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Recycling and Economic Development in Maryland
Contact Information:
David Mrgich, Chief, Recycling Unit
Maryland Department of the Environment
LMA/Technical Services and Operations Program
1800 Washington Boulevard
Suite 610
Baltimore, MD 21230-1719
Telephone: 800-633-6101 x3314
Fax: 410-537-3321
E-mail: dmrgich@mde.state.md.us
Website: www.mde.state.md.us/recycling
Through the efforts of its citizens, businesses and government agencies, Maryland achieved a statewide waste diversion rate of 47.5% in calendar year (CY) 2008. This rate is relatively flat compared to CY2007 and is in line with the national trend toward the stabilization of waste diversion rates. The 47.5% waste diversion rate was composed of a 43.9% Maryland Recycling Act (MRA) recycling rate and a 3.6% source reduction (SR) credit. This exceeds the requirements of the MRA and the 40% waste diversion goal targeted for 2005.
In CY 2008, Maryland residents and businesses recycled over 43.9% (MRA recycling tonnage divided by [MRA recycling tonnage + MRA waste disposed]) of the municipal solid waste generated. To encourage more recycling, states across the country are seeking new ways (e.g., Single Stream Recycling, Pay-As-You-Throw Programs, etc.) to ensure that recycling continues to gain in popularity as a waste management option. Like Maryland, many states are investigating new commodities to bring into the recycling stream, while continuing to promote the benefits of recycling.
MDE encourages the recycling of all materials because of the environmental and economic benefits that recycling provides. Business and local governments continue to seek recycling opportunities above and beyond those that apply toward the MRA rate. In fact, nearly 3.5 million tons of other Non-MRA materials were reported as being recycled in 2008.
Computers, televisions, and other consumer electronics are a rapidly growing part of the waste stream. The potential environmental and health threats posed by computers and other consumer electronics that may contain toxic materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and chromium, continue to raise concerns about their disposal.
In 2005, Maryland became the third state to enact electronic recycling legislation. The Statewide Computer Recycling Pilot Program (SCRPP) required computer manufacturers to register with, and pay an annual registration fee to, MDE in order to sell their products in Maryland. In 2007, the Statewide Electronics Recycling Program (SERP) was passed. Effective October 1, 2007, the SERP builds upon the success of the SCRPP. Key changes to the SCRPP include expanding the scope of electronics covered and clarification to the definition of "manufacturer." Highlights of the SERP include:
Through June 11, 2010, 47 manufacturers registered with MDE and were authorized to sell their products in Maryland in 2010. In Fiscal year (FY) 2009, $616,552 in registration fees were utilized to provide grants to 25 counties and municipalities for eCycling activities including establishing permanent collection facilities, curbside pickup for seniors, purchasing equipment, expanding electronics recycling, and holding special collection events.
In 2008, fourteen of Maryland's jurisdictions were able to add from 1% to 5% to their waste diversion rate by emphasizing SR activities as a waste reduction strategy. They accomplished this utilizing Internet resources, demonstration sites (i.e., backyard food waste and yard waste composting), and publications on reuse practices and yard waste reduction. A complete list of SR activities and a breakdown of Maryland SR activities in calendar year 2008 is available in the "State, County, and City Recycling Rates" section of MDE's web page.
The MDE Business Information Center is the initial point of contact for information and assistance on permitting issues. The Business Information Center may be reached by accessing the "Business" section on MDE's web page. Assistance in locating markets for recycled materials can be found through the Maryland Recycling Market Directory. The web site is designed to promote commercial recycling in Maryland and is searchable by commodity.
MDE encourages State government to increase the use of products made with recycled materials by supporting procurement initiatives and working cooperatively with the Maryland Department of General Services (DGS) to promote government purchasing of materials with recycled content.
For a complete overview of how solid waste is managed in Maryland, refer to the annual "Solid Waste Managed In Maryland" report available each Fall on MDE’s web site.
Web Resources
www.mde.state.md.us/recycling
- State, County, and Recycling Information (local services, contact information, waste diversion statistics)
- Recycling Market Directory (markets for recycled materials)
- Special Projects (e.g., electronics recycling, mercury, construction and demolition debris, household hazardous waste, etc.)
- Scrap Tire (general tire recycling information)
- Recycling at Work and School (how to start a recycling program at work and school)
- State Agency Recycling (Maryland State government recycling information)
- County Coordinator Resources (materials for completion of annual MRA report)
Available Publications on MDE's web site include:
- Maryland Waste Diversion Activities Report
- Solid Waste Managed in Maryland Report
- Maryland's Scrap Tire Program Report
- Commercial Waste Diversion Implementation Guide
- Solving the Permit Puzzle in Maryland
- All StAR News
Additional Maryland Organizations
Mr. Peter Houstle
Maryland Recycling Network
c/o Mariner Management
PO Box 1640
Columbia, MD 21044
Telephone: 888-496-3196
E-mail: info@MarylandRecyclingNetwork.org
Website: www.MarylandRecyclingNetwork.org
The Maryland Recycling Network (MRN) is dedicated to promoting partnership and cooperation between private and public sectors and strengthening recycling enterprise in Maryland. Membership is open to public, private, not-for-profit recycling entities and the general public. MRN seeks to create a viable and sustainable recycling system for Maryland by decreasing the amount of waste that is disposed, through prevention, reduction, and reuse and by increasing demand for recycled-content products.
Mr. Richard Keller, Recycling Manager
Maryland Environmental Service (MES)
259 Najoles Road
Millersville, MD 21108
Telephone: 800-I Recycle (473-2925)
Fax: 410-729-8220
Email: rkell@menv.com
Website: www.menv.com
MES recognizes that recycling is an element of effective waste management. MES offers a full range of recycling services to State and local governments including program planning and implementation, facility management and operation, and marketing of materials. MES administers the Maryland Used Oil Recycling Act on behalf of MDE.
Mr. Chris Skaggs, Deputy Director
Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority (NMWDA)
100 South Charles Street
Tower II, Suite 402
Baltimore, MD 21201
Telephone: 410-333-2730
Fax: 410-333-2721
Email: cskaggs@nmwda.org
Website: www.nmwda.org
The NMWDA provides solid waste and biosolids management to its members – Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Harford, Howard, and Montgomery Counties. The Authority manages three waste-to-energy facilities, and a facility that converts sewage sludge into compost.
Ursula Powidzki
Director
Office of Business Development
Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development
401 East Pratt Street, 7th Floor
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Telephone: 410-767-6436
Fax: 410-333-6792
Website: www.choosemaryland.org
DBED is the State agency responsible for economic development programs for recycling businesses. Services include technology development, training, financing, and site location.
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