How To Replace Recycle Bin Montgomery County (2024)

Are you living in Montgomery County and wondering how to replace your recycle bin? You’re not alone. This topic tends to generate a multitude of questions from residents who are committed to preserving our environment.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the details you need to navigate this process smoothly.

TL;DR: For those short on time, all you need to know is that replacing your recycle bin in Montgomery County is quite straightforward. Contact Montgomery County’s Division of Solid Waste Services (DSWS) through their hotline or online platform. Request a new bin, follow their guidelines, and ensure you follow recycling rules going forward.

Now, let’s take a deeper dive into the process.

Understanding The Importance of Recycling

Before delving into how to replace your bin, let’s understand why recycling is essential. It helps:

• Save energy
• Conserve natural resources
• Reduce landfill waste
• Create jobs and boost the economy
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Montgomery County is committed to achieving a 70% recycling rate, emphasizing the importance of each resident’s role in this goal.

Steps to Replace Your Recycle Bin in Montgomery County

Now, onto the core of the matter – how do you replace your recycle bin in Montgomery County? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Report the Damaged or Missing Bin: Contact Montgomery County’s DSWS to report your damaged or missing bin. You can reach them via phone at 311 (or 240-777-0311) or online through their website.
2. Request a New Bin: During your communication with DSWS, request a new bin. If your bin was damaged due to normal wear and tear or by the collection crew, replacement is free. Otherwise, there might be a fee.
3. Wait for Delivery: After making your request, wait for the delivery of your new bin. This could take up to 10 business days.
4. Follow Recycling Rules: Once you receive your bin, ensure you adhere strictly to the recycling rules. This will help prolong the lifespan of your bin and make the recycling process more efficient.

Making Your Recycling More Effective

• Break Down Boxes: Large cardboard boxes can consume unnecessary space in your bin. Breaking them down allows you to fit more recyclables.
• Clean the Recyclables: Before tossing items into the bin, make sure they are clean and dry. This reduces contamination of recyclables.
• No Plastic Bags: Plastic bags are not accepted in the curbside recycling program. Consider recycling them at grocery stores instead.

Recycling Guidelines in Montgomery County

In order to maintain the condition of your new recycle bin and avoid any future damage, it’s essential to understand and adhere to Montgomery County’s recycling guidelines.

What to Recycle

• Paper and Cardboard: This includes newspapers, magazines, junk mail, phone books, brochures, and clean pizza boxes. Make sure to flatten all boxes to save space.
• Metal: Cans, lids, foil, empty aerosol cans, and small metal appliances are all recyclable.
• Plastic: Plastic bottles, jars, jugs, and rigid plastic containers, such as yogurt cups and butter tubs, can be recycled.
• Glass: All color glass bottles and jars are acceptable.

What NOT to Recycle

• Plastic Bags: As previously mentioned, plastic bags and wraps should not be placed in your recycle bin. These can be recycled separately at many local grocery stores.
• Styrofoam: Styrofoam cannot be recycled and should be disposed of with regular household trash.
• Hazardous Waste: Hazardous waste, like paint or chemicals, should be dropped off at the Household Hazardous Waste facility in Montgomery County.

Additional Tips to Prolong the Lifespan of Your Recycle Bin

Apart from following the recycling guidelines, there are other steps you can take to ensure your recycle bin lasts longer.

• Placement: Place your bin in a safe, accessible location to avoid accidental damage. Avoid leaving it near the road or driveway where it could be hit by a car.
• Cleaning: Regularly clean your bin to avoid residue build-up that can attract pests and cause damage.
• Appropriate Use: Only use your bin for its intended purpose – recycling. Using it for general waste or heavy items could cause damage.

Community Recycling Events in Montgomery County

Montgomery County also regularly hosts community recycling events, including shred events for secure disposal of personal documents and hard-to-recycle items collection events.

These are great opportunities to dispose of items not suitable for curbside collection and can help reduce the wear and tear on your recycling bin. Check the DSWS website or your local community bulletin for upcoming events.

Remember, Recycling is a Shared Responsibility

Ultimately, the effectiveness of Montgomery County’s recycling program depends on each resident’s participation and commitment.

We all share the responsibility of adhering to recycling guidelines and keeping our bins in good condition. By doing so, we contribute to the county’s sustainability efforts and help create a cleaner, greener community for everyone.

To wrap things up, while it might seem like a simple task, recycling in Montgomery County involves more than just replacing your recycle bin.

It’s about understanding and following the guidelines, participating in local events, and taking care of your bin. Together, we can help Montgomery County reach its recycling goals and protect our environment for generations to come.

Conclusion

Replacing your recycle bin in Montgomery County is a straightforward process, but it’s critical to maintain the condition of your bin by adhering to recycling rules. By doing so, you contribute to Montgomery County’s goal of a 70% recycling rate, helping to protect our environment for future generations.

FAQs

Can I request a larger recycle bin?

Yes, Montgomery County provides bins in different sizes. Specify your preferred size when requesting a replacement.

How can I dispose of hazardous waste?

Montgomery County has a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off site for such items. It’s not recommended to dispose of them in the recycling bin.

Can I recycle electronics?

Yes, the County has a separate eCycling program for electronics. Visit the County’s eCycling webpage for more details.

Note: The contact and procedures outlined in this article were accurate as of writing but may change over time. Always refer to the official Montgomery County DSWS website for the most current information.