Waste Diversion in Maryland

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) promotes and encourages waste diversion across the state of Maryland.  Waste diversion combines both recycling and source reduction activities.

The Maryland Recycling Act (MRA) requires all Counties and Baltimore City to recycle 15% or 20% of the waste generated depending on population. Additionally, in 2000, Maryland established a voluntary Statewide waste diversion goal of 40% by 2005.  The waste diversion goal is comprised of the recycling rate + source reduction credits (maximum 5%) that Maryland Counties and Baltimore City earn through activities designed to reduce the amount of waste going to the waste stream.

MDE works towards Maryland's waste diversion goals by partnering with Maryland's jurisdictions and the public and private sectors to develop markets for recyclable materials and by working with other State agencies to increase the volume of materials diverted from landfills.

  - Composting Workgroup Final Report, January 2013 -

April 27, 2013 National Prescription Drug Takeback Day

Recycling in Maryland  - Contains recycling data along with information on: electronics and mercury collection, local recycling programs, special recycling projects, recycling markets, recycling at work and school, and MDE education & outreach programs.

Source Reduction in Maryland - Contains helpful tips for reducing the amount of solid waste generated at home, school, office, and at the store, plus detailed information about source reduction in Maryland's counties.

State, County and City Contact Information  - State/County/City recycling services, drop-off locations, and contact information.

County Coordinator Resources  - Forms for use by County Recycling Coordinators.

State Agency Recycling - Lists agency coordinators, agency recycling rates and newsletters.

Publications - Links to Maryland's recent waste diversion activities reports, a commercial waste diversion implementation guide, and a permitting guide for recycling and composting businesses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Animal Feeding Operations (AFO)

The Animal Feeding Operations (AFO) Section regulates discharges from farms with animals that are stabled or confined for 45 days or more in any 12-month period.  AFOs will discharge nutrients and sediments to surface waters if designed, constructed, operated, and maintained such that a discharge will occur. Operations that are designed, constructed, operated, and maintained such that a discharge will not occur are MAFOs (Maryland Animal Feeding Operations).  These facilities are subject to regulation through registration as a CAFO or MAFO under a General Discharge Permit for Animal Feeding Operations. The classification as a CAFO or MAFO is determined by a combination of factors including the number and type of animals, and whether the operation will discharge to waters of the State. This discharge permit requires these entities to be designed, constructed, operated and maintained according to specific standards which control or eliminate discharges of pollutants to the waters of the State.

Sewage Sludge Utilization (SSU)

Sewage sludge (also known as biosolids) is not sewage, but rather is one of the final products of treated sewage at a sewage (wastewater) treatment plant. Sewage sludge is the fine particulate matter remaining after treatment which breaks down organic matter and destroys disease organisms in sewage. The application of sewage sludge to land returns essential nutrients to the soil, adds organic matter, and can improve the tillability and moisture retention capability of the soil. A SSU Permit is required for any person who collects, incinerates, stores, treats, applies to land, transports or disposes of sewage sludge or septage in Maryland. (factsheet)
 

State Biosolids (Sewage Sludge) Task Force
Sewage Sludge Utilization in Maryland 2011 Pie Chart
2011 Sewage Sludge Utilization in Maryland Wet Ton Comparison Chart
2011 Sewage Sludge Utilization in Maryland Percent Comparison

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