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Department of Public Works - Recycling FAQ
What is Single Stream Recycling?
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.
Are the new recycling bins mandatory?
No, the bins are not mandatory nor required to participate in the new Single Stream Recycling Program. Please see next statement for options.
What can I use for my material?
You may use paper bags, bind and tie with string, cardboard boxes, a recycle bin, or any container of choice as long as it is marked “recycle”. 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.
Why are plastic bags no longer acceptable?
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.
Is the recycling material that is collected, really being recycled?
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.
Waste Management Recycle America (WMRA)
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.
Acceptable Recycling Material:
- Aerosol Cans (empty)
- Aluminum: cans, beverage and fool containers, foil (clean), and pie pans
- Books: hardbound, paperback and text books
- Bottles: narrow-neck bottles used for food liquids, soap, soda or water - (lightly clean if heavily soiled)
- Cardboard and paperboard boxes corrugated boxes, egg containers, food boxes (including cereal boxes), frozen food packaging, mailing boxes and show boxes
-Please remove plastic or Styrofoam packaging material from inside - Cartons (waxed) : used for a liquid such as juices, milk or soups
- Glass containers such as bottles and jars (brown, clear or green - please rinse)
- Juice Boxes (clean)
- Mail: envelopes with plastic windows
- Metal: beverage and food containers
- Paper (all colors and types): catalogs, folders, junk mail, magazines, mixed paper, newsprint (all types), non-metallic wrapping paper, office papers, printer paper, school papers and shredded paper
- Plastic: bottles and jars with symbols #1 through #7 (narrow neck and screw top – lightly clean if heavily soiled) -e.g., detergent/bleach bottles, juice bottles, milk jugs, soda bottles, water bottles. Containers with symbols #1 through #7 (wide-mouthed – lightly clean if heavily soiled) -e.g., cottage cheese, margarine, mayonnaise, sour cream and yogurt (caps and labels o.k.). Drinking cups and prescription bottles, including lids and caps.
- Steel: beverage containers and food
- Tin: cans and foil
Rigid Plastics (to be taken to the citizen drop-off center 1 – 5 only and placed in container marked "rigid plastics) – For drop-off center locations, please click Citizen Drop-off Locations
Rigid plastics which include milk/soda crates, buckets, laundry baskets, lawn furniture, totes, plastic drums, coolers, flower pots, water bottles, pallets, pet carriers, shelving, closet organizers, empty garbage/recycling bins.
Please note that many grocery stores will recycle your plastic bags.
Unacceptable Recycling Material (Examples):
- Carry out or deli food containers
- Cat litter
- Chemicals
- Cookware and plates (plastic)
- Containers of toxic substances
-e.g., bottles, cans motor oil, pesticides, etc. - Contaminated paper products
-e.g., napkins, paper towels, waxed paper, paper plates and tissue - Contaminated plastic products
-e.g., plates, utensils, cookware, to-go cartons - Dry cleaning bags
- Food Waste
- Furniture of any kind
- Glass (window and mirror)
- Packaging (foam or plastic)
- Paint and paint cans?
- Plastic bags including grocery and newspaper covers
- Utensils (plastic)
- Waxed paper
- Wire Hangers
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