About

Students, faculty and staff at HCPSS have the opportunity to continue good recycling habits in the cafeteria and classrooms. Like County curbside collection, recyclables are processed at Waste Management Recycle America in Elkridge, MD.

school recycling feature

Recycling

HCPSS offers single stream recycling in the cafeteria and classrooms. Just like at home, items should be clean, empty and dry before recycling. It's important that only recyclable items are placed in the blue bin.

recycle here school poster

What's accepted?

Title

YES we can accept

Content
Paper
milk cartons/juice boxes newspapers & inserts magazines
cardboard & paperboard office paper & envelopes folders
paper bags shredded paper (must be in paper bag) books
Metal
aluminum cans steel cans aerosol cans (empty)
Glass
glass bottles glass jars
Plastic
applesauce cups yogurt cups margarine/butter tubs
reusable containers peanut butter jars lunchables
water bottle soda bottle frozen dessert cup

 

 

Title

NO we can't accept

Content
Paper
laminated paper food-stained paper lunch trays
paper towels/napkins tissues binders
Metal
scrap metal binders wires & cables
Glass
window glass mirrors ceramics
Plastic
styrofoam plastic bags plastic film
chip bags candy wrappers yogurt/applesauce lids
utensils straws food/drink pouches

 

Food Scraps

Our Feed the Green Bin food scrap collection program is available in eligible HCPSS schools. Food scraps, napkins and compostable trays are sorted in the cafeteria, collected and sent to our Composting Facility at Alpha Ridge Landfill. 

Schools that wish to participate can complete our online interest form. Although this does not guarantee participation, the collected data will be used when planning future expansions.

food scrap collection rockburn elementary

What's accepted?

Title

YES we accept

Content

Food Scraps:

banana peels apple cores bread crusts
leftover food cheese yogurt
candy egg shells coffee grounds

Compostable Items:

paper lunch trays napkins/paper towels
coffee filters tea bags
pizza boxes popsicle sticks
Title

NO we can't accept

Content
liquids recyclables
tissues Styrofoam
waxed paper waxed cardboard
Title

Cafeteria Clean-Up Video

Content
Title

Compost Journey Video

Content

Contests

Contests are a great way for students of all ages to become more engaged in recycling initiatives and environmental sustainability. Check out of list below for contest information and past winners.

recycled sculpture contest
Title

Coloring Book Contest

Content

Open to Howard County third, fourth and fifth graders, contestants must draw pictures of how they reduce, reuse and recycle at home or at school. The top 13 drawings will be featured in a coloring book, with the “best in show” appearing on the cover.

2017 Coloring Book

2013 Coloring Book

2010 Coloring Book

Title

"Rethink Recycling" Sculpture Contest

Content

In celebration of America Recycles Day (November 15), Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) holds an annual recycled sculpture contest. This contest is open to all high school students in Maryland. Sculptures must be made from recyclable or reused material. Judges will select an overall winning sculpture along with individual recognition for creativity, workmanship and use of materials.

Next Contest: TBA

Presentations & Tours

Title

Recycling Presentation

Content

NEW! Virtual presentations can be scheduled Monday-Friday. 

Schedule a recycling presentation. A Recycling Coordinator will discuss the ins and outs of recycling, as well as provide an inside look at what happens to all those things we recycle. We offer assembly style presentations, grade-by-grade presentations or short 5-minute cafeteria presentations to get the students thinking about what they have in their lunches that can be recycled everyday. 

Complete a presentation request form below.

Title

Virtual Tours

Content

Learn all about Howard County's third public landfill open to both commercial and residential customers. In this virtual tour of Alpha Ridge Landfill you get a behind the scenes look at our Transfer Station, Wood Waste Drop-off Area and our state-of-the-art Composting Facility. 

Explore the many drop-off recycling opportunities available at the Residents' Convenience Center with our virtual tour or use it to plan your next trip out to Alpha Ridge Landfill.

Title

Alpha Ridge Landfill Guided Tour

Content

Schedule a tour of the Residents' Convenience Center, our state-of-the-art Composting Facility or both! Bureau staff will guide your group and discuss what is collected and what happens to all those items. Tours are typically scheduled Monday-Friday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Contact us to schedule.

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