Gaithersburg Recycling Service Summary

Recycling in Gaithersburg just became easier as residents of single family homes and townhouses can now "single stream" their recyclables.  Single streaming simplifies the recycling process by allowing customers to combine recyclable paper, plastic, glass, steel and aluminum materials into one single container for collection. These materials are then picked up by a single truck and taken to the Waste Management  recycling facility in Elkridge, MD, where advanced recycling technology is used to automate the sorting of these materials.  Single streaming promotes recycling for those who like the simplicity of using one container for all recyclables. This system eliminates the need to separate newspapers from bottles and cans, which can take up space at home with several different bins for recycling. Any questions regarding these collections should be directed to the Gaithersburg Department of Public Works at 301-258-6370.

• Regular Refuse - Not collected by the City. Residents should make arrangements directly with private refuse haulers.
  
  
• Newspapers, Mixed Paper, Recyclable Cans, Glass Containers, and Plastic Containers - Collected by the City's recycling contractor in City provided bins, placed at the curb on your recycling day.
  
  
• Corrugated Cardboard - Collected by the City's recycling contractor   these no longer need to be cut or flattened.
  
  
• Brush and Branches - Collected by the City's recycling contractor when tied in bundles or placed in biodegradable brown paper bags and placed at the curb on your recycling day.
  
  
• Grass Clippings and Other Yard Trimmings - Collected by the City's recycling contractor when placed in biodegradable brown paper bags and set at the curb on your recycling day.

• Large Appliances - Collected by City crews on your first recycling day of the month. Doors should be removed or secured so they cannot be opened.
  
  
• Large Household Items - Acceptable items collected by City crews on your first recycling day of the month.

Bulk items must be separated from regular refuse and marked "Bulk Pick Up" Items improperly prepared will not be collected.

• Loose Leaves - Collected by crews in the fall and spring when raked to the curb during designated leaf collection days.
  
  
• Storm Damage/Large Amounts of Brush - Call 301-258-6370 to discuss special arrangements.
  
  
• Holiday Trees - Collected by City crews when placed at the curb on your recycling day (Dec. 26 - Jan. 31).

On October 17, 2005, Gaithersburg's Mayor and City Council approved Ordinance No. O-8-05 which makes Montgomery County's multi-family and commercial recycling laws applicable in the City of Gaithersburg.

Multifamily properties located in Gaithersburg must now implement a recycling program in accordance with Montgomery County's "Think Reduce and Recycle at Apartments and Condominiums" (TRRAC) program. Montgomery County implements the multifamily recycling program in Gaithersburg. For more information, please contact the TRRAC Multi-Family Recycling Program at 240-777-6400 or visit the website.

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/swstmpl.asp?url=/Content/DPWT/solidwaste/education/trrac/index.asp

Key provisions of Montgomery County's multifamily recycling laws:

• On-site recycling services must be provided for all residents.
  
  
• Multifamily properties must recycle certain materials:

  - Newspapers, including inserts
  - Aluminum and bi-metal (steel/tin) food and beverage cans and aluminum foil products
  - Glass bottles and jars (green, clear and amber)
  - Plastic bottles with necks
  - Yard trimmings (grass, leaves, brush and Christmas trees)

• The property owner/manager must develop a waste reduction and recycling plan for submission to Montgomery County.
  
  
• The property owner/manager must contract with a Montgomery County licensed collector.
  
  
• The property owner/manager must meet County annual reporting requirements.
  
  

On October 17, 2005, Gaithersburg's Mayor and City Council approved Ordinance No. O-8-05 which makes Montgomery County's multi-family and commercial recycling laws applicable in the City of Gaithersburg. 

Businesses located in Gaithersburg must now implement a recycling program in accordance with Montgomery County's "Smart Organization Reduce & Reuse Tons" (SORRT) program. Montgomery County implements the business recycling program in Gaithersburg. For more information, please contact the SORRT Non-residential Recycling Program at 240-777-6400 or visit the website.

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/swstmpl.asp?url=/Content/DPWT/solidwaste/education/sorrt/index.asp

Key provisions of Montgomery County's commercial recycling laws:

• All businesses must recycle the following required materials with a goal of recycling 50 percent of total waste produced:

  - office paper
  - corrugated cardboard containers
  - newspaper
  - aluminum and steel/tin food and beverage cans (including bi-metal cans)
  - glass and plastic food and beverage containers
  - yard trim

• Businesses with 100 or more onsite employees must complete a Business Recycling and Waste Reduction Plan (referred to as the Plan) to tell the County how your business will recycle the required materials.
  
  
• Businesses with 100 or more onsite employees must submit an Annual Business Recycling and Waste Reduction Report (referred to as the Annual Report) by the dates specified in the Reporting Schedule. Businesses with fewer than 100 onsite employees may submit an annual report upon request of the Division of Solid Waste Services.

Posted on ActiveRain as a community service.

CHARACTER COUNTS IN GAITHERSBURG, MARYLAND