Baltimore County environmental officials called recent trends in residents? recycling efforts “troubling,” despite efforts that lead the state last year.
The county led Maryland in overall recycled tonnage ? 562,183 tons ? in 2005, the latest set of numbers released by the state?s Department of the Environment at the end of September. County residents and businesses recycled 46 percent of the materials they generated, the highest ever obtained by the state?s third largest jurisdiction.
Officials trumpeted the accomplishment Tuesday.
“This is a great achievement, and everyone in Baltimore County who helped us get here can share the credit,” County Executive Jim Smith said in a statement.
But officials also said county businesses do the bulk of recycling, and residents are throwing out more and recycling less. They said recycling conserves space in the county?s only landfill, which is already half-full, and generates $2 million each year.
“People start to forget and, as they say, they have to run harder to stay in place,” said Clyde Trombetti, a public information specialist with the county?s Bureau of Solid Waste Management. “That?s what we?re facing.”
Baltimore County also received the second highest “waste diversion rate” in the state, which is determined by the county?s recycling rate plus a 5 percent credit for its waste prevention activities like “grasscycling” promotion and a compost bin sale.
