Waste Management Group (WMG)

Programs and Services America Recycles Day Refuse Collection Residential Recycling Program Request for a Recycling Bin Yard Waste Collection Bulky Trash Collection     Schedule a Bulky Trash Pickup Multifamily Recycling Program Condominium Recycling Business Recycling Source Reduction Keep Prince George’s County Beautiful Free Residential Disposal Days Licensing Non-Residential System Benefit Charge Facilities Brown Station Road Sanitary Landfill Brown Station Road Public Convenience Center Materials Recovery Facility Prince George's County Yard Waste Composting Facility Household Hazardous Waste Acceptance Site Electronics Recycling Acceptance Site Quick Links Single-Stream Recycling English/Spanish (PDF)

Our Mission

To manage the collection, recycling, reduction and disposal of municipal solid waste in an efficient, cost-effective and safe manner, while complying with all Federal, State and local regulatory requirements.

The Waste Management Group (WMG) helps to improve our environment by providing recycling and the effective management of trash, yard waste, household hazardous waste and bulky materials. By ensuring cleaner water and air quality, the County is fulfilling its goals of protecting our natural resources while promoting a better quality of life for our community.

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Refuse Collection

WMG provides refuse collection service to approximately 158,000 homes in the County. Citizens and residents in the County-contracted collection areas should place their refuse containers at the front curb by 6:30 a.m. on their regularly scheduled collection day. Refuse will be collected between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

The contractor will empty containers and return them to your curbside. The homeowner is responsible for storing and cleaning the containers. Neither the County nor the contractor will be responsible for items not intended for collection that are placed next to refuse containers or for the removal of any containers other than regulation containers.

Refuse Containers

• Permanent-type, standard metal with bottoms intact and no excessive rust;
• Watertight, heavy-duty plastic containers with handles and tight-fitting lids; or
• Securely tied, heavy-duty plastic bags.

No single container should exceed 60 pounds. There is no limit to the number of regulation containers that may be used.

Acceptable Materials

• Garbage: food wastes accumulated in normal household use
• Trash: some plastics and ashes

Holidays and Inclement Weather

Collection will resume on the next regularly scheduled collection day except for areas with once-a-week refuse pick-up. For areas with once-a-week refuse pick-up, collection will shift to the next day for the entire holiday collection. For example, if Monday is a holiday, Monday collection will be conducted on Tuesday, Tuesday collection will be conducted on Wednesday, etc.

Collection for Senior Citizens and the Disabled

The County provides back door collection of refuse for senior citizens over 65 years of age and for disabled persons. To qualify, no one living in the home can be under 65 years of age or be physically able to carry the collection containers to the curb. To make arrangements for back door collection, call (301) 952-7630.

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Residential Recycling Program

Residential Recycling Program
The WMG provides curbside recycling collection for over 167,000 County residents and citizens. As a County homeowner, you pay a fee for recycling and other waste management programs through the Solid Waste Charge that appears on your property tax bill. Recycling is your opportunity to keep Prince George's County a clean and healthy place to live. It's easy, saves energy and is good for the environment. By placing your recycling bin/cart at the curb once a week on your regularly scheduled collection day, you can help reduce the amount of trash that is disposed of at the landfill. Just follow the tips listed below.

• All recyclable items are placed in the same container.
• Recyclables are collected without the need to sort or separate.
• Equipment at the Materials Recycling Facility sorts the materials
• A box or any receptacle marked with an “X” or the word “Recycling” may be used as a recycling collection container.
• Corrugated cardboard boxes will be collected with their contents. 

Acceptable Items

Glass

• Food and beverage containers

Metals

• Empty aerosol cans
  
• Aluminum, bimetal, ferrous, and steel food and beverage containers
  
• Aluminum foil
  
• Coat hangers

Mixed Paper/Corrugated Cardboard

• All paper
  
• Aseptic/gable-top milk and juice cartons
  
• Catalogs
  
• Corrugated cardboard (boxes)
  
• Frozen food packaging
  
• Hard- and soft- covered books
  
• Kraft paper bags and wrapping paper
  
• Magazines
  
• Newspapers with inserts
  
• Paper board (cereal and cracker boxes)
  
• Telephone books

Plastics

• Bagged grocery bags, shrink wrap, and stretch-film (Insert all bags within one bag; no
  loose single bags)
  
• Drinking cups/glasses
  
• Flower pots
  
• Narrow-neck containers with code identification numbers 1 through 7
  
• Wide-mouth containers such as peanut butter, yogurt, cottage
  cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise and whipped topping; margarine/butter tubs; and
  
• prescription bottles
  
• Coat hangers
  

Remember to rinse all food and beverage containers and to recap or place the lids in the recycling cart/bin.

Unacceptable Items

Yellow Bins and Carts

1. Yellow recycling bins will be replaced with new, wheeled, 65-gallon carts.
2. All bins will be replaced with carts 2010.
3. Carts allow for larger quantities of recyclables to be placed in one container.
4. Carts keep the contents dry.
5. Carts are easy to wheel out to the curb.
6. Do not overfill or overload the cart so that the lid does not close.
7. Be sure to tilt the cart to engage the wheels when moving it; do not drag the cart.
8. For areas not yet transitioned to carts, residents may request a yellow recycling bin by phone at (301) 952-7630 or by clicking here.
9. All carts and bins are the property of Prince George’s County.

Collections 

1. Place recycling container or cart at curb by 6:30 a.m.
2. Place the cart at curbside for collection with the arrow on the lid and the lift bar facing the street.
3. When placing the cart at the curb, nothing should be in front of or beside the cart.
4. Collections begin at early as 6:30 a.m. and continue until 8:00 p.m.
5. For missed collections, please call (301) 952-7630.
6. All material collected is transported and sorted at the Materials Recycling Facility.

Holidays/Inclement Weather

Recycling collection will resume on the next regularly scheduled collection day.

Note: Recycling collection will take place on New Years Day if it falls on Monday – Friday.

Collection for Senior Citizens and the Disabled

The County provides on premise collection of recyclables for senior citizens over 65 years of age and for disabled persons. To qualify, no one living in the home can be under 65 years of age or be physically able to carry the collection containers to the curb. To make arrangements for on premise collection, call (301) 952-7630.

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Request for a Recycling Bin

The Prince George's County Government wants to keep our neighborhoods clean and conserve our landfill capacity for future generations to come. You are encouraged to recycle your cans, glass bottles and jars, narrow-neck plastic containers and paper. To receive your recycling bin, please fill in the following form with your information. Requests are limited to two (2) bins per year.

Click here to submit your request for a recycling bin

The Department of Environmental Resources does not collect recyclables or supply recycling bins to municipalities that have opted out of the Country's program. See the Excluded Municipalities list below. Residents living in the following Excluded Municipalities listed below should contact their Town Hall for recycling services.

Excluded Municipalities

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Yard Waste Collection

Approximately 158,000 households are now being provided with weekly curbside collections of yard waste. Yard waste includes grass clippings, leaves, small branches, brush and Christmas trees. Yard waste collection begins on April 15 and continues through January 15. For more information about yard waste collection, call (301) 952-7630.

Yard waste must be placed in securely tied, heavy-duty paper or plastic bags, or heavy-duty trash cans with handles and a secure lid. Cardboard boxes are not acceptable containers.

Limbs must not exceed four (4) feet in length and three (3) inches in diameter and must be securely tied in bundles. Bundles of limbs and bags of dry grass and leaves must weigh less than 60 pounds. Wet grass and leaves must weigh less than 25 pounds.

Once the yard waste is collected, it is taken to the Prince George's County Prince George's County Yard Waste Composting Facility. This County-owned and operated composting facility processes over 50,000 tons of yard waste annually.

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Bulky Trash Collection

Bulky Trash Collection is provided by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call (301) 952-7600 or e-mail Bulky Trash, Monday through Friday, between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Appointments are scheduled for normal County workdays on a first-come, first-served basis.

If the County fails to make the scheduled collection date due to inclement weather, we will reschedule the collection for the next day. If the homeowner fails to place items at the curb by 6:30 a.m. on the scheduled collection day and the items are not picked up, the homeowner will have to reschedule for the next available date.

To schedule an appointment electronically, please e-mail us at BulkyTrash@co.pg.md.us with the following information:

Name;
Address;
Telephone number; and a
List of specific items to be collected by Bulky Trash.

Acceptable materials include:

• Furniture and refrigerators
  (Remove doors, for safety reasons, from all appliances)
• Washing machines and dryers
• Hot water heaters and lawn mowers
  (Remove the gas tank and drain the oil from lawn mowers)
• Other large materials generated in the household that are not picked up by refuse collection
• Vehicle Tires (Limit 4, No Truck Tires)

Unacceptable Materials

• Construction and demolition debris
• Stumps and logs
• Skids and pallets
• Drums, tanks, kegs and barrels (plastic and metal) greater than 55 gallons in size unless the sides are removed and the vessel flattened prior to collection
• Hazardous and bio-hazardous medical waste
• Compressed cylinders of any size, shape or condition
• Asbestos
• Liquids, including paint, sewage and septic waste
• Radioactive material
• Animal carcasses
• Automobiles or auto parts
• Chemical and/or petroleum cleanup waste
• Plastic packing materials and plastic sheeting
• Soil, rocks, grubbing material and spoil
• Ash
• Shingles, roofing materials
• Fencing/Sheds/Gazebos
• Riding lawnmowers
• Mirrors
• Windows
• Glass
• Wood (unless it is a piece of furniture)

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Multifamily Recycling Program

The Multifamily Recycling Program became mandatory on July 1, 1992. Currently every owner of a multifamily rental facility with three (3) or more units must provide recycling opportunities for its tenants. Each complex is required to have designated drop boxes for recyclables. The County provides technical assistance to apartment managers and owners to implement their programs.

Some of the same items listed under the Residential Recycling Program are acceptable through the Multifamily Recycling Program. For a specific list of acceptable items contact your management company.

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Condominium Recycling

Prince George's County is committed to providing convenient recycling opportunities for all citizens and residents. Condominium apartment dwellers are no exception. The Condominium Recycling Reimbursement Program was established to provide assistance and funding for condominium communities who wanted to establish convenient recycling programs that were developed and managed by their Homeowners Associations. For more information about this program, please call the Waste Management Group's Recycling Team at (301) 883-5045.

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Business Recycling

Single-Stream Recycling – What Makes It Easy?

With single-stream recycling, all recyclable materials are placed in the same container. Single-stream recycling provides County businesses with many benefit that include:

- Using compactors and bailers to consolidate recyclable materials;
- Saving money on recycling and disposal fees; and
- Using only one container for commercial property owners’ recyclables.

Contact your recycling vendor and processor to determine what materials generated by your business can be collected single-stream.

(301) 883-5045

Single Stream Business Flyer

Recycling is Good Business: Make it Your Business!

Businesses play an important role in Prince George's County's Recycling Program. Approximately one-half of the County's solid waste stream is produced by the business sector. Businesses also account for two-thirds of the County's current recycling rate.

All businesses can recycle. The Department of Environmental Resources' Recycling Team will help your business in implement a successful recycling program. Just call the Recycling Team at (301) 883-5045 and our expert staff will provide the following services:

• Send information;
• Make a site visit;
• Assist in determining what materials can be recycled;
• Match interested businesses with local mentors who have successful recycling programs; and
• Provide technical assistance in setting up a recycling program.
  

How To Start a Recycling Program:

The steps to start a successful recycling program include:

Step 1 – Obtain the support of the executive management;
Step 2 – Appoint a coordinator and program monitors to plan and implement the program;
Step 3 – Determine the number of people participating and the types and amounts of recyclables generated;
Step 4 – Discuss the program with local recyclers, and seek quotes from recycling haulers;
Step 5 – Develop an efficient collection system;
Step 6 – Educate all employees;
Step 7 – Purchase items that can be recycled or reused; and
Step 8 – Publicize the success of the program.

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Source Reduction

Source reduction, also known as waste prevention, is the practice of eliminating waste before it is created, or essentially, needing less material to get the job done.  It comprises the design, manufacture, purchase or use of materials and products to reduce the amount or toxicity of what is thrown away.  The benefits of source reduction include reduced energy consumption and pollution, conservation of natural resources, extension of valuable landfill space, and substantial savings through reduced purchasing costs and disposal costs.

• Purchase items in bulk or economy sizes
• Purchase products in concentrated form
• Purchase items in reusable containers
• Purchase only those items that you need
• Get more product for your dollar by purchasing items with the least amount of packaging
• Purchase high-quality, long-lasting products
• Repair older items rather than purchasing new ones
• Reuse plastic or paper grocery bags when shopping or, better yet, use cloth or mesh bags
• Use cloth towels, napkins and rags instead of disposable paper products that cannot be recycled
• Avoid using disposable cups, plates and cutlery
• Save bows, tissue paper, Styrofoam peanuts and boxes for gift wrapping
• Use rechargeable batteries whenever possible
• Return unwanted clothes hangers to the dry cleaners for reuse
• Donate unwanted items (food, clothing, equipment, furniture, appliances) to charitable organizations
• Re-upholster furniture instead of purchasing new pieces
• Rent infrequently used tools or equipment

• Use the telephone instead of the fax machine, where appropriate
• Eliminate unnecessary forms and redesign them to use less paper
• Make two-sided copies, and print or copy on both sides
• Design mailers that avoid the use of envelopes (fold and tape the paper)
• Circulate one copy of a memo rather than issue one to every member of the department
• Use e-mail and voice mail instead of memos
• Use the back of old, used letterhead and memos for copies of drafts and internal documents
• Buy only copiers and printers that will make two-sided copies
• Send bills and invoices in reversible, “two-use” envelopes
• Only use targeted direct mailings
• Make reports and other documents available on-line
• Print directly on envelopes rather than using labels
• Request that deliveries be shipped in returnable containers and return cardboard boxes to distributor
• Invest in equipment that is high-quality, durable and repairable
• Buy fluorescent rather than incandescent light bulbs

Unwanted Mail

Your recycling probably contains a large amount of unwanted “junk mail.” You can remove your name from national mailing lists that provide you with a daily supply of unwanted junk mail by visiting the Direct Marketing Association at www.the-dma.org.

Keep Prince George’s County Beautiful

• Litter Free School Program (in partnership with Prince George’s County Public Schools)
• KAB Great American Clean-Up
• KAB Cigarette Litter Prevention Program
• KAB Wipe Out Wireless Waste

Free Residential Disposal Days

Brown Station Road Sanitary Landfill
11611 Whitehouse Road
Upper Marlboro, Maryland

(301) 627-0159

Hours of Operation
Monday through Saturday - 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sunday - Closed

Prince George's County allows all County residents to utilize the Brown Station Road Sanitary Landfill free of charge Monday through Saturday. This includes access to our Household Hazardous Waste Acceptance Site and Electronics Recycling Acceptance Site both of which are open Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

• Landfill gates open at 7:30 a.m. and close at 3:30 p.m.
• Smoking and use of cell phones on the Disposal Site are prohibited.
• Upon entering the Scale House Area, please follow the directions of the Weigh Master who will direct you to the numbered disposal site.
• Do not remove tarps and covers or unlock tailgates until reaching the Disposal Area.
• Scavenging is prohibited.
• Proof of residency is required, typically in the form of a driver's license.
• Waste must be generated from your residence within Prince George's County. If an out-of-county licensed vehicle is used, you must accompany the delivery and provide proof of residency.
• The following vehicles are permitted to use the landfill on Monday through Saturday:
  • Cars, station wagons, SUVs, XUVs, passenger vans (seating for 5 or more passengers), pickups cannot exceed 10,000 pounds GVW, and rental pickup trucks up to 3/4 ton (None of the vehicles listed can have any lettering, signage, ladder racks, modified body or side toolboxes)
  • Trailers are limited to the maximum size of 5' X 10' with no greater than 24" sideboards. Rental trailers of this size are also permitted
  • Trailers larger than 5’ x 10’ and up to 8’ x 12 with no higher than 4’ sides will be charged for disposal. Trailers with sides higher than 4’ will not be allowed to use the landfill.
  • Trailers larger than 8’ x 12’ are not permitted to use the landfill.
• The following vehicles are not permitted to use the landfill on Monday through Saturday:
  • Vehicles with lettering and/or signage
  • Vehicles with ladder racks, modified bodies/beds or side toolboxes
  • Vehicles with extended bedsides or stake bodies
  • Cargo vans (passenger van with only the driver's seat and front passenger seat are considered commercial)
  • Rental vehicles other than pickup trucks. Rental pickup trucks are permitted if rented from a company that is in the business of renting pickup trucks. Pickup trucks are defined as those resembling Ford F-150/250 or Chevrolet F-1500/2500.
    Note: Standard pickup trucks with storage boxes across the bed and immediately behind the cab are acceptable

Scrap Tires

County residents may dispose of a maximum of 5 scrap tires no larger than 17" in size per year. Disposal of more than 5 tires requires a Tire Hauler's License issued by the Maryland Department of the Environment (1-800-633-6101). We do not accept automobiles/trucks or parts.

Appliances

Refrigerators, freezers, ice machines, air conditioning units, and all items containing refrigerants must be hand-unloaded in Disposal Site 4. Hand unloading is required to prevent damage to Freon lines and containers. This is a Federal requirement and we ask your cooperation to remain in compliance. All other appliances and metals may be unloaded in the designated area within Disposal Site 4.

Yard Waste

Yard waste includes leaves, grass clippings, plant clippings and brush. Brush can be accepted at the Landfill in lengths not to exceed five (5) feet and not more than eight (8) inches in diameter.

Yard waste is accepted at the Brown Station Road Convenience Center Monday through Saturdays at no charge.

Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics

Hazardous waste materials from residential sources and electronics are accepted on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. For a list of acceptable items and quantities visit the Household Hazardous Waste Acceptance Site and/or the Electronics Recycling Acceptance Site. Should you need additional information, you may call the Recycling Section at (301) 883-5045.

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Licensing

Recycling Team
1220 Caraway Court, Suite 1050B
Largo, Maryland 20774

(301) 883-5045

Hours for September
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to noon
1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

After October 1, licenses will only be issued on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The office is closed for lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

No cash payments or credit cards will be accepted.

All fees must be paid by check or money order made payable to: Prince George's County

As mandated by CR-116-1991, "No Recyclable Material or Solid Waste generated in Prince George's County shall be transported by any person over any public highway or street within Prince George's County, unless it is contained in a vehicle for which there is a valid registration issued by the Department of Environmental Resources. The registration card shall state the name of the vehicle owner, the description and serial number of the vehicle, Maryland vehicle license or State apportioned tag number and the County refuse collection vehicle registration number."

Procedure for Obtaining Collection Licenses and Registration Cards

All applications for a collector's license and individual vehicle registration cards to be used for the collection and hauling of Solid Waste or Recyclable Material shall be submitted on forms available through the Department of Environmental Resources' Recycling Team, located at 1220 Caraway Court, Suite 1050 B, in Largo, Maryland. These licenses may not be sold or reassigned to any other party. A separate license is required for each vehicle. As part of the annual renewal of a collector's license, a vehicle inspection through the Health department may be required. Applications for a collector's license must be made annually by September 30.

Description and Cost of Collector's License and Vehicle Registration

Collector's License
Fee: $50.00

A Collector's License is a general license that is required to be obtained by any owner of commercial vehicle(s) used to collect and transport any type of solid waste or recyclable material.

Class I Collection Vehicle Registration
Fee: $50.00

A Class I Collection Vehicle Registration must be obtained by any owner of a commercial vehicle used to collect paper waste products that are not contaminated by food, or yard waste/landscape debris (grass, leaves, brush). Vehicles that are used to collect and transport these types of materials only, as certified on the registration card, do not require a Health Department inspection unless otherwise deemed necessary by the Health Officer.

Class II Collection Vehicle Registration
Fee: $200.00

A Class II Collection Vehicle Registration must be obtained by any owner of a commercial vehicle(s) used to collect solid waste; including trash, garbage, rubbish, offal, industrial and commercial refuse food product wastes or recyclable materials; including food and beverage containers and recyclables which may be collected by Class I Registered vehicles. Vehicles collecting and transporting these types of materials require a Health Department inspection. When a vehicle is found safe and satisfactory, the County Health Officer will authorize the Department of Environmental Resources to issue the individual vehicle registration card.

Class III Collection Vehicle Registration
Fee: $250.00

A Class III Collection Vehicle Registration is required by any owner of a commercial vehicle that is used to collect both recyclable materials and solid waste. These vehicles also require a Health Department inspection if they are used to collect those materials identified in Class II.

Class IV Collection Vehicle Registration
Fee: No Charge

A Class IV Collection Vehicle Registration is only applicable to government-owned vehicles. These vehicles also require a Health Department inspection if they are used to collect those wastes identified in Class II.

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System Benefit Charge (SBC) for Non-Residential Properties

The System Benefit Charge (SBC) is a fee paid by non-residential property owners in Prince George’s County that helps provide funding for building and maintaining waste disposal systems. For more information on the SBC, visit the website at http://www.co.pg.md.us/Government/AgencyIndex/DER/SBC/index.asp?nivel=subfoldmenu(8,5)

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Brown Station Road Sanitary Landfill

11611 White House Road
Upper Marlboro
(301) 952-7625

Hours of Operation
Monday through Saturday - 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sunday - Closed

The Brown Station Road Sanitary Landfill is owned and operated by the Prince George's County Government and is available to County citizens and residents only. The Landfill is permitted by the Maryland Department of the Environment and accepts only municipal solid waste. Construction and demolition debris is not accepted at this facility unless originating from a County residence, delivered by that property's owner and in quantities defined below. The Landfill has several recycling facilities within the complex, which include the Household Hazardous Waste Acceptance Site (Thursday, Friday and Saturday ONLY), Electronics Recycling Acceptance Site (Thursday, Friday and Saturday ONLY) and sites for yard waste (Saturday ONLY), scrap tires and appliances (Monday through Saturday).

Fee Schedules for Monday Through Saturday Operations

Payment made by cash or accounts only. No credit cards or checks will be accepted.

2009 Holiday Opening and Closing Schedule

Vehicular Access to the Disposal Area on the Landfill

Access to the disposal area of the landfill is limited to commercial trucks (such as trash trucks, roll-offs, compactors, etc.) and standard sized pickup trucks such as Ford F-150/250 or Chevrolet 1500/2500, or greater. All other vehicles are required to use convenient disposal sites as directed. Weather situations may require the management's decision to limit only commercial vehicles to the disposal area, thus requiring referenced pickup trucks to various alternate disposal sites.

• Construction and demolition debris
• Stumps and logs
• Skids and pallets
• Drums, tanks, kegs, and barrels (plastic and metal) greater than 55 gallon in size and only after the sides are removed and the vessel flattened prior to arrival. All other items require prior approval from the Landfill Manager and may require proof of contained product, removal of residue and cleaning.
• Hazardous and biohazardous/medical wastes
• Compressed cylinders of any size, shape type or condition. Exception - household-sized barbeque grill-style propane tanks, which may only be delivered on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays to the Household Hazardous Waste Acceptance Site.
• Asbestos
• Liquids, to include sewage and septic waste
• Radioactive material
• Animal Carcasses
• Automobiles or related parts
• Chemical and/or petroleum cleanup waste
• Plastic packing materials and plastic sheeting
• Soil, rocks, grubbing material and spoil
• Ash
• Shingles and roofing materials

Emergency and Temporary/Permanent Closing of Operations

During periods of natural and/or manmade disasters, which jeopardize the safety of citizens and personnel, the management may decide to temporarily suspend landfilling operation until the danger subsides. This is especially true and more common during periods of lightning storms. The vast and open area of the Landfill's disposal area is elevated and susceptible to possible hazards. Once operations are interrupted, notification will be arranged and we will resume operation only after the danger or hazard is gone and the area is deemed safe for operations.

Holiday Schedule

NOTE – Should the holiday fall on a Monday, the Brown Station Road Sanitary Landfill will be closed the Sunday before the holiday.

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Brown Station Road Public Convenience Center

County citizens and residents, who wish to dispose of trash and/or recycle, may use one of the following county-owned and operated drop-off facilities.

Brown Station Road Public Container Pad and Recycling Area
3501 Brown Station Road
Upper Marlboro, Maryland

Hours of Operation
Monday through Saturday - 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday - Closed
Missouri Avenue Solid Waste Acceptance and Recycling Center
12701 Missouri Avenue
Brandywine, Maryland

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Materials Recovery Facility

1000 Ritchie Road
Capitol Heights, Maryland 20743

(301) 499-1707

Hours of Operation
Commercial vehicles only
Monday through Friday - 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No private vehicles allowed

Scheduled Tours
Monday through Friday - 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Prince George's County Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) opened in October of 1993 and is a 65,000-foot facility. Renovations to convert the MRF into a process facility for single stream collection was completed September 2007. Single stream collection, defined as the placement of all recyclable materials into one container/bin for curbside pick-up, is a much more efficient and convenient method of collection for County citizens and residents.

Residents may see their recycling contractors placing all materials in one truck. Paper and commingled recycling will not be separated as in the past.

County recycling contractors may utilize compactor trucks to collect the recyclables at curbside and deliver them to the MRF.

The primary functions of the MRF are to remove contaminants, separate paper by grade, segregate ferrous and aluminum containers, divide plastic by resin type and sort glass by color. Once separated, the glass, aluminum, steel plastic and paper are baled or crushed and shipped to end markets.

Tours

The MRF is open to the public, including schools, civic and church groups, scout troops and families for scheduled tours. Tours may include a recycling presentation. To schedule a tour, please call the MRF at (301) 499-1707.

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Prince George's County Yard Waste Composting Facility (Western Branch)

6601 S.E. Crain Highway
Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772
(301) 627-6388

Hours of Operation
Monday through Friday - 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Private and Commercial vehicles allowed

Scheduled Tours
Monday through Friday - 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Call (301) 627-6388 to schedule tours in advance

Tipping Fees:
$45.00 per ton for non-county contractors $10.00 minimum

Prince George's County manages the Prince George's County Yard Waste Composting Facility and contracts with the Maryland Environmental Service (MES) to operate the facility. Yard waste, including grass clippings, leaves, brush, small tree limbs and Christmas trees, is collected from approximately 158,000 households in the County and delivered to the facility. Once the yard waste is delivered, it is placed in windrows and processed into compost. The compost, known as Leafgro, is sold to wholesalers in bulk. Residents may buy Leafgro from retailers. Over 50,000 tons of material is processed annually.

Processing

Yard waste is ground up and moved into long narrow piles known as windrows. In the fall, windrows are comprised primarily of leaves. In the spring, grass is added. The active composting phase requires both leaves and grass. Windrow composting is most effective when the carbon to nitrogen ratio is 25 parts carbon to one part nitrogen, the temperature ranges between 130 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, the moisture is between 45% and 55%, and the oxygen is less than 5%.

Windrows are turned using a Scarab windrow turner to accelerate the composting process. Frequency of turning depends on environmental conditions. In general, windrows are turned more frequently during the spring and summer (approximately two turns per week). Depending on the weather, the rows of yard waste may require manual watering. Normally, our area receives enough rainfall and temperatures are moderate enough to avoid manual watering. However, in drought conditions or extremely hot weather, watering becomes necessary. The windrow composting process takes approximately nine months to complete.

The material is then moved to a curing pile where it will continue to decompose for approximately three months. Once this process is complete, the compost is spread in a thin layer on the pad to dry. Next, the material is screened to remove all particles larger than 3/8 inch.

The final product is a dark humus-like material, which is marketed as Leafgro by MES. It is produced in accordance with the Maryland Department of Agriculture regulations and is a great soil amendment. A network of retailers sells the Leafgro. On an annual basis, MES sells 37,000 cubic yards of Leafgro from the County's facility to wholesalers. Revenue from the sale of this material is returned to the County to offset the cost of the composting operation. To find a retailer, visit the Maryland Environmental Service web site at www.menv.com/products.shtml

Special Events and Attractions

Mulch Giveaway

WMG sponsors a Mulch Giveaway in the spring, usually in April, to provide an opportunity for citizens and residents to receive free mulch. The mulch for this event is derived from the Christmas trees that are collected or dropped off for recycling. The Mulch Giveaway is held in conjunction with Earth Day and is just one of the many departmental programs under the County Executive’s Livable Communities Initiative. For more information and specific dates for the next Mulch Giveaway, check the local paper, County website, local cable station or call the Recycling Team at (301) 883-5045.

Visitor's Center

County citizens and residents are invited to tour the Visitors’ Center located at the Prince George's County Yard Waste Composting Facility. Through the informational displays, visitors will learn about the composting process at the facility, the many recycling programs offered by the County and backyard composting. To schedule a tour of the Prince George's County Yard Waste Composting Facility and the Visitors’ Center, please call (301) 627-6388.

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Household Hazardous Waste Acceptance Site

Brown Station Road Sanitary Landfill
11611 White House Road
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
(301) 883-5045

Hours of Operation
Thursday, Friday and Saturday - 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sunday - Closed
Non-commercial vehicles only

Prince George’s County opened the Household Hazardous Waste Acceptance Site in the spring of 2000. The site, which is located at the Brown Station Road Sanitary Landfill, is open and free of charge to County citizens and residents who need to dispose of harmful household waste.

Improper disposal of these materials is harmful to the environment.

The Recycling Team also hosts special collection events in various communities throughout the County several times per year. These targeted events are designed to be an added convenience to County residents, especially those who may not be able to visit the drop-off facility. Each community event is specifically advertised in the community where it is held. For more information, please call the Recycling Team at (301) 883-5045.

Operation

To ensure the proper handling and disposal of the hazardous materials that are collected at the Household Hazardous Waste Acceptance Site, the County has contracted with Care Environmental Corporation, a licensed hazardous waste disposal company. The professional team from Care Environmental oversees the collection of items and materials at the drop-off facility as well as the community collection events. As an added convenience, the site is designed to be a drive through location. County residents do not have to leave their vehicles to dispose of their unwanted items. A Care Environmental professional will remove all acceptable items from your vehicle and dispose of them in an environmentally safe manner.

Collection for Senior Citizens and the Disabled

Residents who qualify for this service should call (301) 883-5045 to schedule an appointment for the at home collection of household hazardous waste.

Prescription Drugs/Medications

Take unused, un-needed or expired non-controlled prescription drugs out of their original prescription bottles to protect your personal information. Crush medication and place in an impermeable, non-descript container such as an empty can or sealable bag. Mix with coffee grounds, dirt or kitty litter and discard with regular trash. Liquid medication may be handled in the same fashion.

Take advantage of community pharmaceutical take-back programs that allow the public to bring unused drugs to a central location for proper disposal. The following companies have been identified as accepting prescription drugs for proper disposal. It is recommended to call in advance to verify availability of take-back option. You may also check with your local pharmacy.

• CVS Pharmacy: 5780 Silver Hill Road in District Heights, 301-736-3992
  
• CVS Pharmacy: 7012 Marlboro Pike in Forestville, 301-736-8683
  
• CVS Pharmacy: 8201 Annapolis Road in New Carrollton, 301-577-6222
  
• CVS Pharmacy: 5922 Martin Luther King Highway in Seat Pleasant, 301-925-9054
  
• CVS Pharmacy: 10692 Campus Way South in Upper Marlboro, 301-336-2900
• Walgreens Pharmacy: 7953 Crain Highway in Glen Burnie, 410-969-3417
  
• Supreme Pharmacy, LLC: 7936 Johnson Avenue in Glenarden, 301-322-8082
  

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Electronics Recycling Acceptance Site

Brown Station Road Sanitary Landfill
11611 White House Road
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
(301) 883-5045

Hours of Operation
Thursday, Friday and Saturday - 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sunday - Closed
Non-commercial vehicles only

Businesses may call (301) 883-5045 to obtain information on electronic recycling.

Prince George's County opened the residential Electronics Recycling Acceptance Site in September 2000. County citizens and residents may drop off their used and unwanted electronics to this site, free of charge.

Acceptable Items

Maximum of 5 monitors and/or televisions (non-console) per vehicle may be dropped off on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Unacceptable Items

Software
Stereo speakers
Boxes
Appliances such as toasters and microwave ovens

Collection for Senior Citizens and the Disabled

Residents who qualify for this service should call (301) 883-5045 to schedule an appointment for the at home collection of their unwanted electronics equipment.

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