COVID-19 WASTE MANAGEMENT UPDATE
Dear Community Association Leader or Representative:
It's been a while since our last correspondence of February 18th. We've certainly experienced some changes, choices, and challenges since then, something we're sure you can relate to!
We wanted to take this opportunity to pass on information specific to COVID-19 that might be useful to your community. Please know that even during these unprecedented times, the Bureau of Waste Management Services remains committed to managing the collections, processing, and recycling of solid waste.
Curbside Collection
All curbside collections (trash, recycling, yard waste) are operating on a normal schedule. However, volumes have increased substantially and crews are spread thin. Your curbside collection may occur later than usual, or in some areas even the following day. Please leave your materials at the curb until the crews are able to complete their routes. A good indication the trucks may be running behind would be that no one else on your street has received collection either. To report a concern to our Customer Service team, you can visit www.aacounty.org and choose Report a Concern or call (410) 222-6100.
You can help by placing out only what needs to be collected - trash (bagged in a container with a tight-fitted lid), recycling (loose in container), and yard waste (in kraft paper yard waste bags or containers marked with X's). We understand this is the perfect time for Spring Cleaning, but if you can hold that material and bulk items until state restrictions are lifted, it would make a world of difference.
For the complete guidelines on curbside collection, visit https://www.aacounty.org/departments/public-works/waste-management/curbside-collection/index.html
County Recycling Centers
To further protect the health and safety of both residents and employees, the County's three Recycling Centers will only permit ten vehicles to enter and use the facilities at a time, allowing everyone to adhere to the CDC's social distancing guidelines.
In line with the state's Stay At Home directive, we kindly request that facility visits be made only if it is essential, such an example would be those residents that do not receive curbside collection or to drop-off items that cannot be stored for an extended period of time. Otherwise, please hold items that cannot be collected curbside until the State of Emergency has been lifted.
For more information on our County Recycling Centers, including locations and hours of operations, visit https://www.aacounty.org/departments/public-works/waste-management/recycling-centers/.
Suspended Programs (temporary)
At this time, our Cart Delivery and Repair program has been suspended. If you are in immediate need of a recycling container, you can implement our "Container of Choice" option by using any container of your choosing for recycling! Simply mark the sides with "X"s visible to the crews.
Our Bulk Metal Collection program has also been halted as we focus attention and staff on more essential programs.
Our Textiles Recycling Program is on pause as well. Again, we know many folks are taking this time at home to declutter and gather items for donating and recycling, and we appreciate your understanding as this service requires the contractors to come into close contact with material. We ask that you kindly hold these items at home until we are able to collect this material again. If you didn't know about this program, there is a flyer attached to this email!
Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Events
In accordance with current CDC social distancing guidelines, we have had to cancel the first two HHW events on our 2020 schedule. At this time, the next event will be Saturday, June 6th at the Northern Recycling Center (100 Dover Road, Glen Burnie) from 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM, but we recommend checking our website prior to the event in the instance that it is cancelled. Visit https://www.aacounty.org/services-and-programs/household-hazardous-waste-drop-off-days for the HHW schedule, program details, and suggestions for using non-hazardous products for your home.
COVID-19 Waste
Masks, gloves, wipes - we've seen an increase in these materials (and more of the like) in our trash and recycling streams. In order to ensure they end up in the right bin, we've created a "COVID-19 WASTE - Know Before You Throw" graphic that is attached to this email. Also included is our regular "Know Before You Throw" piece for reference.
We'd like to close on a positive note: April 22nd marked the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. The Recycling Division has been highlighting resources and activities that can be accessed from the comforts of your own home. You can find this material and updates like those we've listed above on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/annearundelrecycling. Join us as we celebrate this special milestone virtually and be a part of the conversation on Facebook.
Thanks again for your help! Be safe, stay well.
Richard Bowen
Manager, Recycling & Waste Reduction Division
DPW – Waste Management Services
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