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In 2018, Howard County's waste diversion rate was 49.5%. The waste diversion goal is comprised of the recycling rate plus source reduction credits (maximum 5%) that Maryland Counties and Baltimore City earn through activities designed to reduce the amount of waste going to the waste stream.
In 2018, Howard County recycled a total of 242,358 tons of material! This included 65,518 tons from residents and 176,840 tons from businesses. Business tons were generated by Howard County businesses who reported to us. These businesses are recognized as Work Green Howard businesses. Is your favorite business a Work Green Howard Business?
Paper and Cardboard – 59.7% Glass Bottles – 15.5% Aluminum Cans – 1.1% Water & Soda Bottles – 4.1% Metal Cans – 1.7% Milk Containers - .8% Liquid Detergent Containers – 1.2% Other Plastic Containers (#3-7) – 2.5% Rigid Plastics - 1.2% Trash – 11.5%
Percentages based on average weights from recent audits. Trash includes items that are not recyclable, as well as items that do not belong in the blue cart, but can be recycled in our other programs (EX. Styrofoam, yard trim, scrap metal). These items placed in the blue recycling carts are sorted out as trash and will not be recycled. Help us achieve a cleaner stream. Check out our detailed list of acceptable material for curbside collections.
In 2019, we gave away about 350 compost bins!
We collected:
328 interior doors 114 exterior doors 102 windows 328 toilets 395 kitchen cabinets 207 kitchen sinks 580 light fixtures
Learn about acceptable recyclables, special events, our Composting Facility and more at our Alpha Ridge Landfill page.