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Greening Rockville > Recycling > Commercial Recycling
 
 

Sustainable Rockville


Commerical Recycling

   

Rockville Proposing Mandatory Recycling for All Commercial Enterprises 

Since 1994, Montgomery County has implemented a mandatory recycling program for all commercial enterprises in the County.  Rockville is considering expanding the County’s program to businesses in the City.  Increasing the amount of recycling is part of the City’s Sustainability Strategy approved by the Mayor and Council in October 2007. 

If the Rockville ordinance is adopted, businesses will be required to arrange for collection and hauling of the recyclable material and report on the amount and destination of those materials.  Specifically, businesses must have:

  • Recycling:  Recycle at least 50% of their solid wastes by weight or volume.  Recycled materials include mixed paper, commingled materials (cans, bottles, plastics), yard trim, Christmas trees and scrap metal.  Businesses may not dispose of recyclable materials with their refuse.
     
  • Collection Containers:  Clearly label recycling collection containers and place them in each location where trash collection containers are located, as well as other convenient locations.  At a minimum, recycling containers must be in reasonable and convenient proximity to all vending machines and any food service facilities.
     
  • Hauling:  Recyclable materials can either be self hauled or picked up by a currently licensed collection company. 
     
  • Recycle Plan: Businesses with 100 or more employees must develop and implement a waste reduction and recycling plan.  The County may require businesses with fewer employees to also prepare and submit a plan.
    • Plans are submitted on forms provided by the County and include information on the business, solid wastes generated on-site, materials to be recycled, the collection company used if any, sites where the materials are delivered, a description of the waste reduction activities and contact information.
       
  • Annual Report: Businesses with 100 or more employees must file an annual report with the County.  The report must describe 1) the tonnage of recycled materials 2) the tonnage of solid wastes disposed; and 3) any revisions to the waste reduction and recycling plan since submission or the previous report. 
    • In addition, if the apartment or condominium self-hauls its recycle materials, the report must include proof of the quantity and destination of the hauled materials.  
    • The report must also describe efforts to educate employees about recycling.  
    • The County may, on a case-by-case basis, require businesses with fewer employees s to also prepare and submit an annual recycling report.
    • Reports must be signed and certified by a representative who is authorized to bind the business.  
       
  • Records:  Records, including contracts and invoices for collection and disposition of the recycled materials must be retained for a five (5) year period. 
     
  • Enforcement:   The County can respond to violations with penalties of $100 for the first offense and $150 for subsequent offenses.  Each refuse container holding recyclable solid waste is considered a separate offense.Comments must be received by the City by 5:00 pm, August 29, 2008

"Businesses" are defined as any enterprise, individual, corporation, partnership (limited or general), sole proprietorship or other entity or person, including institutions, health care facilities, construction sites, the Federal government and other government agencies to the extent authorized by law.  Once adopted, the City's own recycling and solid waste disposal practices used at its own government facilities will be governed by the County program.

Montgomery County will provide technical assistance, including providing a list of approved haulers and recyclers to businesses.  The County has already prepared “how to recycle” handbooks and videos that are available.  The County will also conduct periodic workshops on recycling.  Finally, the County will also periodically inspect businesses and issue citations where necessary.  By inviting the County to implement its existing program in the City, Rockville avoids incurring any additional cost of implementation.


Comments must be received by the City by 5:00 pm, August 29, 2008

For more information on the Montgomery County recycling program, see the Montgomery County Recycling page or contact the County Recycling Office at (240) 777-6400.

For more information on the proposed ordinance, contact the Environmental Management Division at (240) 314-8871 or email us at environment@rockvillemd.gov.

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