), paper towel and toilet paper plastic wrap, plastic newspaper bags, plastic dry cleaning bags, all clean, clear bags labeled with a #2 or #4. Remember; recycle only plastic bags that are clean and dry. Please remove receipts.
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Alfred H. Foxx Director 600 Abel Wolman Municipal Building Baltimore, MD 21202 Water: (410) 396-3500 Solid Waste: (410) 396-5134 Email DPW