May News from Howard County Recycling

Covid19 Updates - Trash and Recycling

Continue to use all curbside collection services, as these are operating normally (trash, recycling, yard trim and food scraps, bulk items and scrap metal). Avoid unnecessary trips to the Alpha Ridge Landfill. To limit exposure and to abide by Governor Hogan's 'Stay at Home' Executive Order (Click here to see the Executive Order), the County has limited the availability of field staff & landfill resources. Be mindful and patient as we all work through this difficult time. In addition, please limit calls and emails to service-related issues only. The Bureau of Environmental Services office remains closed to the public. Be careful about how you bag your trash. Make sure that all trash bags are securely tied at the top and double bag any bags that have torn while filling. These measures will help us to reduce the spread of Covid-19 by protecting the health of our collection crews. To see all Covid-19 related news, in addition to some helpful graphics created to help you keep track of all of the changes, visit HowardCountyRecycles.org. The website is updated daily.

Memorial Day Monday - Slide Day

Trash, recycling, and yard trim collection days for the week of Memorial Day (Monday, May 25 th ) will slide and be made one day later. Tuesday will slide to Wednesday, Wednesday to Thursday, etc., returning to normal operations the following week. Visit our website for details.

Raise Your Morale with a Victory Garden!

Many Americans are returning to the garden to grow fresh food and to release stress. As Forbes reports (see this link for more details), gardening can even boost your immune system. Most local nurseries and garden centers are open and some are even delivering. While residents are not able to buy compost at the landfill right now, there are local landscaping companies that will deliver our HoCoGro compost to you for a fee. Whether you want to just grow some herbs on a windowsill, or an entire backyard full of veggies, the University of Maryland's Home and Garden Information Center has all of the information that you need to get started. If you want to try growing vegetables from food scraps or cuttings, here is a handy guide to help you grow your garden.

Alpha Ridge Landfill Covid-19 Reminders

Choose curbside collections whenever possible to avoid visiting the landfill. Only 10 vehicles at a time are allowed access to the Residents' Convenience Center. Be patient and expect delays, especially during high volume times. (Mondays and Fridays between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm are often high-volume times.) Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays are typically lighter in volume. Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection events continue as normal on Saturdays and on the newly added Tuesday event day. Social distancing rules are being implemented at HHW events. Do not bring HHW to the landfill unless absolutely necessary, such as, in the event of a move. We will continue to evaluate our services as needed. Call 410-313-6444 to get the most up-to-date information from our recorded message or visit our website at HowardCountyRecycles.org We will also continue to send out Constant Contact newsletters and notices to keep you as informed as possible.

Canceled Events and Services

Sales of Organic Product at Alpha Ridge Landfill All residential organic material sales and give-aways (compost, mulch, topsoil, and shredded wood) are still suspended. Private, fee-based delivery is available as described above in the segment on Victory Gardens. Composting Demonstrations & Compost Bins The Master Gardeners have canceled their spring composting demonstration schedule and compost bins are not currently available at the landfill or the Bureau of Environmental Services office for pickup. Kitchen Counter Containers for Food Scraps and Indoor Recycling Container Pickups Kitchen counter containers for food scraps and indoor recycling containers are not available for pickup. Rain Barrel Demonstrations Rain barrel demonstrations have been canceled.

Howard County Recycling 9801 Broken Land Parkway Columbia, MD 21046 Open Mon.- Fri., 8 am to 5 pm

Alpha Ridge Landfill 2350 Marriottsville Road Marriottsville, MD 21104  Open Mon.- Sat., 8 am to 4 pm

(410) 313-6444 help@HowardCountyRecycles.org HowardCountyRecycles.org

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