Waste Study Group

Maryland Waste Study Group

Broadening the discussion about how to handle solid waste in Frederick County...and beyond

Surprising Facts

 

A review of literature on incineration and recycling shows that most of the combustible portion of the waste stream consists of newspaper, mixed paper, and yard waste (including wood waste), materials that are currently recycled. Pulling these materials back into the waste stream to fuel combustion is incompatible with adopted waste reduction and recycling goals. Without combustible waste for fuel, incineration requires substantial amounts of other types of fuel.
 

2001 King County Solid Waste Plan
 

 

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE

Why is it important to recycle?

If every family and business recycled, 75% of the trash we now bury would be diverted from landfill:
Recycle Nassau: Did you know?
e-ssortment: Why is it important to recycle?

There is also economic benefit to recycling because it brings jobs and revenue to local economies:
US EPA: Economic Benefits
Pennsylvania DEP: Recycling Provides Economic Benefits

Even further diversion is possible through composting, which is an easy thing to do in your backyard. For more information about composting, and to where to buy a compost container for $10 at the Reichs Ford landfill, go to this county website: Frederick County, MD: Give Backyard Composting a Try

Keeping valuable materials out of the landfill and burner is everyone's responsibility--at home, work, school, and during recreation. Plan to take home all empty recyclable containers home with you if no recycle bins are available in a public park. Start a recycling program at your work.