The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has finalized its review of each county’s Maryland Recycling Act (MRA) Tonnage Report for calendar year 2011. Garrett County had a recycling rate of 50.93 percent, with a waste diversion rate of 51.93 percent.
“This places us fifth amongst the counties in this state,” said recycling coordinator Kim Madigan, Garrett County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling. “In 2010, the recycling rate was 45.17 percent. The higher recycling rate is indicative of an economy beginning to bounce back, with the consumer buying more and producing more waste and recycling materials.”
She congratulated local residents and businesses for the improvement in their recycling efforts.
“Everyone has worked hard to achieve the 51 percent recycling rate,” Madigan said. “However, we will still continue to encourage residents and businesses to not only recycle every day, but also reduce waste at the source.”
In the past, Garrett and other counties were required to divert at least 15 percent of their waste to recycling programs. In the 2012 legislative session, the Maryland General Assembly passed House Bill (HB) 929: Environment – Recycling Rates and Waste Diversion – Statewide Goals. Counties will now be required to divert at least 20 percent of their waste to recycling programs.
“Now, more than ever, it will be important to keep up with good recycling habits and fast, efficient reporting,” Madigan said.
She noted that the Maryland Recycling Act Tonnage Report for calendar year 2012 is being sent out now. Local businesses are asked to complete the reports and return them to the landfill office, located at 3118 Oakland Sang Run Road, Oakland.
Persons who have questions about what is recyclable, who can report materials sent out of the area, or who need help completing the tonnage reporting form are asked to contact Madigan at 301-387-0322 or kmadigan@garrettcounty.org.
