FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

(1) How can I get rid of paint?

Hold a paint swap with neighbors and friends so that usable paint doesn't go to waste. Mix white (or colored) paints together to give your walls or furniture a fresh look. Solidify old and unusable paint by adding an absorbent material such as cat litter, shredded newspaper, leaves, sawdust, or dirt. If there isn't much paint left in the can, leave the lid off to air dry. Once solidified, the paint can be disposed with your normal household trash, but remember the 40 pound limit for trash containers.

(2) Can I get a smaller or larger recycling cart or bin?

Yes. Call (410) 313-6444 to exchange your container for a different size. Please leave your bin/cart out and available until the exchange is made. If you live in a townhome community, please leave your bin/cart by your house for exchange and not in a grouping area. Residents do not need to be home for the swap.

(3) Can I still put recycling out in clear bags or paper bags?

Yes.

(4) The recycling guys in my neighborhood lift our heavy carts to empty them into the recycling truck. Does it matter how heavy the recycling carts are?

No. Every recycling truck is equipped with a tipper so that the guys on the back of the truck do not need to lift the carts. However, it is not mandatory to use the tipper and therefore, the tipper may not be used in order to save time and build muscle. Heavy carts are not a problem for collections.

(5) Can I use the recycling cart or bin for trash or yardwaste collection?

No. The carts are only for commingled recycling items.

(6) The brochure that came with the cart says that I can't recycle plastic bags but the County's website tells me that I can. What is correct?

The website is correct. The County's contracted recycling processor added new items to the acceptable item list after the brochure and cart lid had already been printed. The recycling program now includes new types of plastic, aluminum and paper products. Click here for a printable chart of recyclable materials.

(7) What is aseptic packaging?

Aseptic packaging, commonly known as a 'drink box', is a combination of paper, plastic, and aluminum. This multi-layer package locks out light and air, seals in nutrients and flavor, and allows its contents to remain un-refrigerated for months. For more information, visit www.aseptic.org

(8) Help! Something of value ended up in my trash/recycling. How can I get it back?

Unfortunately, once items are in the back of the trash, recycling or yardwaste truck, they are gone. Please take extra precautions to guarantee that anything of value does not accidently get placed with your trash or recycling.

(9) I set something at my curb that wasn’t meant for trash or recycling. Why did the trash/recycling truck pick it up?

The trucks for residential trash and recycling will clear the curb of material. If something is at the curb or grouping area, they assume it is to be picked up for trash or recycling. If you need to set out items for charity or other pickups, please make arrangements for a pickup spot other than your normal trash/recycling pickup area. This will ensure items end up where they were intended.

(10) What do I do with my existing recycling bin?

There are a few options:

1. You can continue to use the bin as an additional recycling container.

2. If the bin is cracked and unusable, please recycle it with your regular curbside recycling. Mark your bin “To Be Recycled” to help the collection crew. If the recycling crew does not take the bin, please call (410) 313-6444. You may also recycle your broken bin in the Rigid Plastics dumpster at the Alpha Ridge Residents Convenience Center.

3. If the bin is in usable condition, please take the bin to the Alpha Ridge Landfill at 2350 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD 21104 to be reused.

4. Consider checking with your local school to see if they would like your gently used bin for classroom recycling.

5. Used blue bins also make great mini composters.

Sorry, no refunds are being given for previously purchased recycling bins.

(11) Can I give my recycling cart or bin to a friend?

No. Recycling carts and bins are assigned to the address they are delivered to. Serial numbers and RFID tags are on each container and these numbers are assigned to a specific address.