Frederick, MD (PRWEB) January 08, 2016
The Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) is pleased to announce that Frederick County’s recycling rate has reached 50% for the first time. This data is officially released by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE); the most recent report issued by MDE (for data from calendar year 2014) recognized that Frederick County has now diverted half of its total waste into various recycling programs (public and private). This accomplishment significantly exceeds the national average recycling rate of 34% as reported by the Environmental Protection Agency.
In addition to tracking recycling efforts, the County and the State assess local efforts to prevent and reduce waste overall. This produces a waste diversion rate which is calculated by taking the County’s recycling rate and adding percentage points earned for specific waste reduction activities. Up to 5 points may be awarded annually by MDE; Frederick County has earned the maximum 5% credit for the past 5 years, achieving a 55% waste diversion rate as of 2014. Some examples of DSWM’s waste reduction activities include: advertising waste prevention “green tips” during the winter holidays, promoting grasscycling in spring, offering a Business Waste Reduction and Recycling Award each fall and conducting home composting classes. These and other activities work to support the overall goal adopted by Frederick County Government to attain a waste diversion rate of 60% by 2025.
Those interested in waste and recycling issues are reminded that there are two remaining meetings in the series of “What’s Next?” Solid Waste Public Forums, which provide residents an opportunity to discuss the future of Frederick County’s solid waste management programs. These meetings are scheduled for Monday, January 11, 7pm at Urbana High School and Saturday, January 23, 10am, at the Thurmont Town Hall. Details are available online at http://www.frederickcountymd.gov/whatsnext.
The Department of Solid Waste Management extends its thanks to those who participate in local initiatives for their support of recycling and waste reduction. Each individual effort to reduce, reuse and recycle adds up to make a significant impact. With that in mind, residents and businesses throughout the county are encouraged to resolve to recycle more and waste less in 2016 and beyond. For assistance, ideas or more information on residential recycling opportunities, please call 301-600-2960 or visit the department’s website: http://www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/recycle. Businesses and organizations wishing to discuss waste reduction and recycling opportunities can contact Donna Corbus, Frederick County’s Commercial Recycling Program coordinator at 301-600-7404 or by sending email to DCorbus(at)FrederickCountyMD.gov.