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.
No, the bins are not mandatory nor required to participate in the new Single Stream Recycling Program. Please see next statement for options.
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.
Baltimore’s curbside and drop-off programs accept narrow-neck and screw top plastic bottles labeled with numbers 1 through 7 ONLY. 1’s and 2’s include many soda and water bottles, milk and juice jugs, and household cleaner bottles. 3’s – 7’s include items like oil, jelly and ketchup bottles. In an attempt to be more environmentally friendly, many plastic bottles that used to be made of the 3 – 7 are now being made of the 1 and 2 plastics. Plastics like margarine tubs, yogurt containers, plates, flatware or food containers that are not narrow neck and or screw top bottles or jars, are not acceptable in the program. The types of commodities that we can accept in our recycling program are based on what the industry is demanding and what recycling processors will accept. At this time, it is not economical for recycling processors and there is not as much demand for food packaging grades of plastics as there is for the grades of plastics that are used to make the narrow neck and screw top bottles and jars. If at some point in the future, Baltimore City’s recycling vendor will accept these other plastics, we will notify Baltimore residents.
Single stream recycling material will be collected on your old paper recycling day. For example, if your paper day was the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, then effective January 8, 2008, your single stream day will be the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. No more Monday recycling collection.
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.
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.
Metal: aluminum, tin and steel food and beverage containers (e.g. soup, pet food, empty aerosol cans, vegetable cans, tuna cans)
Plastic: bottles and jars with the symbols 1 - 7 on the bottom (narrow neck and or screw top) (e.g. soda bottle, detergent/bleach bottle, water bottle, milk jug, juice bottle)
Glass: bottles and jars - brown, clear, or green
Mixed Paper: all colors, mail, books, newsprint, folders, magazines, cardboard, cereal boxes, office and school paper
Plastic grocery bags, Wire hangers, Chemicals or paint, Waxed packages (juice boxes, etc.), Paper napkins, towels, plates and tissues, Plastic cookware or plates, Yogurt/cottage cheese/margarine tubs, Cat litter, Plastic utensils, Dry cleaning bags, Foil, Waxed paper, Window glass/Mirrors, Deli or takeout cartons, Foam or plastic packaging material, Bottles or cans used for toxic substances.