Spring Recycling Tips

SPRING HAS SPRUNG... and with it comes thoughts of making things new again. As you begin spring clean up in your yard and around the house keep in mind that there are many alternatives to throwing unwanted items in the trash. Here are some spring seasonal recycling solutions and environmentally safe disposal alternatives for you to consider and practice.

In the Home...

Spring Cleaning Tips... Don't Throw It All Away!

• Visit our Specialty Recycling webpage for unique recycling and reuse opportunities.
• Give unwanted clothes to a friend, family member or donate it to a local charity (ripped or stained clothes can be cut and made into rags).
• Recycle extra plastic bags at your grocery store.
• Detox your home and avoid harsh chemicals.
• Return styrofoam peanuts to a local shipping store (like Mailboxes, etc.).
• NEED EXTRA CASH? Have a yard sale! One person's trash is another person's treasure.
• Renovating your home? REMEMBER: THE LOADING DOCK accepts reusable building materials and other fixtures at Alpha Ridge Landfill (see important dates).
• Visit the Alpha Ridge Landfill and recycle your "junk" including scrap metal, tires, cardboard boxes, yard trimmings, used oil, antifreeze and much more.
• Set out unlimited quantities of recyclables for curbside collections.

Household Hazardous Waste...Collections at the Alpha Ridge Landfill(Saturdays, April through November)

In the Yard...

Yardwaste Collection
Seasonal yardwaste collection begins April 1
Help the environment...Recycle your yard trimmings!

From April 1 through the third week in the following January, Howard County collects unlimited grass, leaves and light brush from residents of single family homes and town homes in Columbia, Elkridge, eastern Ellicott City, Laurel, Savage, River Hill and other metropolitan areas.

Home Composting
Many Howard County residents have already solved the yard waste challenge right in their own backyards by COMPOSTING!

Grasscycling
Save time and money by leaving grass clippings on your lawn as your mow.