Residential Recycling

In Howard County, recyclables can be placed "ALL TOGETHER" in the same container. A blue cart, bin or see-through bag is all you need. This includes all recyclable paper, plastic, metal cans, cardboard and glass. Please empty containers and rinse lightly, but you don't need to remove lids, caps, labels or rings.

Note: Please NO yardwaste or trash in County-issued recycling carts and bins.

Did You Know? ALL Howard County residents can bring household recyclables to the Alpha Ridge Landfill Residents' Convenience Area.

Visit the Alpha Ridge Residents' Convenience Center for additional recycling outlets such as auto battery, tire and antifreeze recycling.

Cardboard

YES we accept...

• corrugated cardboard (used to hold paper, small appliances, or boxes from warehouse stores, etc).

NO we can't accept...

• styrofoam pieces (packaging from the inside of the boxes)
• waxed cardboard (bulk/supplier produce boxes)
• stacked bundles higher than 6 inches

HOW TO prepare for collection

• Cardboard recyclables must be clean
• Remove plastic liners, waxed paper and styrofoam packaging material
• Flatten all boxes to conserve space
• Cut boxes to fit into the 2 feet x 4 feet x 6 inch opening in the recycling truck (i.e., the size of a large bath towel and thickness of a pillow)
• If preferred, tie or bundle with string (stacked no higher than 6 inches)

Glass Bottles and Jars

YES we accept...

• any color glass food or beverage containers

NO we can't accept...

• window glass
• drinking glasses
• mirrors
• ceramics
• crystal
• fluorescent or light bulbs
• CorningWare or Pyrex

Metal Cans

YES we accept...

• aluminum, steel & tin cans (this includes drink and food, even pet food!)
• aluminum foil
• aluminum bakeware
• empty aerosol cans

NO we can't accept...

• propane cylinders
• siding
• beach or lawn chairs
• pots, pans or other scrap metal
• motor oil or other automotive fluid cans

Paper

Note: Paper must be clean. Please remove plastic liners from food boxes.

YES we accept...

• newspapers & inserts
• phone books
• junk mail (even window envelopes)
• food & snack boxes
• paperback books
• hardback books
• greeting cards
• gift wrap
• catalogs
• magazines
• tubes for paper towels & toilet paper
• shoe boxes
• household paperboard boxes
• paper board egg cartons
• shredded paper (please secure in a paper bag or white/clear plastic bag)
• milk cartons
• juice boxes
• AND MUCH MORE....

NO we can't accept...

• food contaminated paper (pizza boxes, paper plates/cups)
• paper towels
• tissues
• napkins
• paper plates or cups
• foil-type gift wrap

Plastics

Note: Plastic items must be no longer than 4 feet in length, 18 inches in diameter and less than 40 pounds.

YES we accept...

• plastic bottles (shampoo, salad dressing, laundry detergent, etc.)
• milk jugs
• spray bottles
• pump bottles
• butter and cheese tubs
• yogurt containers
• peanut butter jars
• frozen food trays
• disposable plastic cups and plates
• and MUCH MORE...

NEW plastics accepted...

• milk/soda crates
• flower pots (clean, no soil or plant material)
• buckets (including buckets with metal handles)
• lawn furniture
• drinking cups and lids
• toys
• bags of bags and plastic film (more information, click here)
• water bottles (five gallon or larger)
• coolers
• totes and sweater boxes
• pet carriers

NO we can't accept...

• styrofoam
• plastic clam shell packaging for food, toys, electronics, batteries, etc.
• plastic utensils
• motor oil or pesticide bottles