Largo, MD - Due to high winds forecasted to continue through Saturday, March 3, 2018, the Prince George’s County Department of the Environment reminds residents to secure their recycling and trash bins and wheeled carts to prevent litter and possible damage to the containers.
Residents may find it necessary to pull their containers into the garage, move them to the side or rear of the house or place a heavy object on top of the lid or in the bottom of the container to keep items from blowing away.
Other useful tips that may help prevent wind-blown trash and recycling:
- Place lighter materials at the bottom of your wheeled cart and heavier items on top to prevent the lighter items from blowing out.
- If your wheeled cart is only half-full, consider waiting until your next collection to place it at the curb.
- Turn your container so that the side is parallel to the curb and the wind is directed at the back of the bin.
- Bag all your trash before placing it in the wheeled container. This is especially important for small, lightweight items.
- Compact the trash – if you have loose items, place bagged trash on top of them to prevent them from blowing out of the cart.
- Be sure your lid can close. Trash and recycling items are more susceptible to blowing out of the cart when the lid is not completely shut.
- Bring your cart in as soon as possible after collection to reduce the risk of your cart blowing down the street.
- If you are home, keep an eye on neighborhood carts. Secure them if it looks like the cart or items from it are blowing away.
For more information on trash and recycling collection, contact CountyClick 3-1-1.
For more information, contact:
Linda Lowe, Public Information Officer
Prince George’s County
Department of the Environment
(301) 836-2115