HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 Solid Waste Management and Recycling Plan
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT & RECYCLING PLAN
2011 - 2021
Submitted by the
Washington County Commissioners
100 West Washington Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Washington County Division of Environmental Management
Solid Waste Department
Phone: 240-313-2790
http://www.washco-md.net/DEM/solid_waste/solidw.shtm
Washington County Department of Planning
and Community Development
Phone: 240-313-2430
Printed on Recycled Paper
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS………………………………………………………………….i-vii
LIST OF APPENDICES …………………………………………………………………..iix
MDE LETTER OF APPROVAL………………………………………………………...
PLANNING COMMISSION LETTER OF APPROVAL……………………………….
DEFINITIONS.....................................................................................................................D-1
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND ……………………………………………….I-2
TABLE I-1 Generation and Recovery of Products in MSW, 2008. (US EPA)
CHAPTER 1 - County Goals, Objectives, Policies and Programs Regarding Solid
Waste Management
1.0 GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES ESTABLISHED BY THE PLAN1-2
1.1 GOALS……………………………………………………………………...1-2
1.1.1 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GOALS……………………………...1-2
1.1.2 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING
PLAN……………………………………………………………..1-3
1.2 OBJECTIVES………………………………………………………………...1-3
1.2.1 PLANNING……………………………………………………….1-3
1.2.2WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING………………………1-3
1.2.3 WASTE MANAGEMENT……………………………………..1-3
1.3 POLICY……………………………………………………………………...1-3
1.4 CONFORMANCE WITH LAND USE PLANS…………………………....1-4
1.5 CONSISTENCY WITH LOCAL PLANNING GOALS…………………...1-4
1.6 COUNTY STRUCTURE IN RELATION TO SOLID
WASTE MANAGEMENT………………………………………………....1-4
1.6.1 INTER-DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION REGARDING
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ………………………………..1-4
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1.6.2 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN SOLID WASTE
MANAGEMENT PLANNING………………………………...1-5
1.6.2.1 WASHINGTON COUNTY SOLID WASTE ADVISORY
COMMISSION……………………………………………..1-5
1.6.2.2 INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION…………….1-5
1.6.2.3 REGIONAL COOPERATION……………………………..1-5
1.7 GOVERNING LAWS AND REGULATIONS……………………………..1-5
1.7.1 FEDERAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS……………………...1-6
1.7.1.1 OTHER LAWS AFFECTING SOLID WASTE
MANAGEMENT………………………………………………..1-8
1.7.2 MARYLAND LAW AND REGULATION…………………… 1-11
1.7.2.1 MARYLAND STATE AGENCIES……………………….........1-11
1.7.3 COUNTY LAW AND REGULATION…………………............1-11
TABLES
Table 1-1 Summary of Annotated Code of Maryland Titles Affecting Solid Waste
Management
Table 1-2 Summary of Maryland Regulations Affecting Solid Waste Management
FIGURES
Figure 1-1 Washington County Government Organization Chart
CHAPTER 2- Physiographic, Demographic and Land Use Characteristics of
Washington County
2.0 PHYSIOGRAPHIC LAND USE AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS
OF WASHINGTON COUNTY…………………………………………………...2-1
2.1 GEOGRAPHY………………………………………………………………......2-1
2.2 CLIMATE………………………………………………………………………2-1
2.3 DEMOGRAPHICS……………………………………………………………..2-1
2.4 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN……………………………………………………2-2
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2.4.1 HISTORY AND PREMISE OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN…… ..2-2
2.4.2 VISION AND GOALS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ………….2-3
2.4.3 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WASHINGTON COUNTY
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN……………………………………………..2-3
2.4.3.1 AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION………………….2-4
2.4.3.1.1 AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION PROGRAM… 2-4
2.4.3.1.2 RURAL LEGACY PROGRAM………………………………2-4
2.4.3.2 ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES……………………………2-4
2.4.3.3 WASHINGTON COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE………….2-5
2.4.3.4 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT……………………………… 2-5
2.4.3.5 TRANSPORTATION NETWORK……………………………..2-6
2.4.3.6 TAX DIFFERENTIAL AGREEMENT……………………… 2-6
2.4.3.7 CONCURRENCY MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE…………..2-6
FIGURES
Figure 2-1 Location Map of Washington County 2009
Figure 2-2 Municipalities and Federal Facilities
Figure 2-3 Population Projections
CHAPTER 3- Existing Solid Waste Management System
3.0 EXISTING SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN
WASHINGTON COUNTY………………………………………………………….3-1
3.1 EXISTING AND PROJECTED WASTE GENERATION, BY CATEGORY....3-1
3.1.1 WASTE GENERATED IN WASHINGTON COUNTY……………….3-2
3.1.1.1 RESIDENTIAL WASTE GENERATION…………………………3-3
3.1.1.2 COMMERCIAL WASTE GENERATION………………………..3-3
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3.1.1.3 INDUSTRIAL (NON-HAZARDOUS) SOLID, LIQUID AND
SEWAGE SLUDGE WASTE GENERATION………………..3-3
3.1.1.4 INSTITUTIONAL WASTES……………………………………...3-3
3.1.1.5 CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION DEBRIS…………….....3-3
3.1.1.6 CONTROLLED HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES………………....3-4
3.1.1.7 DEAD ANIMALS………………………………………………......3-4
3.1.1.8 BULKY OR SPECIAL WASTES……………………………….....3-4
3.1.1.9 SCRAP TIRES……………………………………………………...3-4
3.1.1.10 WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT SLUDGE……………..3-4
3.1.1.11 SEPTAGE……………………………………………………….....3-5
3.1.1.12 OTHER WASTES……………………………………………….....3-5
3.1.1.12.1 RECYCLING……………………………………......3-5
3.1.1.12.2 MRA DIVERSION RATE………………………......3-5
3.1.1.12.3 YARD TRIMMINGS………………………………..3-6
3.1.1.12.4 ELECTRONICS…………………………………......3-6
3.1.1.12.5 FRIABLE ASBESTOS………………………………3-7
3.1.1.12.6 MINING WASTES……………………………….....3-7
3.1.1.12.7 LEACHATE……………………………………........3-7
3.1.2 WASTE IMPORTED AND EXPORTED…………………………….....3-7
3.1.3 SOLID WASTE ENTERING WASHINGTON COUNTY
FOR RECOVERY OR PROCESSING……………………………….....3-7
3.2 REFUSE COLLECTION SYSTEMS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY……………....3-7
3.2.1 EXISTING SOLID WASTE ACCEPTANCE FACILITIES……………....3-8
3.3.1 COUNTY OWNED AND OPERATED FACILITIES…………….....3-8
3.3.1.1 FORTY WEST MUNICIPAL LANDFILL ..…………………....3-8
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3.3.1.2 COUNTY CONVENIENCE CENTERS AND DROP OFF
RECYCLING FACILITIES…………………………………....3-9
3.3.2 PRIVATE FACILITIES………………………………………………..3-10
3.3.2.1 WASHINGTON COUNTY HOSPITAL……………………...3-10
3.3.2.2 CLEAN EARTH OF MARYLAND…………………………...3-10
3.3.2.3 HOLCIM CEMENT COMPANY…………………………… 3-11
3.3.2.4 RECYCLING PROCESSORS
AND MARKETERS.................................................................3-11
3.3.3 CLOSED COUNTY FACILITIES…………………………………....3-11
3.3.4 SCHOOL RECYCLING……………………………………………...3-11
TABLES
Table 3-1 Waste Stream Projections
Table 3-2 Specified Material Generation-2008
Table 3-3 Sludge Utilization-2008
Table 3-4 Solid Waste Haulers for Municipalities
Table 3-5 Facility Key
FIGURES
Figure 3-1 Discharge Permits in Washington County
Figure 3-2 Automobile Recyclers-2009
Figure 3-3 Solid Waste Acceptance Facilities
CHAPTER 4- Solid Waste Management System Assessment and Alternatives
4.0 ASSESMENT F SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ALTERNATIVES……………4-2
4.1 COLLECTION AND TRANSFER…………………………………………………...4-2
4.1.1 ALTERNATIVE COLLECTION SYSTEMS…………………………….4-2
4.1.1.1 “OPEN” SYSTEM (SUBSCRIPTION)...……………………………...4-2
4.1.1.2 CONTRACT COLLECTION………………………………………….4-3
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4.1.1.3 HAULER LICENSING………………………………………………..4-4
4.1.1.4 GOVERNMENT COLLECTION……………………………………...4-4
4.1.2 VARIABLE RATE VS. BASE RATE FOR SOLID WASTE
COLLECTION SERVICE……………………………………………………..4-5
4.1.3 WASTE COLLECTION IN WASHINGTON COUNTY..……………………4-5
4.1.4 TRANSFER.......................................................................................................4-5
4.2 WASTE REDUCTION…………………………………………………………… 4-5
4.2.1 WASTE REDUCTION AS PART OF AN INTEGRATED WASTE
MANAGEMENT APPROACH…………………………………………….4-5
4.2.2 WASTE REDUCTION POLICIES….…………………………………… 4-6
4.3 SOURCE SEPARATION/RECYCLING……………………………………….......4-6
4.3.1 SOURCE SEPARATION/RECYCLING AS PART OF INTEGRATED
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT………………………………………… 4-6
4.3.1.1 GOALS……………………………………………………………… .4-6
4.3.2 WASHINGTON COUNTY’S RECYCLING PROGRAM…………………..4-7
4.3.3 YARD DEBRIS (COMPOST/MULCH)…………………………………… .4-8
4.4 WASTE PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES………………………………………...4-8
4.4.1 WASTE COMBUSTION/RESOURCE RECOVERY………………………. 4-8
4.4.2 SOLID WASTE COMPOSTING……………………………………………. 4-9
4.4.3 LANDFILL MINING…………………………………………………………4-9
4.4.4 BALEFILLING..................................................................................................4-9
4.4.5 BIOREACTOR LANDFILL/LEACHATE RECIRCULATION.........................4-9
4.4.5.1 BIOREACTOR LANDFILL CONFIGURATIONS.........................................4-10
4.4.5.1.1 AEROBIC...................................................................................................4-10
4.4.5.1.2 ANAEROBIC............................................................................................4-10
4.4.5.1.3 HYBRID.....................................................................................................4-10
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4.5 ALTERNATIVES FOR SLUDGE PROCESSING AND UTILIZATION…………..4-10
4.5.1 SEWAGE SLUDGE MANAGEMENT IN WASHINGTON COUNTY……....4-10
4.5.2 SLUDGE GENERATION BY COUNTY PUBLIC FACILITIES……………...4-11
4.6 TECHNOLOGY FOR FINAL DISPOSAL…………………………………………..4-11
4.6.1 EXISTING LAND DISPOSAL SYSTEM IN WASHINGTON COUNTY…....4-11
4.6.2 LANDFILL DESIGN TECHNOLOGY………………………………………..4-12
4.6.3 ALTERNATIVES AT OPERATING LANDFILLS…………………………....4-12
4.7 SITE CONSTRAINS FOR NEW SOLID WASTE ACCEPTANCE FACILTIES….4-12
4.7.1 TOPOGRAPHY………………………………………………………………4-12
4.7.2 SOILS…………………………………………………………………………4-13
4.7.3 GEOLOGY AND GEOHYDROLOGY……………………………………...4-14
4.7.4 SURFACE WATER AND FLOODPLAINS…………………………………4-14
4.7.5 WETLANDS…………………………………………………………………..4-15
4.7.6 WATER QUALITY…………………………………………………………...4-15
4.7.7 LAND USE COMPATIBILITY………………………………………………4-15
4.7.8 PLANNED LONG TERM DEVELOPMENT………………………………..4-15
4.7.9 AREAS OF CRITICAL CONCERN/SENSITIVE AREAS………………….4-16
4.8 SPECIAL WASTE MANAGEMENT……………………………………………….4-16
4.8.1 ASBESTOS…………………………………………………………………….4-16
4.8.2 MEDICAL WASTES..........................................................................................4-17
4.8.3 HAZARDOUS WASTES....................................................................................4-17
4.8.4 HAZARDOUS MATERIAL RESPONSE…………………………………….4-17
4.8.2.1 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS CLEANUP………………………………..4-17
FIGURES
Figure 4-1 Geologic Features
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Figure 4-2 location of Wetlands
Figure 4-3 Watershed Boundaries and 100 Year Floodplains
CHAPTER 5- Solid Waste Management and Recycling Plan of Action
5.0 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN OF ACTION…………………………… 5-2
5.1 MEETING THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PLAN…………………5-2
5.1.1 PROTECTION OF HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT…………… 5-2
5.1.2 PLANNING...................................................................................................5-2
5.1.3 FINANCIAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY............................................................5-2
5.1.4 PUBLIC EDUCATION................................................................................5-2
5.1.5 WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING................................................5-2
5.1.6 COLLECTION..............................................................................................5-3
5.1.7 WASTE MANAGEMENT AND DISPOSAL.................................................5-2
5.1.7.1 FORTY WEST MUNICIPAL LANDFILL ............................................5-3
5.1.8 CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION (C&D) RECYCLING...................5-4
5.1.9 COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL & INSTITUTIONAL RECYCLING.........5-4
5.1.10 RESIDENTIAL RECYCLING......................................................................5-5
5.1.11 SCHOOL RECYCLING................................................................................5-5
5.1.12 SCRAP TIRES...............................................................................................5-6
5.1.13 HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE.......................................................5-6
5.1.14 INCINERATION & CONTROLLED HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES.......5-6
5.1.15 OTHER WASTES.........................................................................................5-6
5.2 3 YEAR PLAN OF ACTION SUMMARY...................................................................5-6
TABLES
Table 5-1 Solid Waste Program Projected Capital and Operating Cost
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APPENDICIES
A. SOLID WASTE COLLECTION LICENSING ORDINANCE
http://www.washco-md.net/washco_2/pdf_files/legal/Solid Waste Coll Lic Ord (Rev1).pdf
B. WASHINGTON COUNTY RECYCLING PLAN
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B4htEj2KKquQZDg4ZGY1YmItMjc0My00YmNhLTgzYW
QtNThlOGVmNDVlOWUw&hl=en
C. WASHINGTON COUNTY SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL FEES
http://www.washco-md.net/DEM/solid_waste/Fees07.pdf
DEFINITIONS
Back-End Scrap – Ferrous and non-ferrous metal removed from the waste stream following
incineration.
Commercial Waste – Materials generally discarded from wholesale, retail, or service
establishments such as office buildings, stores, markets, theaters, hotels, and warehouses.
Convenience Center – A location where Washington County residential permit holders may drop
their bagged household waste into a bulk container which is then transported to the appropriate
landfill. Non-permit holders may also drop designated recyclables into bulk containers for
transport to recycling contractors.
Front End Scrap Metal – Ferrous or non-ferrous metal pulled from the waste stream in a refuse
disposal system, including white goods.
Hazardous Waste – Waste which because of its quantity, concentration or physical, chemical or
infectious characteristics may pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or
the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of or otherwise
managed.
Incineration – An engineered process involving combustion to thermally degrade waste materials.
Industrial Waste – Materials generally discarded from industrial operations or derived from
manufacturing processes.
Institutional Waste – Materials generally discarded from schools, hospitals (non-medical waste),
prisons, and public buildings.
Leachate – The liquid resulting from precipitation percolating through a waste pile or cell of solid
waste and which contains liquid water, dissolved solids, and decomposition products of solids.
MRA “Recyclable Materials” – Those materials not categorically excluded under the definition of
Maryland Recycling Act Solid Waste Stream that are recycled. These include #1 and #2 plastic
bottles – hdpe/pet, newspapers, glass bottles and jars, food and beverage cans, office paper and
corrugated cardboard.
Maryland Recycling Act Solid Waste Stream – Garbage or refuse that would, unless recycled, be
disposed. Does not include: hospital waste, rubble, scrap material (automobiles, scrap steel,
etc.), land clearing debris, sewage sludge, waste generated by a single individual or business and
disposed of in a facility dedicated solely for that entity’s waste. (9-1702)
Materials Recovery Facility – A facility that accepts recyclable material to be further processed
and prepared for use as a raw material feedstock for a new product.
MDE – Maryland Department of the Environment
MRA – Maryland Recycling Act: the law, now codified as Title 9, Subtitle 17 of the Environment
Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, which establishes and defines the recycling goals for
Maryland.
D-1
MRA Recycling Rate – The percent of discarded material that is recycled as determined by the
following Maryland Recycling Act formula.
Recycling rate = total MRA tons recycled
total MRA tons recycled + total MRA waste x (100)
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) – Includes non-hazardous waste generated in households,
commercial and business establishments and institutions. Excludes industrial process waste,
demolition waste, agricultural waste, scrap and sludge.
Processing Facility – A combination of structures, machinery, or devices used to reduce or alter
the volume, chemical, or physical characteristics of solid waste. (COMAR 26.04.07.02)
Processing of Solid Waste – The reduction or alteration of the volume, chemical or physical
characteristics of solid waste by manual, mechanical or other methods. Processing may include
removal of recyclables, baling, composting, shredding or other operations.
Recycling – Any lawful method, technique or process used to collect, store, separate, process,
modify, convert, treat or otherwise prepare recyclable materials that would otherwise be disposed
of.
Recycling Facility – A combination of structures, machinery, or devices used to further process
recyclable material for an end use or market.
Recycling Services – Services provided by persons engaged in the business of recycling,
including the collection, processing, storage, purchase, sale or disposition of recyclable materials.
(MD 9-1701)
Reduction, Waste/Source – As defined by MDE, “The design, manufacture, purchase or use of
materials or products to reduce the amount of waste and includes reuse, waste elimination,
package reduction and substitution”.
Residential Solid Waste – Materials generally discarded from households. Does not include
building debris.
Resource, Conservation, and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) – This law amends the Solid Waste
Disposal Act of 1965 and expands on the Resource Recovery Act of 1970 to provide a program
to regulate hazardous waste, to eliminate open dumping, to promote solid waste management
programs.
Rubble fill – A solid waste acceptance facility permitted under State regulations that is designed,
installed, and operated to accept specific types of construction and demolition waste generated in
Washington County.
Sanitary Landfill – A solid waste acceptance facility permitted under State regulations that is
designed, installed, and operated to accept all types of waste generated in Washington County,
except those wastes specifically prohibited by Federal, State and local regulations.
Yard Waste – Leaves, grass clippings, prunings, and other natural organic waste from yards and
gardens.
Yard Waste Composting – The controlled biological decomposition of leaves, grass clippings, and
small shrub and tree clippings under aerobic conditions to produce a nuisance free soil
amendment.
D-2
Rev. 1 – 10/28/09
Rev. 2 – 1/19/10
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
I. INTRODUCTION
Statement and Purpose
The purpose of this document is to outline Washington County’s plan for the management of solid waste
and recyclables generated in the County now and in the future. The Solid Waste Management Plan will
provide the County with a plan for safe and adequate management for the County’s solid waste for a ten-
year planning period. The planning period for this Plan is from 2011 to 2021. Washington County first
developed its Plan in 1979, with updates in 1983, 1996, 1999, 2002 and 2005. This plan has been
officially adopted by the Board of County Commissioners for Washington County.
Current regulations (COMAR 26.03.03) governing the development of solid waste management plans,
require the Plan to address waste management and recycling for a period of at least ten years. This Plan
provides for the mandated ten years of management and addresses options for management well into the
future. At a minimum, the Plan will be reviewed and updated, if necessary, at least every three years. This
Solid Waste Management Plan has been prepared in accordance with current State regulations (COMAR
26.03.03). The Plan is divided into five chapters. The first chapter presents the legal and institutional
framework, including County goals and objectives. Chapter 2 presents County physiographic, land use
and demographic data. Chapter 3 outlines the current solid waste management system operating in the
County and presents data on solid waste trends and projections. Chapter 4 details the evaluation of
current and future alternative programs and technologies for solid waste management in the County.
Chapter 5 presents the implementation plan, schedule, and costs for implementing the Plan.
Plan Approval Process
Plan preparation was performed by the County Planning Department staff with the assistance of County
staff responsible for solid waste management operations in Washington County. Outside agencies,
including the Health Department, reviewed the Plan and submitted comments. Citizens were also part of
the planning process, as were members of the Washington County Solid Waste Advisory Commission
(SWAC). Many comments were factored into the Plan.
A draft version of the Plan was also submitted to the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) for a
preliminary review. Comments were received and modifications made to the document.
Section 9-503 of the Environment Article Annotated Code of Maryland requires that each County maintain
a solid waste management plan covering at least a ten year period. It provides for a regular interval of
amendment of the Plan and procedures for adoption. Section 9-503 also requires that the County conduct
a public hearing prior to adoption and makes provisions for advertisement and circulation of the hearing.
Certification
This Plan is certified to be prepared in accordance with COMAR 26.03.03.
II. BACKGROUND
As defined by the original Federal Solid Waste Disposal Act in 1965, solid waste includes the non-
hazardous solid, liquid, or contained gaseous refuse generated by industrial, commercial and residential
sources. Clearly this definition covers many types of waste, which are all addressed in this Plan. The
principle focus of the Plan is the management of waste generated by residential and commercial sources
in Washington County and actually brought to County facilities.
The disposal of solid waste is regulated under part 258 of Title 40 of the Federal Code of Regulations
Title 40, Part 258, which sets federal criteria for municipal solid waste landfills including location
restrictions, facility design, operating criteria, ground-water monitoring requirements, financial assurance
and closure and post-closure care requirements.
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In 1979, EPA promulgated criteria under Subtitle D of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
(RCRA) that established minimum performance standards for both new and existing municipal solid waste
landfills. States were to use these criteria to classify their disposal facilities as either open dumps or
sanitary landfills.
Landfills classified as open dumps were to be closed or modified to meet the Federal guidelines. Each
state is required to develop a plan to implement the regulations. Under those plans many local facilities
will either close or be upgraded in order to achieve compliance. Washington County’s facilities, both open
and closed, can achieve compliance.
Recycling is commonly considered to be the most environmentally sensitive method after waste reduction
available to reduce solid waste disposal. The Maryland Recycling Act (Maryland Environmental Code §9-
1703) requires counties with a population over 150,000 to reduce their waste by 20% through recycling.
Counties whose population is less than 150,000 are required to recycle 15% of their generated waste. In
2000, Washington County’s population was 131,923. The Department of State Planning projects the
County population will reach 160,500 by 2015, which exceeds the 150,000-population mark and changes
the County’s mandated recycling rate from 15% to 20%. The County’s drop-off recycling program was
instituted in 1990. The 1992 County recycling rate was 13%. In 1994, the Maryland Recycling Act (MRA)
recycling rate was 20.4%. By 2007, the County had achieved a 35.5% MRA recycling rate.
Even though recycling is faced with many challenges, especially fluctuating commodity markets, it still
continues to provide numerous benefits including the reduction of landfilling of materials, conserving
energy and natural resources and creating jobs and economic development.
Management of solid waste within Washington County often consisted of open dumps especially in many
rural areas. Following the open dump period within the County, a more organized effort to bring landfilling
under County control began. The City/County Landfill opened in 1960 and the Hancock landfill opened in
1967. In the early part of the 1970’s, there were six managed disposal sites and over 60 illegal dumps.
During this period, 148 acres were purchased for the Resh Road Landfill. The old City/County landfill,
previously owned by the City of Hagerstown, was closed and covered with earth in 1982 when the Resh
Road Landfill opened. The Resh Road Landfill was the first facility in the County built as a sanitary
landfill. The first cell in the County constructed with a synthetic liner and leachate collection system was
built at the Resh Road Landfill in 1990.
The Washington County Planning Commission adopted a landfill site selection process in 1986 based on
a series of site rankings and eliminations. Criteria including, but not limited to, floodplains/wetlands, road
quality, soil types, water table, agricultural capability, bridge adequacy, and proximity to the existing
landfill were used to narrow a list of candidate sites. The evaluation and selection process subsequently
led to the purchase of the 427 acres that is now the site of the Forty West Municipal Landfill.
To help extend the life of the Resh Road Landfill, the Reclamation Rubble Landfill facility was opened on
Kemps Mill Road in 1995. Its purpose was to accept rubble, building debris, and inert (non-
biodegradable) waste material. The Resh Road Landfill continued to operate until December 2000, when
it was closed in accordance with Subtitle D regulations. The Reclamation Rubble Landfill facility was put
in inactive status at the time the Forty West Municipal Landfill opened; however, the facility permit
remains current.
The Forty West Municipal Landfill, located several miles west of Hagerstown, is the only landfill currently
permitted and operating in Washington County. The landfill was constructed entirely according to Subtitle
D regulations and began operations at the end of 2000. Cell 4 opened in January 2008 is now active.
Assuming the current waste volume continues, Solid Waste Department staff anticipate cell 4 to remain
active until December 2010 or January 2011. Cell 6/7, which is currently in the design phase, will open
when Cell 4 is filled and closed. Cell 5 is scheduled for construction in 2013.
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At present, the majority of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) generated in Washington County is disposed at
the Forty West Municipal Landfill. In general, the environmental and economic issues associated with
solid waste management have resulted in many communities transporting their wastes great distances for
disposal, which results in increased disposal costs. This is generally not the case in Washington County
because adequate landfill space exists for the next 55 years.
Siting new landfills is sometimes difficult due to public concern and because environmental risks are, at
best, not well defined. As siting becomes more difficult, and as the volume of waste increases, solid
waste disposal, which was once considered solely a local problem, has become a combined local, State,
regional, and national concern. Regardless of the fact that Washington County currently has adequate
landfill space, investigation into alternatives to local landfilling will continue and will include an increased
emphasis on waste prevention, recycling, transfer, composting and other processing and/or disposal
options.
Alternatives to the reliance on landfills in Washington County may include a combination of waste
minimization, education, transfer (short and long-term), composting, source separation, recycling, waste-
to-energy, and waste compaction. All of these alternatives result in waste avoidance, residual reuse, or
resource recovery and also continue to require some dependency on landfills.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in 2008 U.S. residents, businesses and
institutions produced more than 249 million tons of MSW. This represents approximately 4.6 pounds of
waste per person per day, which has increased from 3.25 pounds per person per day in 1970.
By weight, containers and packaging materials account for over 75% of all municipal waste. The largest
percentage of packaging material is paper, followed by glass, plastic, and metals. Due to the decreased
use of steel and glass in the manufacturing of containers, packaging and containers have been growing
at a slower rate than the rest of the solid waste stream when measured by weight, not by volume. For
example, a 1988 EPA Study concluded that while plastics accounted for only 8% of discarded materials
by weight, it accounted for 20% by volume.
Variations in the volume and composition of solid waste are affected by numerous factors including
changes in population, development trends, land use, affluence, technology and patterns of social
changes. In general, as population and wealth increase and as the ability to produce disposable packing
and products improves, waste volumes increase.
During the ten-year planning period, landfilling will continue to play an important role in solid waste
management in Washington County. Even if greater use is to be made of waste reduction, recycling,
composting, and diversion, the cost must be weighed against the benefit. In addition to the program
costs for these activities, diversion from landfilling may include a loss of disposal or tipping fee revenue to
the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund.
Washington County, like many other communities, has turned to recycling as part of its response to the
need to maximize landfill capacity and minimize environmental impact. Theoretically, most products or
materials discarded by consumers can be recycled. Recycling handles more than twice the percentage
of the national waste stream as combustion. According to 2008 EPA data, approximately 33% of the
municipal waste stream was recycled while 13% was combusted with energy recovery.
Composting, like other recycling techniques, is a proven technology that can be used to return organic
materials to the soil, a form of recycling resources. Yard waste and sewage sludge composting is easily
accomplished and can help to reduce landfill tonnages. Both yard waste and sewage sludge are readily
converted into a usable soil additive eliminating the need to dispose of it in the landfill. Solid waste
composting does not have the documented history of success as experienced with other waste streams.
As technology evolves, MSW composting may prove more economically viable and should remain a
consideration. Success rates at operating plants have improved, but nuisance issues and market stability
remain a concern. Food waste composting may also be an option to investigate.
I-4
All management options previously discussed assume waste generation. It is true that Washington
County must be realistic in its waste projections. It is also true that a strong emphasis on education to
reduce the waste stream through long-term consumer response is necessary. If we can reduce our
reliance on technological treatment and disposal options by reducing the waste stream, then
management will become less of a long-term concern.
In addition, as recycling is further utilized in Washington County, its effect on other aspects of solid waste
management (i.e., landfills) will be reassessed regularly. During the ten-year planning period, the solid
waste management program for Washington County will involve, at a minimum, waste prevention/source
reduction, recycling, yard trimmings and mulching, composting, C&D diversion/recycling, electronics
recycling, and continued use of the Forty West Municipal Landfill for disposal.
The Plan will be reviewed, and amended if necessary, as required or at a minimum, every three (3) years
(Section 9-503 of the Environment Article, Annotated Code of Maryland). An assessment of trends in
volumes requiring ultimate disposal will be performed during that period and adjustments made to the
waste management program. This planning effort will continue to assess the potential for use and
reliance on waste management technologies other than landfilling, considering lead time necessary to
design, license, and construct any new solid waste management facility.
I-5
Rev. 1 – 10/15/09
Rev. 2 – 11/16/09
Rev. 3 – 1/20/10
Final Rev. 7/12/10
CHAPTER 1
COUNTY GOALS, OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND
PROGRAMS REGARDING
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING
1.0 GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES ESTABLISHED BY THIS PLAN
1.1 GOALS
Goals of the Washington County Solid Waste Management Plan are to provide for facilities that are
adequate to treat, recover, or dispose of solid waste in a manner consistent with all applicable State,
Federal, and local laws and regulations that relate to protection of the air, water, land, and people. The
ultimate intent of the Plan is an effective implementation of an integrated system of solid waste
management, waste reduction and recycling that allows flexibility to respond to changes in regulation,
technology and market conditions.
1.1.1 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GOALS
The goals for solid waste management in Washington County are consistent with those in
the adopted 2002 Comprehensive Plan. These are:
(1) Provide opportunities for individual choice and self-fulfillment
(2) Promote a balanced and diversified economy
(3) Encourage the stewardship of the environment and the County’s heritage
(4) Establish parameters for managing growth
1.1.2 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING PLAN
The goals of the Solid Waste Management and Recycling Plan are listed below. Through the
Solid Waste Management and Recycling Plan, the governing body of Washington County
proposes to:
(1) Protect the health, safety, and welfare of the total population of Washington County by
identifying the proper agencies to implement, administer, and regulate the solid waste and
recycling collection and management needs of the County.
(2) Plan for and encourage growth in Washington County in a manner consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan and Water and Sewerage Plan, and in a way which will provide effective
solid waste management and recycling as one of the public health, safety and welfare services.
(3) Continue to investigate options related to preparation and adoption of requisite ordinances
and regulations to implement county-wide solid waste management and recycling programs.
(4) Continue to involve and encourage private enterprise, where appropriate, in county-wide solid
waste management and recycling programs and services.
(5) To the extent possible and practical, identify and categorize all sources and types of solid
waste generated within Washington County.
(6) Provide a functional solid waste management and recycling plan to be updated and amended
triennially as necessary.
(7) Plan solid waste facilities and recycling programs, including education, to meet the developing
needs of Washington County.
(8) Implement the County’s Recycling Plan and waste management policies within the scope of
solid waste management as an alternative to landfilling and continue to exceed the State
mandated goal of recycling 15% of the solid waste stream.
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(9) Encourage waste minimization as part of the waste management strategy.
1.2 OBJECTIVES
To effect and accomplish the goals and to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local
laws and regulations, the Plan has a number of implementing objectives in three general areas: Planning,
Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling, and Solid Waste Management.
1.2.1 PLANNING
(1) Provide for triennial review of the adopted Solid Waste Management and Recycling Plan, as
required by Sec. 9-503 (b) of the Environment Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
(2) Increase awareness of the requirement and benefits of improved solid waste management
and recycling.
(3) Plan for the end use of all county landfill facilities.
(4) Investigate opportunities and options for increasing efficiencies in solid waste management.
1.2.2 WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING
(1) Periodically establish specific recycling rate goals above those mandated by law.
(2) Utilize the solid waste management priorities of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” to the maximum
extent possible in all activities.
(3) Encourage and promote a primary role for private enterprise in waste reduction and recycling
efforts.
1.2.3 WASTE MANAGEMENT
(1) Monitor waste generation and disposal by collection of weight, volume and classification data
and records.
(2) Track waste generation, including special waste by geographic area and category.
(3) Assure an effective continuing program for provision of waste collection services in all areas
of the county by ordinance or other means.
(4) Monitor municipal and private costs of waste collection.
(5) Minimize roadside dumping by providing and locating public convenience centers that serve
citizens.
(6) Provide and operate solid waste disposal facilities that protect public health, land, air and
water.
1.3 POLICY
In order to implement and manage a plan, policies must be adopted that will encourage, promote, and
enforce a clearly developed “Integrated Solid Waste Management Program”, and also integrate the
principles of that plan throughout County Government.
OVERALL POLICIES:
A Solid Waste Enterprise Fund will be maintained through which most costs of solid waste
management will be funded.
Costs:
Costs will include those incurred for the operation, maintenance, replacement closure
and post closure monitoring and maintenance of solid waste management facilities,
including education, permitting, licensing, recycling and recovery, transfer, landfilling, and
financial assurances.
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Final Rev. 7/12/10 1-3
Also included are costs incurred during administration of present and future solid
waste planning and regulatory programs.
Revenues:
The Solid Waste Enterprise Fund will be financed through revenues generated from:
Tipping fees or other special generation fees
Sale of assets and materials or energy generated
Interest
Issuance of bonds
License fees
Grants and loans
Ordinances regarding inappropriate, illegal and illicit waste disposal activities will be
enforced through the county code and through appropriate rules adopted by each
municipality.
Environmentally sensitive waste management practices will be followed.
1.4 CONFORMANCE WITH LAND USE PLANS
Article 66B, added to the Maryland Code in 1927 and entitled “Zoning and Planning” delegates basic
planning and land use regulatory powers to the State’s municipalities, Baltimore City, and non-charter
counties. The present organization of the article is the result of substantial revision in 1970 and passage
of the Economic Growth, Resource Protection and Planning Act of 1992.
Article 66B is permissive, that is, it allows but does not require jurisdictions to exercise the powers
delegated. If the powers are exercised, they must be exercised according to the applicable provisions in
the statute. Article 66B authorizes local jurisdictions to prepare comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances
(including historic zoning), and subdivision regulations. It also enables them to adopt adequate public
facilities ordinances.
Washington County has chosen to utilize the authority granted under 66B and has developed and
adopted a master plan and related ordinances that regulate land development and use. In addition, all of
the incorporated municipalities within Washington County have also exercised that authority.
1.5 CONSISTENCY WITH LOCAL PLANNING GOALS
In addition to state and federal requirements, the location and operation of any solid waste management
facilities, public or private, must be consistent with the goals of the adopted Washington County
Comprehensive Plan and in compliance with County ordinances.
1.6 COUNTY GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE IN RELATION TO SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
1.6.1 INTER-DEPARTMENTAL COORDINATION REGARDING SOLID WASTE
MANAGEMENT
The Division of Environmental Management (“DEM”), which includes the Department of Water
Quality, the Environmental Engineering Department, and the Solid Waste Department, was
created in fiscal year 2007. DEM is responsible for integrating the regulations and applying them
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to the operations of these departments, as State and Federal environmental initiatives as they
pertain to water, wastewater, solid waste and nutrients are all jointly related. The Solid Waste
Department is responsible for the proper disposal of solid waste generated in Washington County
by daily management of recycling drop-off, landfill, and rubble transfer facilities, as well as hauler
licensing. The county Department of Budget and Finance manages the Solid Waste Enterprise
Fund and accounting of tipping, sticker, and other fees.
1.6.2 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLANNING
1.6.2.1 WASHINGTON COUNTY SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMISSION
Since that time the SWAC have provided advice and recommendations to the County
Commissioners on waste management and recycling issues. The SWAC also provides an
opportunity for community education and outreach and an opportunity for the public to be
involved in solid waste management processes that affect them. The function of the
SWAC is to serve as an advisory body to the County Commissioners. SWAC members
may serve up to two consecutive 3-year terms. New members are recommended by the
SWAC to the County Commissioners as needed.
The Solid Waste Advisory Commission usually meets on the fourth Thursday of each
month at 7:00 PM to discuss solid waste issues. Citizen attendance and participation is
encouraged. Citizens may call the Solid Waste Department for suggestions, questions or
information on the exact time and location of any meeting they are interested in attending.
1.6.2.2 INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION
The structure of government extends over the County except for the nine incorporated
municipalities: Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Clear Spring, Funkstown, Hancock, Keedysville,
Sharpsburg, Smithsburg, and Williamsport. Each of the incorporated towns have
contracted hauler services; Hagerstown’s and Williamsport’s includes curbside recycling.
None have any disposal facilities or their own solid waste management plans. Each of
the municipalities rely on County run facilities for solid waste management and final
disposal.
1.6.2.3 REGIONAL COOPERATION
Washington County has been involved in at least one effort designed to investigate the
potential for regional cooperation in solid waste management.
(1) In 1988, Washington County joined in a regional solid waste management study with
Carroll, Frederick, and Howard counties. The prime contractor of the study was the
Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Management Authority with a subcontract to
Girshman, Bricker and Bratton of Falls Church, Virginia. The study addressed the
potential for regional cooperation among the four counties. Topics included all forms of
management including recycling facilities, landfills and combustion. The study concluded
with a draft report issued in 1990. Washington County determined at that time that
sharing or joint management of recycling or landfilling with another county or counties
would not be cost effective. However, the County has remained open to the possibility of
regional cooperation.
1.7 GOVERNING LAWS AND REGULATIONS
This section includes discussion of Federal, State and County laws, ordinances, and regulations that are
relevant to solid waste management in Maryland and Washington County.
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1.7.1 FEDERAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Federal involvement with Solid Waste Management began in 1965 with the passage of the Solid
Waste Disposal Act (SWDA). Since that time several other statutes have been passed and
numerous regulations promulgated that have affected how solid waste is managed. The
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) formally established the federal program
regulating solid and hazardous waste management. RCRA actually amends earlier legislation
(the Solid Waste Disposal Act of 1965), but the amendments were so comprehensive that the Act
is commonly called RCRA rather than its official title.
The Act defines solid and hazardous wastes, authorizes EPA to set standards for facilities that
generate or manage hazardous waste, and establishes a permit program for hazardous waste
treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. RCRA was last reauthorized by the Hazardous and
Solid Waste Amendments of 1984.
The amendments set deadlines for permit issuance, prohibited the land disposal of many types of
hazardous waste without prior treatment, required the use of specific technologies at land
disposal facilities, and established a new program regulating underground storage tanks. The
authorization for appropriations under this Act expired September 30, 1988, but funding for the
Environmental Protection Agency's programs in this area has continued; the Act's other
authorities do not expire.
Federal solid waste law has gone through four major phases:
Phase I is marked by the adoption of the Solid Waste Disposal Act. Passed in
1965 as Title II of the Clean Air Act of 1965, the SWDA focused on research,
demonstrations, and training. It provided for sharing with the states the costs of
making surveys of waste disposal practices and problems, and of developing waste
management plans.
The second phase, started with the adoption of the Resource Recovery Act of 1970.
That legislation changed the approach from one of efficiency of disposal to concern with
the reclamation of energy and materials from solid waste. It authorized grants for
demonstrating new resource recovery technology, and required annual reports from the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on means of promoting recycling and reducing
the generation of waste.
In the third phase, the federal government embarked on a more active regulatory role.
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) instituted the first federal
permit program for hazardous waste and prohibited open dumps.
The fourth phase is marked by the adoption of the Hazardous and Solid Waste
Amendments of 1984. Through those amendments the federal government implemented
rules designed to prevent future contamination and the need for cleanup by prohibiting
land disposal of untreated hazardous wastes, setting liner and leachate collection
requirements for land disposal facilities, setting deadlines for closure of facilities not
meeting standards, and establishing a corrective action program.
The major Subtitle D (non-hazardous) solid waste provision in RCRA is the prohibition of open
dumps. This prohibition is implemented by the states, using EPA criteria to determine which
facilities qualify as sanitary landfills and may remain open. EPA's criteria were originally
promulgated in 1979; open dumps were to close or be upgraded by September 13, 1984.
In the 1984 amendments to RCRA, EPA was required to revise the sanitary landfill criteria for
facilities that receive small quantity generator hazardous waste or hazardous household waste.
Using this authority, the Agency promulgated revised regulations applicable to municipal solid
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waste landfills in October 1991, with an effective date of October 9, 1993 for most provisions. In
general, the new criteria require liners, leachate collection, groundwater monitoring, and
corrective action at municipal landfills.
Other solid waste provisions authorized in RCRA include: financial and technical assistance for
states and local governments (most assistance ended in fiscal year 1981 due to overall budget
cutbacks); research, development, and demonstration authority (most of which also fell victim to
budget cutbacks); and a procurement program, the goal of which is to stimulate markets for
recycled products by requiring federal departments and agencies to "buy recycled."
Enforcement
RCRA contains stringent enforcement provisions. Criminal violations of Subtitle C (hazardous
waste) requirements are punishable by fines of as much as $50,000 for each day of violation
and/or imprisonment for as long as 5 years; knowingly endangering human life brings fines of as
much as $250,000 ($1 million for a company or organization) and up to as much as 15 years
imprisonment.
In cases not involving criminal conduct, the Act authorizes civil and administrative penalties of as
much as $25,000 per day of violation. EPA is authorized both to issue administrative compliance
orders and to seek injunctive relief through the courts. Similar civil and administrative penalties
(but not criminal penalties) apply to violations of the underground storage tank requirements in
Subtitle I. Failure to close or upgrade open dumps can also be enforced by EPA in limited
circumstances.
Like most environmental programs, RCRA in practice is largely enforced by state agencies
exercising state authority equivalent to the federal authority. Although the Maryland Department
of the Environment (MDE) is authorized as the principle agency implementing RCRA in Maryland,
the EPA retains the power to undertake enforcement in such "authorized" states. RCRA requires
only that the Administrator give notice to the state in which a violation has occurred prior to
issuing an order or commencing a civil action. RCRA also provides for citizen suits both against
persons and entities alleged to have violated standards on permit requirements and against EPA
in cases where the Administrator has failed to perform an action that is non-discretionary under
the Act.
Amendments to RCRA
RCRA has been amended nine times, some of which were non-controversial additions clarifying
portions of the law or correcting clerical errors in the text. The most significant sets of
amendments occurred in 1980, 1984, and 1992.
1980 Amendments The Solid Waste Disposal Act Amendments of 1980 provided EPA tougher
enforcement powers to deal with illegal dumpers of hazardous waste; the Agency's authority to
regulate certain high-volume, low-hazard wastes (known as "special wastes") was restricted;
funds were authorized to conduct an inventory of hazardous waste sites; and RCRA
authorizations for appropriations were extended through fiscal year 1982. Amending language
contained in Superfund, P.L. 96-510, established an Assistant Administrator for Solid Waste and
Emergency Response at EPA.
Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984 The most significant set of amendments to
RCRA was the Hazardous and Solid Waste Amendments of 1984 (HSWA), a complex law with
many detailed technical requirements. In addition to restrictions on land disposal, and the
inclusion of small-quantity hazardous waste generators (those producing between 100 and 1,000
kg of waste per month) in the hazardous waste regulatory scheme that was summarized above,
HSWA created the new regulatory program for underground storage tanks. EPA was directed to
issue regulations governing those who produce, distribute, and use fuels produced from
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hazardous waste, including used oil. Under HSWA, hazardous waste facilities owned or operated
by federal, state, or local government agencies must be inspected annually, and privately owned
facilities must be inspected at least every two years. Each federal agency was required to submit
a comprehensive inventory of hazardous waste facilities to EPA.
The 1984 law also imposed on EPA a timetable for issuing or denying permits for treatment,
storage, and disposal facilities; required permits to be for fixed terms not exceeding 10 years;
terminated in 1985 the "interim status" of land disposal facilities that existed prior to RCRA's
enactment, unless they met certain requirements; required permit applications to be accompanied
by information regarding the potential for public exposure to hazardous substances in connection
with the facility; and authorized EPA to issue experimental permits for facilities demonstrating
new technologies. EPA's enforcement powers were increased, the list of prohibited actions
constituting crimes was expanded, penalties were increased, and the citizen suit provisions were
expanded. Other provisions prohibited the export of hazardous waste unless the government of
the receiving country formally consented to accept it; created an ombudsman's office in EPA to
deal with RCRA-associated complaints, grievances, and requests for information; and
reauthorized RCRA through FY88 at a level of about $250 million per year. Finally, HSWA called
for a National Ground Water Commission to assess and report to Congress in two years on
groundwater issues and contamination from hazardous wastes. However, the Commission was
never funded and never established.
Federal Facility Compliance Act The third major set of amendments was the Federal Facility
Compliance Act of 1992. This Act resolves the legal question of whether federal facilities are
subject to enforcement actions under RCRA, by unequivocally waiving the government's
sovereign immunity from prosecution.
1996 Amendments The 104th Congress passed an additional set of amendments to RCRA, the
Land Disposal Program Flexibility Act (P.L. 104-119). This act exempts hazardous waste from
RCRA regulation if it is treated to a point where it no longer exhibits the characteristic that made it
hazardous, and is subsequently disposed in a facility regulated under the Clean Water Act or in a
Class I deep injection well regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. A second provision of the
bill exempted small landfills located in arid or remote areas from ground water monitoring
requirements, provided there is no evidence of ground water contamination.
1.7.1.1 OTHER LAWS AFFECTING SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Although not technically amending RCRA, the 101st, 103rd, and 104th Congresses have
enacted five other solid/hazardous waste-related measures.
Sanitary Food Transportation Act The Sanitary Food Transportation Act of 1990 (P.L.
101-500) required the regulation of trucks and rail cars that haul both food and solid
waste (a problem commonly referred to as "backhauling of garbage"). The Act directed
the Departments of Agriculture, Health and Human Services and Transportation to
promulgate regulations specifying: (1) recordkeeping and identification requirements;(2)
decontamination procedures for refrigerated trucks and rail cars; and (3) materials for
construction of tank trucks, cargo tanks, and ancillary equipment.
Clean Air Act The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (Section 305 of P.L. 101-549)
contained a provision mandating stronger federal standards for solid waste incinerators.
The law requires EPA to issue new source performance standards to control air
emissions from municipal, hospital, and other commercial and industrial incinerators.
New facilities must comply with the EPA rules within 6 months of the time they are
issued, and existing units must comply within 5 years of issuance.
Pollution Prevention Act The Pollution Prevention Act of 1990 (sections 6601-6610 of
P.L. 101-608) was passed as part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1991. The
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measure declared pollution prevention to be the national policy, and directed EPA to
undertake a series of activities aimed at preventing the generation of pollutants, rather
than controlling pollutants after they are created. The Act also imposed new reporting
requirements on industry. Firms that were required to file an annual toxic chemical
release form under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986
must also file a report detailing their source reduction and recycling efforts over the
previous year.
Indian Lands Open Dump Cleanup Act The Indian Lands Open Dump Cleanup Act of
1994 (P.L. 103-399) required the Indian Health Service (IHS) to provide technical and
financial support to inventory and close open dumps on Indian lands, and to maintain the
sites after closure. According to IHS, only two of more than 600 waste dumps on Indian
lands met current EPA regulations prior to the law's enactment.
Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act. The 104th
Congress passed legislation (P.L. 104-142) exempting battery collection and recycling
programs from certain hazardous waste management requirements, prohibiting the use
of mercury in batteries, and requiring labels on batteries to encourage proper disposal
and recycling. By exempting battery collection and management programs from some
parts of RCRA, the law was expected to stimulate new recycling programs.
Food and Yard Waste Composting EPA has also published a guidance document
entitled Yard Trimmings/Food Scraps and has delegated authority to the states for all
composting programs. Composting facilities may need approvals/permits from the state
before they can begin operating. The requirements for permitting composting facilities
may vary among states.
Biosolids Disposition The Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40 Part 503 under the
Clean Water Act (CWA) pertains to land application (and biosolids composting), surface
disposal, and combustion of biosolids (sewage sludge). Many of the standards
promulgated in this rule can be applicable to municipal solid waste compost.
Construction and Demolition Debris (C&D) Disposition C&D debris is neither
classified as Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous waste nor
RCRA municipal solid waste (MSW). Therefore, C&D landfills are not subject to federal
design and operational criteria. However, if C&D debris is sent to municipal solid waste
landfills (MSWLFs) or landfills which accept conditionally exempt small quantity generator
(CESQG) waste, those landfills must still meet federal regulations set forth in RCRA,
Subtitle D. (Part 258 for MSWLFs and Part 257, Subpart B for CESQG).
Under Executive Order (E.O.) 13101, Federal Acquisition, Recycling, and Waste
Prevention, the Federal Government is required to use recycled products and
"environmentally preferable" products and services. Executive Order 13101 affects the
C&D waste stream because several construction items are included among these
products. For example, Federal Agencies are required to buy carpet and insulation made
from recycled materials
Household Hazardous Waste Disposition Households often generate solid wastes that
could technically be hazardous wastes (e.g., old solvents, paints, pesticides, fertilizer,
poisons). However, it would be impossible to regulate every house in the United States
that occasionally throw away a can of paint thinner or a bottle of rat poison. Therefore,
EPA developed the household waste exemption. Under this exemption, wastes
generated by normal household activities (e.g., routine house and yard maintenance) are
exempt from the definition of hazardous waste. EPA has expanded the exemption to
include household-like areas, such as bunkhouses, ranger stations, crew quarters,
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campgrounds, picnic grounds, and day-use recreation areas. While household hazardous
waste is exempt from Subtitle C, it is regulated under Subtitle D as a solid waste.
Industrial Non-hazardous Waste (Industrial D) Industrial D is neither RCRA municipal
solid waste nor RCRA hazardous waste under federal law. Therefore, it is not subject to
federal regulations covering design and operational criteria. It is loosely regulated by
RCRA Subtitle D and 40 CFR 257, Subpart A which governs those solid waste disposal
facilities that do not meet the definitions of a municipal solid waste landfill. EPA
developed a guidance document, Guide for Industrial Solid aste management, which
establishes voluntary criteria to assist facility and environmental managers to choose the
best combination of protective design, monitoring, and operating practices to manage the
disposal of industrial waste.
1.7.2 MARYLAND LAW AND REGULATION
1.7.2.1 MARYLAND STATE AGENCIES
Just as with the Federal government, the State of Maryland has passed numerous laws
that affect solid waste management (See Table 1-1). Maryland's regulation of solid waste
is codified in the Environment Article, Annotated Code of Maryland (see Tables 1-2 and
1-3).
Four State agencies in Maryland are responsible for solid waste management:
1. Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) – The MDE has been given the
responsibility of implementing all State and Federal legislation relating to solid waste.
Federally legislated standards that MDE must meet or exceed in carrying out its
regulatory responsibilities include, but are not limited to: the provisions of the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA); the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act; and the
Safe Drinking Water Act. Maryland environmental regulations relative to solid waste
disposal and management, waste recycling, surface and ground water protection, and
erosion and sediment control are among the State mandated provisions that MDE must
also enforce. As the agency delegated to implement RCRA requirements for solid waste
disposal, MDE reviews the County solid waste plans and approves them based on
established State and Federal standards. MDE is also charged with issuing permits,
inspecting facilities, and enforcing all Maryland State and Federal environmental laws
regarding solid waste, its management and control of potential impacts as a result of that
management.
2. Maryland Environmental Service (MES) – MES is a State agency that is also a public
utility. MES is managed by a seven-member board appointed by the Secretary of the
Department of Natural Resources with approval by the Governor, upon the advice and
consent of the Maryland Senate. MES has very broad powers, including the ability to:
plan, acquire, construct and operate solid waste projects; institute and charge fees for
project services; and create and administer funding authorities, which can issue revenue
bonds for project financing. MES can exert its broad powers; however, only if requested
to do so by a locality that needs help and is willing to enter into an agreement with MES.
The Secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment can also request MES to
provide remedial services if an entity or locality has not complied with a Department of
the Environment regulation.
3. Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene-The Washington County Health
Department is a State agency with responsibilities under both Maryland Department of
Health and Mental Hygiene and the Department of the Environment. Through their
Environmental Health Division, complaints regarding illegal dumping are responded to
and enforcement taken under Health Department rules.
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4.Northeast Maryland Solid Waste Disposal Authority – The Authority’s structure as an
independent state agency allows it to respond quickly to the needs of its participating
jurisdictions. Authority members, who comprise the Authority’s board of directors, directly
represent each of eight participating jurisdictions—Anne Arundel County, Baltimore
County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery
County, and Baltimore City. The Authority’s many years of experience allows it to
expedite the procurement, permitting, and financing stages of each project. The
Authority’s staff includes engineers, planners, and financial professionals who work
closely with local governments and the waste management industry to develop custom
designed waste management programs. A team of expert consultants works under the
direction of Authority project managers to execute specific tasks.
The Authority has an historical perspective on the progress of waste disposal in the
region. For more than 20 years they have provided a unique forum for participating
jurisdictions to share information. Their body of knowledge is shared with other
jurisdictions throughout the state and region. Through participation in waste
management seminars and other educational programs, the NMWDA has become
recognized as a leading expert in solid waste management. Authority staff members hold
leadership positions in a variety of regional and national solid waste management and
recycling organizations such as the Municipal Waste Management Association (the U.S.
Conference of Mayors) and the National Recycling Coalition. They have received
numerous awards and have been recognized nationally for their work in the area of
recycling.
1.7.3 COUNTY LAW AND REGULATION
On June 22, 1995, the Washington County Commissioners adopted an Ordinance for Solid
Waste Collection Licensing in Washington County, Maryland. The Ordinance provides for the
licensing of haulers, establishes minimum standards for waste handling, outlines the waste
acceptance standards enforced at County solid waste acceptance facilities, bans yard waste
disposal at the landfill, outlines how fees will be established and collected and provides for
enforcement authority, amended on June 21, 2005.
Washington County maintains authority over the location of solid waste management facilities
through the Zoning Ordinance. Sanitary landfills are permitted only in the Rural Business (RB)
Zone, provided the distance from any lot in a Residential “R” district or any lot occupied by a
dwelling, school, church or institution for human care shall be two times the distance specified in
Section 4.9. Recycling facilities may only be located in the RB zone.
The “RB-N” Rural Business New District is established to permit the development of businesses
that support the agricultural industry and farming community, serve the needs of the rural
residential population, provide for recreation and tourism opportunities, as well as establishing
locations for businesses and facilities not otherwise permitted in the rural areas of the County.
The Rural Business New District is established as a “floating zone”, which may be located on any
parcel in an Agricultural, Environmental Conservation, Preservation or Rural Village Zoning
District.
Rev. 1 – 10/16/09
Final Rev. 7/12/10
CHAPTER 2
PHYSIOGRAPHIC, DEMOGRAPHIC AND
LAND USE CHARACTERISTICS OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY
2.0 PHYSIOGRAPHIC, DEMOGRAPHIC AND LAND USE CHARACTERISTICS OF WASHINGTON
COUNTY
This chapter provides information on Washington County’s physical and cultural geography and its
present and projected population and land use. It also presents an outline of the County’s Comprehensive
Plan. Data on population and land use provides the basis for waste generation projections (both volume
and composition) and thus become basic factors in waste management decisions.
2.1 GEOGRAPHY
Washington County is located in the west-central part of Maryland and includes the narrowest part of the
State’s panhandle. The northern boundary of the County is shared with Pennsylvania (Fulton and
Franklin Counties) along 45 miles of the Mason-Dixon Line. Except for a 2 mile stretch that is shared with
Virginia (Loudoun County) at the southeastern edge of the County, the southern boundary of the County
is the Potomac River and is mainly shared with West Virginia (Morgan, Berkeley and Jefferson Counties).
Sideling Hill Creek forms the direct western boundary with Allegany County, but the County is less than 2
miles wide from north to south near Hancock, where the Potomac River makes its northernmost bend.
The crest of South Mountain forms the eastern boundary with Frederick County. The area of the County
is 467 square miles, of which approximately 455 square miles is land. It also contains over 100 miles of
shoreline on the Potomac River. Hagerstown is the County seat and is located approximately 70 miles
northwest of Baltimore and Washington DC and 165 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.
2.2 CLIMATE
Termed “temperate”, the climate of Washington County is pleasant for outdoor activity from early spring to
late fall. Average annual rainfall is about 38 inches, with the most precipitation on average occurring in
May. Prevailing winds are from the southwest and average 7 miles an hour. The average warmest
month is July and January is the average coolest month. The highest recorded temperature was 104° in
1988 and the lowest recorded temperature was -17° in 1977.
2.3 DEMOGRAPHICS
Washington County’s population was estimated by the MD Department of Planning (MDP) to be 140,650
in 2005. The highest density of population is located in the urban area in and around Hagerstown, the
county seat. The Urban Growth Area, which includes Hagerstown, Funkstown, Williamsport and part of
adjacent election districts has approximately 53% of the total population. The population has increased at
a modest but steady rate over the past thirty years. During the period from 1970 to 1980, the population
increased at an average annual rate of .86%. From 1980 to 1990 the population increased at a rate of
.71% with a total increase of 8,307 throughout the decade. From 1990 to 2000, the population increased
by 10,540 at an average annual rate of .84% to 131,923. The estimated population increased from 2000
to 2005 is 8,727 which is an annual rate of 1.29% (See Figure 2-3). In 2007, MDP estimated the
population to be 145,113 and projected the 2010 population to reach 149,250. The State estimates the
population will increase to 170,950 by the year 2020 and 189,750 by 2030.
2.4.1 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
2.4.1 HISTORY AND PREMISE OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The growth of Washington County has been guided by a Comprehensive Plan since 1971. A
new Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1981, which changed the emphasis from addressing
growth through the creation of new communities to encouraging growth in designated growth
areas around existing towns and cities.
The basic premise of the Plan has been to direct development into and around the County’s four
Urban and Town Growth Areas while retaining the rural character and use of the surrounding
land. The four Growth areas comprise the Hagerstown Urban Growth Area, which includes
Funkstown and Williamsport and the Boonsboro, Hancock, and Smithsburg Town Growth Areas.
2-2
The Growth Areas are the areas of the county where much of the residential, commercial and
industrial development is to be directed. By providing incentives for growth in these areas, the
provision of facilities and services such as water and sewer, utilities, roads, schools and parks as
well as police fire and emergency services is intended to be simpler, more efficient, and cost
effective.
Concentrated growth accommodates the same number of people on less land, allowing land
outside of the growth areas to remain relatively rural. This rural land includes agricultural land,
open space, and environmental resource lands such as forests, streams, wetlands and steep
slopes. This policy helps preserve the rural working landscape as well as to maximize the land
available for active farming.
During the 1990’s several major amendments to the Comprehensive Plan were adopted. Most of
these were the result of state legislation called the Maryland Resource Protection and Planning
Act of 1992, and included the addition of “Seven Visions”, a Sensitive Areas Element, a
Regulatory Streamlining Element and identification of “Rural Villages”. A new Transportation
Element was also adopted along with the creation of a Special Planning Area for the Fort Ritchie
site due to the closing of the base. The law also requires that the Comprehensive Plan be
reviewed and updated as necessary at intervals of no more than six years. The amended version
of the 1981 Plan was the foundation of the new 2002 Comprehensive Plan.
2.4.2 VISION AND GOALS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
In 2001 the Board of County Commissioners adopted the following mission statement which
states, “To provide exemplary public services by: supporting and strengthening individual and
community self-reliance and responsibility, promoting education, economic opportunities, public
health, safety, and welfare, protecting the environment and cultural resources we share and
planning for future urbanization and a culturally diverse population”.
2.4.2.1 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN GOALS
Four goals were developed, each with detailed objectives according to County and state
visions, public input, analysis of growth trends, CIP funding levels, and review of the
previous Comprehensive Plan.
GOAL 1: Provide opportunities for individual choice and self-fulfillment
GOAL 2: Promote a balanced and diversified economy including agriculture
GOAL 3: Encourage the stewardship of the environment and the County’s heritage
GOAL 4: Establish parameters for managing growth
The Comprehensive Plan states, “In summary, growth and development should be
directed to the Urban or Town Growth Areas and Rural Villages where development now
exists to maximize the investment in infrastructure and services. This will in turn
minimize new investment in duplicative facilities and reduce development pressure on
agricultural, open space and environmentally sensitive areas leading to an increased
likelihood of their protection”.
2.4.3 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WASHINGTON COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
2.4.3.1 AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION
Continuation of viable farming and agribusiness uses and the preservation of agricultural
land is a significant priority in Washington County. In accordance with the
2-3
Comprehensive Plan, the County has established a goal of preserving at least 50,000
acres of land in agricultural production. Designated Preservation areas are located in four
general geographic areas in the county: northeast of Clear Spring, north and west of
Smithsburg, in Sharpsburg around the Antietam Battlefield, and on Pleasant Valley/Dog
Street south of Keedysville.
Approximately 114,000 acres or 42% of the land is currently being used for agriculture.
The average farm size of the 844 active farms in the County is 135 acres with a majority
of the land zoned Agricultural or Conservation. The agricultural goal and threshold are
directed at preserving the land used for agriculture. Support of a large agricultural land
base will assure that farming can continue into the future.
Agriculture continues to be an important industry in Washington County with a market
value of all products sold of $83.69 million dollars according to the 2007 Agriculture
Census. In the State of Maryland, Washington County ranks first in fruit, ninth in corn,
third in forage, and thirteenth in soybeans. The County is ranked second in number of
animals in dairy and in beef, first in hogs, and fifth in sheep. Preserving farmland provides
many additional benefits to the citizens of Washington County over and above any
economic gains. The environment and water quality is preserved through the stewardship
of County farmers. The rural working landscape provides open space and pastoral views
across the valley to the mountains on either side. The overall “quality of life” experienced
in Washington County is enhanced through preserving agricultural lands and the
agricultural heritage.
2.4.3.1.1 AGRICULTURAL LAND PRESERVATION PROGRAM
In order to retain the overall character of the region, both the State and the
County have taken significant steps toward the permanent preservation of
farmland land in Washington County. The County has been successful in
attracting landowners to participate in the Agricultural Land Preservation
Program. As of December of 2008, 16,121 acres of farmland throughout the
County were permanently preserved primarily through the Maryland Agricultural
Land Preservation Foundation, or MALPF, with purchased easements prohibiting
future development. An additional 1,775 acres are currently in Federal
easements in and around the Antietam Battlefield, while 3,603 acres of farmland
have permanent easements held by either the Maryland Environmental Trust or
private conservation groups. The majority of easements and districts are located
in the western and south central areas of the County, more specifically northeast
of Clear Spring and south of Williamsport.
2.4.3.1.2 RURAL LEGACY PROGRAM
The Rural Legacy Program, developed in the late 1990’s by the Maryland
General Assembly, is another method to substantially increase land conservation
thereby protecting valuable farmland, forest, natural resources, and historic
features. The County Commissioners select an area of the County ideal for
conservation and applies to the State for funds to purchase permanent
conservation easements from landowners that voluntarily participate in the
program. The County Commissioners and MALPF or other qualified organization
holds easements jointly. Since 1998, Washington County has preserved 3,151
easement acres in the South County/ Antietam Battlefield area with Rural Legacy
funding.
.
2.4.3.2 ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES
The Planning Act of 1992 requires Comprehensive Plans include a “Sensitive Area
Element”. Washington County adopted a Sensitive Area Element of the County
2-4
Comprehensive Plan in 1996. The adopted Sensitive Area Element addressed five areas
of concern. Four of the sensitive areas are required by State Law with a fifth area added
by the County. The State required sensitive areas are: floodplains, steep slopes, habitat
of threatened and endangered species, and stream buffers. The County added a
sensitive area, labeled as “Special Planning
Areas”, which include the Edgemont and Smithsburg Reservoir Watersheds, Appalachian
Trail Corridor, and the Upper Beaver Creek Basin and Trout Hatchery. Washington
County chose to utilize the Federal Endangered Species List to address the endangered
species requirement due to its proximity adjacent to the States of Pennsylvania, Virginia
and West Virginia. The endangered species associated with the Federal List are located
in the western part of the County. Steep slopes tend to be located along South Mountain
and Elk Ridge along with the ridge and valley area west of Clear Spring. Floodplains and
stream buffers are located throughout the County in the drainage basins that lead to the
Potomac River. The Special Planning Areas are located in the eastern part of the County
and tend to be associated with South Mountain. It is not unusual for sensitive areas to
overlap. Development is not precluded from a sensitive area; however, additional
development regulations may need to be followed to mitigate potential impacts.
More specific goals, objectives, and action strategies have been developed to implement
the overall environmental goal established in the Washington County Comprehensive
Plan. The 2006 Land Preservation, Parks, and Recreation Plan inventories and maps
County recreational lands and facilities and other valuable open space resources.
2.4.3.3 WASHINGTON COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE
Sanitary landfills are permitted in the Rural Business land use category. According to the
Zoning Ordinance “The “RB-N” Rural Business New District is established to permit the
development of businesses that support the agricultural industry and farming community,
serve the needs of the rural residential population, provide for recreation and tourism
opportunities, as well as establishing locations for businesses and facilities not otherwise
permitted in the rural areas of the County”. The Rural Business New District is
established as a “floating zone” which may be located on any parcel in an Agricultural,
Environmental Conservation, Preservation or Rural Village Zoning District.
The RB-N District may be established at a particular location if the following criteria are
met:
(a) The proposed RB-N District is not within any designated growth area identified in the
Washington County Comprehensive Plan.
(b) The proposed RB-N District has safe and usable road access on a road that meets
the standards under the “Policy for Determining Adequacy of Existing Roads.” In
addition, a traffic study may be required where the proposed business, activity or facility
generates 25 or more peak hour trips or where 40% of the estimated vehicle trips are
anticipated to be commercial truck traffic.
(c) On-site issues relating to sewage disposal, water supply, stormwater management,
flood plains, etc. can be adequately addressed.
(d) The location of an RB-N District would not be incompatible with existing land uses,
cultural or historic resources, or agricultural preservation efforts in the vicinity of the site.
Additional criteria require that the use shall be two (2) times the distance specified in
Section 4.9 of the Ordinance. That section states, “Any uses or buildings subject to
compliance with this section shall be located at least two hundred (200) feet from any lot
line in a RR, RS, RU, RM or RV District or any lot occupied by a dwelling, school, church,
or institution for human care not located on the same lot as the said use or buildings, or
any lot which is part of a duly recorded subdivision”. This plan shall not be used to create
or enforce local land use and zoning requirements.
2-5
2.4.3.4 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Washington County actively seeks opportunities for quality economic development. The
Department of Economic Development Department works in conjunction with the
Economic Development Commission, an advisory Board to the County Commissioners,
to improve the quality of life for all citizens through the expansion, retention and attraction
of business. The mission of the Department is to promote a positive business
environment in order to accommodate the expansion of resident industry and the
attraction of new industry. Goals of the Department include the creation and retention of
productive employment opportunities and the enhancement of the commercial/industrial
tax base. The County works in partnership with the Maryland Department of Business
and Economic Development to attract new business to the County as well as encourage
expansion of local businesses. Through these partnerships, the County has been very
successful in securing State investments to support local economic development
projects.
The Department of Economic Development promotes Washington County as a business
location strategically located at the intersection of two interstate highways. The
Department provides an array of services to resident and potential businesses such as
site and facility tours, research, financing, regulatory agency assistance and business
advocacy services.
They also assist with local farm product agricultural marketing. To continue expanding
the business sector, the County must continue to plan and provide critical infrastructure
necessary for economic growth. Roads, water, sewer and other technology infrastructure
will be necessary to keep the local economy healthy.
2.4.3.5 TRANSPORTATION NETWORK
Washington County is serviced by a variety of transportation systems. The roadway
network consists of both County roads and State highways with 46 miles of Interstate
Highway. U.S. Interstate 70 runs through the County nearly 35 miles from east to west
while Interstate 81 extends 11 miles south from the Mason and Dixon line at the
Pennsylvania border to West Virginia on the south bank of the Potomac River. Several
State roads in the County radiate out from the centrally located County Seat of
Hagerstown. They include MD 60, extending northeast toward Waynesboro, PA; MD 64
extending east to Smithsburg; US 40 paralleling I-70 to the southeast and also to the
west of Hagerstown; US 11 paralleling I-81 and passing through Hagerstown; Alternate
40, the old National Road, extending southeast to Boonsboro and into Frederick County;
and MD 65 also known as Sharpsburg Pike, extending south to Sharpsburg and the
Antietam National Battlefield and MD 632, extending southwest to the rural village of
Downsville. Other state roads include MD 67 connecting Boonsboro to US 340 at the
southern tip of the County, MD 34 connecting Boonsboro and Sharpsburg, and extending
southwest into West Virginia; MD 63 extending south from the Mason and Dixon Line
through Williamsport, then south and east connecting to Sharpsburg Pike at the village of
Fairplay; and MD 58 extending to the northwest, connecting to MD 63 at the village of
Cearfoss.
Washington County is also served by rail systems operated by CSX Transportation in the
western and northeastern areas, and Norfolk Southern and Winchester and Western in
the southwestern part of the county. All combined railroads send approximately 30 trains
per day through Hagerstown. Several interchange points for the railroads are in the
Hagerstown area; the largest is located southwest of the city center. There is no
scheduled passenger rail service in Washington County.
2-6
2.4.3.6 TAX DIFFERENTIAL AGREEMENT
This refers to the agreement between the County and each of the municipalities for a
payment from the County for services the municipality already provides. Hagerstown and
several other municipalities currently receive payments from the County for park and
police service.
2.4.3.7 CONCURRENCY MANAGEMENT ORDINANCE
The Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance, effective December 1, 1990 and last revised
and put into effect January 1, 2004, provides for information on new development, facility
capacity, levels of service, and fiscal/budgetary considerations. This information is put
into a report for the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners each
year. The information is used to establish minimum standards of adequacy for roads,
schools, sewage disposal systems, and water supply and distribution systems to serve
proposed development.
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Final Rev. 7/12/10
CHAPTER 3
EXISTING SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
3.0 THE EXISTING SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN WASHINGTON COUNTY
3.1 EXISTING AND PROJECTED WASTE GENERATION BY CATEGORY
Washington County began developing accurate data on Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) in 1989 when
landfill scales were put into operation. Since that time, the management-information needs have added
new categories of waste. The actual data and projections are shown in various tables at the end of this
chapter.
Total MSW tonnages include landfilled and recycled materials such as household waste, rubble, white
goods, commercial, industrial and institutional solid waste, yard trimmings, scrap tires and landfilled
sewage sludge. Other wastes such as controlled hazardous substances, dead animals, liquid wastes,
septage, and medical wastes are addressed separately. Where records for the various wastes do not
exist, estimates are provided, if possible.
The Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) Section 26.03.03.03D requires this Plan to identify and
quantify 12 specific categories of waste:
1) Residential (household, domestic) wastes
2) Commercial wastes
3) Industrial (non-hazardous) solids, liquids and sewage sludge wastes
4) Institutional (schools, hospitals, government buildings)
5) Land clearing and demolition debris (rubble)
6) Controlled hazardous substances
7) Dead animals
8) Bulky or special wastes (automobiles, large appliances, etc.)
9) Scrap tires
10) Wastewater treatment plant sludge
11) Septage
12) Other wastes, i.e., grease, that may potentially be generated in significant volumes and would
necessitate specialized handling as a result of their character.
The Forty West Municipal Landfill is an approved scrap tire acceptance facility; however, the tires are sent
elsewhere for processing and recycling. By state law, scrap tire disposal in the landfill is prohibited. Other
prohibited items not accepted for disposal include dead animals, hazardous wastes, explosives, septic
sludge, bulky wastes, or any waste in liquid form, except waste oil and antifreeze for recycling.
These prohibitions also apply to all convenience centers. Asbestos is accepted for disposal at the Forty
West Landfill according to state regulated procedures that have been provided to all haulers.
3.1.1 WASTE GENERATED IN WASHINGTON COUNTY
Unless noted otherwise, all tonnage data is from annual Solid Waste Tonnage Reports submitted
to the Maryland Department of the Environment, Solid Waste Program. All refuse material
entering the
3-2
landfill is categorized by origin, as determined by drivers reporting their load origin to scale house
employees or by inspection. See Table 3-1. Actual waste amounts will likely vary from
projections, as competition from landfills in nearby Pennsylvania and West Virginia may cause
waste to be diverted due to lower disposal fees or other business decisions by waste hauling
companies. Solid waste disposed in the Forty West Municipal Landfill is limited to waste
generated within Washington County. Some solid waste is transported and disposed outside the
County.
3.1.1.1 RESIDENTIAL WASTE GENERATION
Approximately 47,922 tons of residential waste was accepted and disposed at the landfill
in 2008.
3.1.1.2 COMMERCIAL WASTE GENERATION
Commercial wastes in Washington County are those generated by businesses and
collected by front loader trucks or in roll off containers. Commercial waste accepted and
landfilled in 2008 was 46,042 tons. Privately operated processing or recycling facilities
may dispose up to 20% by weight of original raw materials as residuals in the landfill.
3.1.1.3 INDUSTRIAL (NON-HAZARDOUS) SOLID, LIQUID AND SEWAGE SLUDGE
WASTE GENERATION
Many of the County's industrial plants are in the business of manufacturing by assembly
and warehousing/distribution. Industrial solid wastes delivered and disposed at County
facilities by commercial haulers in 2008 totaled approximately 5,554 tons.
As most of the County's industrial facilities are located near or within the boundary of one
of the incorporated towns, most are serviced by municipal sewage treatment plants.
Therefore, nonhazardous liquid wastes are discharged into those sewer systems and
directed to associated treatment plants. These plants are located in the towns of
Boonsboro, Clear Spring, Hancock, Keedysville, Sharpsburg, Smithsburg, Williamsport,
and Hagerstown. The two largest plants are located in Hagerstown and in the County at
the Washington County Department of Water Quality, north of Williamsport. Spirit
Services, an industrial waste pre-treatment facility is also located at the Department of
Water Quality Conococheague plant. Spirit Services receives and processes pre-qualified
non-hazardous wastewaters including oily wastes, heavy metals, leachate, and liquid
domestic waste. Processed wastewater is discharged through a NPDES permitted
discharge (see Figure 3-1).
3.1.1.4 INSTITUTIONAL WASTES
Institutional wastes are inclusive of those generated in government offices, schools,
hospitals, clinics and other similar facilities. Removal, treatment and disposal of medical
(biohazard) wastes generated in Washington County Hospital was disposed in the
permitted Washington County Hospital Association Medical Waste Incinerator or
collected by independent licensed collectors. Based on Land Fill records, institutional
waste classified by origin was 1,125 tons in 2008.
3.1.1.5 CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION DEBRIS
Construction and demolition (C&D) debris is material generated as a by-product of
building demolition, construction and renovation, site clearance, excavation and
roadwork. C&D materials vary greatly depending on the project, although certain
components are found in each construction category.
3-3
A relatively large volume of land clearing debris is common in a developing area such as
Washington County. Historically, most contractors traditionally buried such materials on
the job site. Changes in Maryland regulations now prohibit that act. Construction and land
clearing debris must be disposed of in a licensed landfill or it can be processed and
recycled. C & D material disposed in 2008 totaled 23,885 tons.
3.1.1.6 CONTROLLED HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
The total of Controlled Hazardous Substances, as defined in COMAR, is not limited to
waste. Generators of controlled hazardous substances are not required to report
amounts to the County; therefore, no current data on volume is available for such
substances. All such material is banned from landfilling and is removed from the County
by licensed haulers. Automobile batteries are accepted and set aside for recycling; 11
tons were recycled in 2008.
3.1.1.7 DEAD ANIMALS
Dead farm stock is a part of the dead animal issue in Washington County. Dead stock are
NOT accepted at the county landfill. However, road kills picked up by County road crews
are occasionally brought to the County landfill for disposal. The two nearest rendering
plants processing dead animals operated by Valley Proteins, Inc. are located near
Baltimore and Winchester,VA.
3.1.1.8 BULKY OR SPECIAL WASTES (AUTOMOBILES, APPLIANCES, ETC.)
Scrap automobiles in Washington County are handled through private industry (see
Figure 3-2). The Forty West Municipal Landfill does not accept whole scrap automobiles
or automobile parts for disposal per Section 3.3 of the Solid Waste Ordinance. Individuals
contract with private dealers for removal, recycling and disposal of automobile wastes.
The automotive recycling industry is a complex one that is highly variable. Some
recyclers only deal with the acceptance, dismantling and recycling of vehicles, while
others mix vehicle tonnages with other scrap metals. Several other operations accept
aluminum and bimetal cans and a variety of other recyclable metal products along with
materials from scrap vehicles. Maryland Metals and Conservit are two of the largest
metal recycling companies in the County. All of these operations, however, do have
other non-metallic wastes as residuals. Those wastes may be accepted at the County
Landfill and, if so, are reflected in the total commercial waste tonnages. Bulky wastes like
appliances ("white goods") are accepted at County facilities at no charge (non-freon
only). Freon appliances are accepted with a charge. Freon is removed by the County’s
scrap metal contractor per USPPP requirements. All of the accepted “white goods" are
set aside and recycled through a contractor. Washington County Forty West Municipal
Landfill recycled 15,055 tons of scrap metal and automobile pieces from commercial
sources in 2008 and 349 tons of "white goods" and propane tanks in 2008. Tonnage
data is summarized in Table 3–1.
3.1.1.9 SCRAP TIRES
As an approved MDE secondary scrap tire facility, Washington County has an approved
scrap vehicle tire acceptance area at the Forty West Municipal Landfill where tires are
stockpiled and removed on a regular basis by a MDE licensed contractor. In 2007, 156
tons of tires were collected and recycled while approximately 37 tons were used as fuel in
the local cement kiln. In 2008, 241 tons of used scrap tires were collected and recycled.
3-4
3.1.1.10 WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT SLUDGE
Treatment for the removal of pollutants results in the production of sewage sludge and as
standards become tighter, sewage sludge production also increases. The predominant
method of sewage sludge management for Washington County has traditionally been
landfill disposal. The primary method of sludge disposal for the City of Hagerstown until
1990 was agricultural land application. At that time the City constructed a pelletizer facility
to dry and market sludge to the farming industry as fertilizer.
There are twelve publicly owned community water supplies and 12 sewerage systems in
Washington County. However, except for the Hagerstown system, all other towns require
that the property be within their corporate limits or the property be annexed in order to
receive public water and sewer. Seventy percent of the County's population has the
benefit of a public water supply while 60% have sewer service.
Washington County owns or operates nine wastewater treatment plants. These plants
service the Halfway and Williamsport areas and industrial areas on the west side of
Hagerstown, as well as Clear Spring, Sandy Hook, Sharpsburg, the Antietam Battlefield,
Smithsburg, Saint James, and Highfield/Cascade. The sewage sludge disposed at the
landfill from these and other municipal and private treatment plants in the County totaled
approximately 8,500 tons in 2007 and 6,646 tons in 2008, according to MDE data.
Hagerstown Sewage Treatment Plant produces the second largest volume of sludge after
the Conococheague plant. Depending on the market, material may be processed and
dried by a contractor on site and sold as fertilizer pellets.
3.1.1.11 SEPTAGE
Septage is the residual material collected from individual residential septic systems. A
significant number of Washington County's homes have such systems and contract for
septage collection and disposal. It is estimated that residential septage generation in
Washington County is from 3.5 to 4 million gallons per year. Traditionally, septage has
been either disposed of through wastewater treatment plants or land applied. Recent
Federal and State regulations have limited septage management options. Direct
application of septage to land is now prohibited. In response, a treatment system has
been added at the County Wastewater Treatment Plant dedicated to the disposal and
treatment of septage. The plant operated by Spirit Services, Inc. has a peak design flow
of 125,000 gallons per day (gpd) with an average daily flow of up to 8,300 gpd. Sewage
sludge volumes are included in the sewage sludge management section. There are five
independent septage contractors operating in Washington County. County residents rely
on their services; regular maintenance of individual septic systems is imperative to
uninterrupted system operation and environmental protection.
3.1.1.12 OTHER WASTES
3.1.1.12.1 RECYCLING
In 1988, the State of Maryland passed the Maryland Recycling Act (MRA)
requiring each jurisdiction to develop and implement recycling programs. Under
the act, each county with a population greater than 150,000 must reduce its MRA
solid waste stream by 20% through recycling. Counties with lower populations
must recycle 15%. The mandate was required by January 1, 1994.
Washington County, with a population under 150,000, was initially required to
recycle 15% of its waste stream by 1994. That year the recycling rate was
3-5
20.4%. By 2008, the County had achieved a 35.5% recycling rate, continuing to
exceed the 15% required by the Act. The County’s population will likely surpass
the 150,000 mark during this 10 year plan period, requiring the County to achieve
the minimum 20% recycling rate.
The total MRA and non-MRA waste material recycled in 2008 was 76,624 tons.
3.1.1.12.2 MRA RECYCLING AND DIVERSION RATE
According to Weigh records and material tonnage reports, the total 2008
Maryland Recycling Act (MRA) waste disposed in Washington County was
102,531 tons. “MRA Waste” for purposes of calculating the county recycling rate,
excludes bulky materials such as sludge, rubble, land clearing debris and ash.
The MRA waste generated in Washington County disposed at the Forty West
Municipal Landfill in 2008 along with the County recycling and diversion rate is
shown below:
2008 MRA Waste Generation
MRA Waste disposed: 102,531 Tons
Materials Recycled: 48,414Tons
Total MRA Waste Stream: 150,945 Tons
2008 County Recycling Rate: 32.07%
2008 MRA Diversion Rate: 33.07%
This is based on: MRA Waste disposed + Material recycled = Total MRA Waste
stream, materials recycled / MRA waste stream X 100 = Recycling Rate, and
MRA recycling rate + resource reduction credit = MRA waste diversion rate.
3.1.1.12.3 YARD TRIMMINGS
Yard trimmings include grass clippings, brush and leaves, resulting from
residential or commercial yard and garden maintenance. All nine of Washington
County's incorporated towns provide residents with curbside collection or drop-off
sites for yard trimmings. The City of Hagerstown has organized leaf and yard
trimmings collection programs. It is anticipated that most of the towns haulers will
continue to use the County licensed wood waste processing facility. In May of
1994, Washington County banned yard trimmings from being landfilled. State
law also bans source separated yard waste. County haulers, municipalities,
businesses and residents may deliver acceptable yard trimmings, loose or in
paper bags, to the Forty West Municipal Landfill at no charge The woody
materials are processed by a grinder into a mulch product. The grass, leaves and
other yard trimmings are processed into a soil amendment. The mulch and soil
amendment are made available for purchase to County residents and businesses
to be used on their properties. In 2008, 5,122 tons of yard waste were delivered
and processed at the Forty West Municipal Landfill.
3.1.1.12.4 ELECTRONICS
With grant funding from MDE, the County established a permanent residential
electronics drop-off site at the Forty West Municipal Landfill in 2007. The
program went into effect following several successful one day electronics
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recycling events. The County programs accept a variety of household electronic
items: computers, monitors, peripherals, televisions, telephones, cell phones
and PDA’s, calculators, copiers, scanners, consumer electronics, VCR and DVD
players, camcorders, stereos, CD players, fax machines, projection equipment,
printers, electronic typewriters, electronic toys and microwaves. The program
does NOT accept refrigerators, air conditioners, dehumidifiers or lab equipment.
The electronics recycling program is for County residents only and accepts items
with a minimum $8.00 fee. The County has a contract with Unicor for
transportation and recycling of electronic items. In 2008, 101 tons of electronics
were collected and recycled. For businesses requiring electronics recycling
services, the County Recycling Office can provide a list of recycling companies
that may meet their needs.
3.1.1.12.5 ASBESTOS
The established disposal procedure for friable asbestos detailed in Section 3.5.6
of the Washington County Solid Waste Ordinance involves placement in 6 mil
impermeable bags with outside labels denoting asbestos. The county requires 48
hours notice before delivery of any asbestos to the landfill. The containers
must be unloaded by hand then segregated in the solid waste placement areas
of the landfill. According to landfill tonnage reports no friable asbestos was
disposed in 2007 or 2008.
3.1.1.12.6 MINING WASTES
Mining wastes consist of overburden from mining operations and residuals from
crushing. Both of these wastes are either deposited at the quarry site or are
hauled, as fill, to construction sites. In both cases, the material is not treated as
waste. Quarry operations typically use material from overburden soil in
reclamation.
3.1.1.12.7 LEACHATE
Leachate is defined as the combination of liquids and suspended particulates
that have leached through or drained from solid waste. Its rate of generation is
generally increased when above ground and subsurface waters, including
rainfall, percolate through landfilled solid wastes.
Washington County collected and transported over 19.8 million gallons of
leachate for treatment during 2008. Sites with leachate collection systems are the
closed Resh Sanitary Landfill, the closed City/County Landfill, the inactive
Reclamation Rubble Landfill, and the Forty West Municipal Landfill. Leachate is
collected and primarily trucked to the Spirit Services Pretreatment Plant.
Leachate may also be hauled directly to the Wastewater Treatment Plant on an
as-needed basis. A project to add one or more leachate storage tanks at the
Forty West Municipal Landfill, and replace trucking contracts with a pumping
station and force main connecting to a nearby public sewer connection is under
evaluation. The project could offer significant savings in hauling expenses over
the years of landfill operation.
3.1.2 WASTE IMPORTED AND EXPORTED
Only solid waste generated in Washington County may be delivered to or disposed at County
operated facilities (Section 3.0, Solid Waste Collection Licensing Ordinance). Any privately
operated facility recycling or processing recyclables cannot generate residue greater than 20% by
3-7
weight of the original raw material for disposal at the County landfill. At present, only waste
generated in the County is collected, processed or disposed at the Forty West Municipal Landfill.
3.1.3 SOLID WASTE ENTERING WASHINGTON COUNTY FOR RECOVERY AND
PROCESSING
Clean Earth of Maryland, located south of Hagerstown, accepts petroleum-contaminated soils
and construction rubble for processing. The plant on Oakridge Place is also accepting and
crushing broken concrete and asphalt into a usable aggregate for road building. No figures on
tons processed at the Clean Earth site are available.
3.2 REFUSE COLLECTION SYSTEMS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY
Washington County has legal authority by the Ordinance to provide for solid waste collection licensing.
Through the Ordinance, Washington County officials have the authority to
• Regulate and license the collection, removal and disposal of waste throughout the jurisdiction
• By ordinance, regulate recycling in the County and fine persons who place materials into
recycling bins that are not recyclable
.
Within the unincorporated areas of Washington County, that is the areas outside of any incorporated town
limits, an "open-ended" method of residential refuse pick-up exists. An "open-ended" system refers to one
in which one or more waste haulers operate in a given area. Those haulers contract on an individual
basis with homeowners and commercial establishments. A significant number of individuals also self-haul
to the County landfill and the five convenience centers located around the County for resident’s use.
3.2.1 EXISTING SOLID WASTE ACCEPTANCE FACILITIES
Washington County's public waste handling and disposal facilities are located at the Forty West
Municipal Landfill. All types of residential and commercial solid wastes are currently accepted,
including white goods, scrap tires, construction rubble, and yard trimmings. Figure 3–5 shows the
location of County waste handling and permitted solid waste acceptance facilities.
The nine incorporated municipalities in Washington County have all taken responsibility for
administering their own waste collection and additional disposal services, with varying degrees of
expenditure in terms of dedicated personnel and equipment. All of these towns have a closed-end
waste pick-up system. The term "closed-end" means that only one hauler or the town personnel
operate the residential trash pick-up within that municipal area. In all cases, the routes are
controlled by a bid process. At present, three different haulers provide services to county
municipalities by contract.
Hagerstown manages an office paper collection and recycling program in City Hall and at other
municipal departments. The City’s contracted waste hauler also provides once a week curbside
mixed paper collection, including newspaper, phone books, catalogs, cardboard, and junk mail,
and co-mingled plastic-metal-glass collection. The City offers a free curbside bin to residents in
an effort to increase the mixed paper collection rate. City residents also have yard waste
collection.
3.3.1 COUNTY OWNED AND OPERATED FACILITIES
3.3.1.1 FORTY WEST MUNICIPAL LANDFILL
The County's Forty West Municipal Landfill comprises 425 acres located on US Route 40
west of the City of Hagerstown. It opened in November of 2000 as a state-of-the art
secured sanitary landfill, with a HDPE liner, leachate collection and management system,
3-8
and computerized scale house. The Forty West Municipal Landfill accepts only County
generated waste.
Sanitary and Rubble Landfill, Recycling, Composting, Transfer Stations
- Located at 12630 Earth Care Road, Hagerstown, MD on the north side of US 40 West,
one mile west of MD 63.
- Owned and operated by Board of County Commissioners for Washington County, MD
- Permit # 2007-WMF-0266A was issued on 10/14/2009 and expires 10/13/ 2014.
- MD State Coordinates (1983):
• East 570
• North 667
-Area Served: 467 Square Miles
-Population: 149,250 (Projected, 2010)
-Wastes refused: Dead animals, hazardous wastes, explosives, motor vehicles, liquids,
sealed containers.
-Cover depth: six inches soil daily. Alternate daily cover used as approved by MDE.
Twelve inches soil as intermediate cover.
-Operating Hours: 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, M-Sat.
-Employees: 26
-Equipment on Site: 2 dozers, 1 scraper, 3 rubber tire loaders, 2 steel wheel compactors,
1 road grader, 1 farm tractor, 1 back-hoe, 1 gradeall, 1 track loader, 2 articulated dump
haulers, 3500 G. water truck, 1 single axle dumper, 1 tandem axle tractor, 1 tub grinder,
1 horizontal grinder
-Acreage: 425 acres, of which an estimated 190 acres will be fillable.
-Remaining Capacity 17,553,410 Cubic Yards*
-Estimated years of service life: 55 years*
* From 2008 MDE SW Tonnage Report.
3.3.1.2 COUNTY CONVENIENCE CENTERS and RECYCLING FACILITIES
Washington County has five convenience centers for residential use only at the following
locations:
FORTY WEST MUNICIPAL LANDFILL - Located on US 40, 4 miles west of
Hagerstown.
Hours of Operation: 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday-Saturday
Attendant present during operating hours.
GREENSBURG - Located on Bikle Road off of Route 64 north of Smithsburg.
Hours of Operation: 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday; 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM,
Saturday
Attendant present during operating hours.
DARGAN - Located on Dargan School House Road across from fire hall off of
Harpers Ferry Road.
Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday; 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM,
Saturday
Attendant present during operating hours.
KAETZEL - Located on Kaetzel Road off of Route 67 south of Boonsboro.
Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday; 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM,
Saturday
Attendant present during operating hours.
3-9
HANCOCK - Located at 6502 Hess Road, east of Hancock
Hours of Operation: 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday-Saturday
Attendant present during operating hours.
Each convenience center location provides roll off bins for residential waste and bins for,
at a minimum, recycling rechargeable batteries, plastic bottles, newspaper, cardboard,
clear and colored glass, aluminum, bi-metal and steel cans, and drums for used motor oil
and antifreeze.
Locations of additional convenient drop-off facilities for recyclable materials are listed
below and depicted on Figure 3.3. Bins with compartments for co-mingled collection of
clear, green and brown glass, food or beverage cans, plastic bottles, and newspaper,
mixed paper, and cardboard are provided.
RECYCLING DROP OFF (GREEN BOX) SITES
1 Boonsboro Park &
Ride
Rohrersville Road (MD 67)
& Old National Pike
open 24
hrs/day
2 Clear Spring
Community Park West Drive open 24
hrs/day
3 Funkstown Town
Park East Maple Street open 24
hrs/day
4 Hagerstown (former
Giant Eagle site)
835 West Hillcrest Road,
Hagerstown MD 21742
open 24
hrs/day
5 Hagerstown (former
Ames site)
607 Dual Highway,
Hagerstown MD 21740
open 24
hrs/day
6 Hagerstown (former
Food Lion site)
246 Eastern Blvd North,
Hagerstown MD 21742
open 24
hrs/day
7 Hagerstown South
End Shopping
Center
1029 Maryland Avenue,
Hagerstown MD 21740
open 24
hrs/day
8 Keedysville behind
Red Byrd
Restaurant
19409 Shepherdstown Pike,
Keedysville MD 21756
open 24
hrs/day
9 Maugansville
Ruritan Club
18007 Maugans Avenue
Hagerstown MD 21740
open 24
hrs/day
10 Sharpsburg Fire
Station
110 W Chapline St,
Sharpsburg MD 21782
open 24
hrs/day
11 Smithsburg Fire
Station
22 North Main Street
Smithsburg MD 21783
open 24
hrs/day
12 Washington County
Hospital parking lot
251 East Antietam Street,
Hagerstown MD 21740
open 24
hrs/day
3.3.2 PRIVATE FACILITIES
This section includes private facilities located in Washington County that accept and/or process
waste for reuse or disposal. Included are known incinerators, transfer stations, composting sites,
sanitary and rubble landfills, resource recovery facilities, and industrial waste facilities. They are
as follows:
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3.3.2.1 WASHINGTON COUNTY HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION
Medical Waste Incinerator, MDE Permit #2005-WM1-0553
ACTIVE, Permitted. (Pending closure of Washington County Hospital) 2 07T.Annually
3.3.2.2 CLEAN EARTH of MARYLAND
Using a chemical fixation process, the company recycles non-hazardous petroleum
contaminated soils, RCRA non-hazardous soil as well as aggregate based construction
and demolition debris. Rubble and stone are crushed and screened to produce aggregate
for sale or for use on-site. The majority of this aggregate is mixed with screened soil that
has been treated with either Ca (OH)2, Portland Cement, or kiln dust or any combination
thereof, to produce a stabilized material suitable for pavement sub base and sized
compactable structural fill material for construction applications.
3.3.2.3 HOLCIM (US) CEMENT COMPANY
The cement company on Security Road is a MDE permitted user of scrap tires as a
source of fuel in its cement manufacturing process. The county approved site for a tire
burning facility includes a feed ramp for whole tires and trailer storage areas.
Approximately 380 tons of tires per hour M-F are consumed in the cement kiln.
3.3.2.4 RECYCLING PROCESSORS AND MARKETERS
Private sector recycling processors and marketers manage most of the recycling
occurring in the county. Companies and businesses involved with collection and
processing of recyclable materials such as cans, bottles, scrape metals, cardboard and
electronics are listed in the Recycling Plan in the Appendix.
3.3.3 CLOSED COUNTY FACILITIES
City/County Landfill, Resh Road
CLOSED 1982
Resh Road Sanitary Landfill, MD 63.
CLOSED November, 2000.
Scheduling and budget for monitoring and leachate collection established. Leachate is trucked
to the Conococheague Wastewater Pretreatment and Treatment Plant for processing.
Reclamation Rubble Landfill Facility, Kemps Mill Road.
INACTIVE December, 2000
Monitoring and leachate collection schedule budgeted and in place.
Hancock Sanitary Landfill, Hess Road.
CLOSED and capped, 1996.
Convenience center on site.
3.3.4 PUBLIC SCHOOL RECYCLING
Consistent with the “three R” hierarchy of Reduce, Reuse, then Recycle, Washington County
Public School (WCPS) waste management strategy actively targets each method in school
waste processes. An example of waste reduction efforts in WCPS operations involves the
purchase of reusable compartment trays for the elementary and middle schools. Using one
washable tray while eliminating multiple washable items, paper and styrofoam disposables help
reduce waste, expenses for disposables, and energy costs. Trays and plates now used in the
3-11
elementary and middle schools will be moved to the high schools to eliminate some of the paper
consumables used in those cafeterias.
In addition, Washington County Public School (WCPS) cafeterias began the transition from
serving milk in the traditional paper cartons to plastic bottles in February 2009. The Mid-Atlantic
Dairy Association (MDA) provided a grant to help offset the additional cost of the bottles over
the next two years and provide additional funding for infrastructure improvements sought by the
WCPS Food and Nutrition Services office. MDA is also supplying recycling containers for the
proper collection of the used bottles. Since switching to plastic bottles, recycled material has
increased one and a half tons per week, which has lowered the cost of trash removal and
lessened landfilled waste. Part of the grant money will also be used to upgrade training
materials and technology hardware.
Recycling is mandatory for staff, students, custodians and food service staff in each school and at
the administration buildings. Materials mandated to be recycled are metal cans, #1 & 2 plastic
bottles, and glass containers. Paper materials that must be separated for recycling include all
office paper that is printed or colored, newspapers and magazines, manila folders and envelopes,
and broken down cardboard.
The WCPS expects to achieve 100 % participation by school staff and students in the paper and
co-mingled recycling program. Each classroom and office is provided with a separate paper
recycling container. The containers will be collected by custodial staff periodically and emptied
into the mixed paper recycle bin. Recyclable materials in the mixed paper bin and co-mingled
containers bin will be collected and marketed by the waste hauling contractor. The present
contractor is Allied Waste Industries. See section 5.1.11 for the School Recycling Plan.
Containers for metal recycling have been utilized at the WCPS Central Office for many years.
Special wastes collected include used fluorescent light tubes that contain small amounts of
mercury. These are collected by custodians, placed in recycling boxes and sent to a licensed
processing facility.
3-12
TABLE 3-2Waste Water Treatment PlantTOTAL GENERATEDHauled to another WWTP in CountyAgricultural LandMarginal LandDistributed & MarketedLandfill Utilization/ DisposalHauled out of StateAntietam 292.69 292.69Brooklane Psychiatric 11.06 11.06Clear Spring 62.80 62.80Conococheague 6,542.62 6,542.62Greenbrier State Park/MES66.72 66.72Hagerstown 2,025.32 293.57 103.00 1,628.75MD Correctional Institute/MES1,766.53 391.98 1,374.55Sideling Hill/MES62.55 62.55Smithsburg 539.66 539.66Winebrenner 74.85 74.85TOTALS 11,444.80 1,502.31 293.57 6,645.62 3,003.30SOURCE: MDE Waste Management Admin. -Solid Waste Program Washington County 2008 Sewage Sludge Utilization- Wet Tons
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MD - 144
U S - 4 0 MD - 57M D - 4 9 4
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M D - 491MD - 62MD - 56Hancock
Williamsport Funkstown
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Boonsboro
Keedysville
Sharpsburg
Clear Spring
Legend
#Discharge Permits (>.25MGD)
#Discharge Permits (<=.25MGD)County BoundaryMajor RoadsGrowth Area Boundaries
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Prepared by the Washington CountyPlanning Department GIS January 2010S:\Infra\Waste\2010 Solid Waste Pla n\npdespermits.mxd
Source: Maryland Department of the Environment
**NOTE** Some permits may have be en unintentiona llyexcluded from this display. Permits displayed representsignificant sources.
FIGURE 3-1SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENTAND RECYCLING PLAN2010
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Miles
Washington County, Maryland
DischargePermits
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Keedysville
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LegendpAutomobile RecyclersCounty BoundaryMajor RoadsGrowth Area Boundaries
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!!!!!!!Town BoundariesPrepared by the Washington CountyPlanning Department GIS J anuary 2010S:\Infra\Waste\2010 Solid Waste Plan\junkyards.mxd
FIGURE 3-2SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENTAND RECYCLING PLAN2010
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10Miles
Washington County, Maryland
Automobil eRecyclers
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Legend
!FORTY WEST MUNICIPAL LANDFILL
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#TRANSFER STATIONS
>RESH ROAD LANDFILL (CLOSED)
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!C WASH. CO. HOS. INCINERATOR
County Boundary
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FIGURE 3-3SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENTAND RECYCLING PLAN2010
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Washington Count y, Maryland
Solid WasteAcceptance Facilities
Rev. 1 – 10/16/09
Rev. 2 – 1/27/10
Final Rev. 7/12/10
CHAPTER 4
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
ASSESSMENT AND ALTERNATIVES
Rev. 11/18/09
Final Rev. 7/12/10
4.0 ASSESSMENT OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ALTERNATIVES
In this chapter, the existing County solid waste management system is evaluated for adequacy in meeting
the goals and objectives of Washington County during the period of this Plan. Alternative technologies,
management techniques, and regulatory modifications that could be used to meet identified requirements
are discussed. Also, site requirements for potential new solid waste management facilities are reviewed.
Washington County has established a hierarchy of solid waste management that is used to guide the
evaluation of potential technologies, from most preferable to least:
Reduce the generation of waste
Reuse materials before they enter the waste stream
Recycle generated waste materials
Waste utilization, such as composting or energy from waste (biogas combustion, pyrolysis,
waste-to-energy mass burn, etc.)
Landfilling of unusable waste locally or out-of-county
This hierarchy was used both to evaluate the suitability of potential alternatives for the County as well as
in the development of the action plan in Chapter 5.
4.1 COLLECTION AND TRANSFER
Alternatives considered for the collection of residential and other waste and recyclables include the
existing system, franchising/contracting, a licensing system, and a County-operated system. Large
commercial, industrial, and institutional establishments currently contract directly with private haulers for
collection. These establishments often have requirements related to collection frequency, containers, and
collection hours, which are best addressed by individual contracts; therefore, the existing arrangements
for these facilities should be maintained. Alternatively, commercial establishments could have the option
of being included in the residential waste or recyclable collection system for their geographic area.
4.1.1 ALTERNATIVE COLLECTION SYSTEMS
4.1.1.1 THE OPEN SYSTEM (SUBSCRIPTION)
In the unincorporated areas of Washington County, most residential and commercial solid
waste is collected by private haulers who contract with the individual homeowner,
apartment complex, retail establishment, industry, or institution. All haulers operating in
Washington County must secure a license from the County and are required to operate
according to the requirements of the Solid Waste Collection Licensing Ordinance
(http://www.washco-md.net/washco_2/pdf_files/legal/Solid%20Waste%).
The City of Hagerstown contracts a private hauler for collection services within its
boundary, as do all other municipalities in the County. Municipal taxes are used to pay for
collection costs within the municipalities. This system requires minimal or no involvement
and financing by County government. The individual or establishment is free to deal with
the hauler of his/her choice. The system has generally served the needs of the County in
a satisfactory manner. The cost for hauling and disposal of waste is billed directly to the
customer or municipality by the hauler with no County involvement.
4-2
Rev. 11/18/09
Final Rev. 7/12/10
In a subscription or open system, overlapping routes are prevalent; commonly a
neighborhood or block will be served by several private haulers. In terms of labor,
equipment, operation and maintenance, this system is potentially less cost effective than
a system with assigned routes that do not overlap.
Due to the number of haulers and lack of County involvement, it may be more
challenging to implement changes to collection practices that may be desirable to meet
the goals and objectives of the County Solid Waste Management Plan. These practices
could include volume based billing for collection services and mandatory collection of
recyclables by solid waste haulers.
4.1.1.2 CONTRACT COLLECTION
With contract collection, a system recommended by the Washington County Solid Waste
Advisory Committee in 2007, the County would be divided into collection districts with
approximately equal residential populations. Municipalities could either consist of a
separate collection district, or could be included within an adjacent unincorporated area.
One hauler is generally awarded the collection contract for each district based on
competitive bidding. Alternatively, the County would pay each hauler based on their bids.
This cost could be reflected on the tax rate, through a waste generation fee or through a
system benefit charge.
The County would be responsible for determining the number and geographic location of
collection districts and establishing uniform performance requirements and standards for
the contract. Under this system, additional County staff might be required to conduct the
contract award and administration process. The following considerations must be
addressed when establishing a contract system:
• Contract or franchise scenario
• The length of the contract
• Whether collection is mandatory or voluntary within the district
• The collection of recyclables
• Who will provide containers for both refuse and/or recyclables
• The frequency of collection for refuse, recyclables, yard waste, white goods, bulky
materials
• Servicing of multi-family housing, commercial, institutional, and industrial
establishments
• Collection hours and days
• Performance standards for issues such as spillage, litter, noise, equipment
• Designation of a disposal or processing facility
• Billing and collection procedures
• Performance bonding of collection contracts, and
• Insurance, indemnification and record keeping
.
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Rev. 11/18/09
Final Rev. 7/12/10
Elimination of redundant collection routes should result in the reduction of collection costs
for homeowners and commercial accounts. A contract system gives the County an
opportunity for flow control and allows the establishment of new management policies
through inserting requirements in contracts. Although recyclable collection and volume-
based billing can be established in the open free enterprise system, the increased control
provided to the County in a contract system would allow establishment and monitoring
of these measures. Mandatory collection may help reduce the occurrence of illegal
dumping and, by reduction of collection redundancy, can have a positive effect on air
quality.
4.1.1.3 HAULER LICENSING
A licensing system provides a compromise between the completely open collection
system and a contract system. The licensing system allows private haulers to remain in
business; however these haulers are then required to meet requirements imposed by the
County, such as vehicle/container standards or reporting requirements. The haulers are
responsible for billing each customer and for disposal services.
With this system, Washington County is responsible for establishing uniform performance
standards for the haulers. Also, the County must establish procedures and policies for
licensing haulers. The following considerations are often addressed when establishing a
licensing system:
• Length of license
• Mandatory or voluntary collection
• Collection of recyclables
• Provision of containers for refuse and recyclables
• Collection frequency
• Performance and reporting standards.
Washington County adopted a Solid Waste Collection Licensing Ordinance June 22,
1995, effective July 1, 1995, and revised the Ordinance June 21, 2005 effective July 1,
2005. While the individual and commercial establishments are free to deal with the hauler
of their choice, the licensing system gives the County the opportunity through reporting
requirements to monitor waste flow. It also provides a legal framework for the
establishment of new management policies through amendments to requirements of the
Licensing Ordinance.
4.1.1.4 GOVERNMENT COLLECTION
Under this option, collection and hauling services would be provided by County
employees using equipment owned by the County. Collection could be made either
voluntary or mandatory throughout the County. Financing of the system could either be
through the tax system or by direct billing that reflected the true cost of maintaining the
program.
This alternative provides the most control for the County; which could be important for
establishment of source reduction and recycling programs as well as providing a
standard quality of service. In theory, economies of scale could be realized by such a
large operation in the purchase of equipment and supplies. In addition, the public system
4-4
Rev. 11/18/09
Final Rev. 7/12/10
would not have to earn a profit or pay taxes. However, a large capital outlay would be
required by the County to purchase the necessary equipment to assume responsibility for
all collection and hauling.
4.1.2 VARIABLE RATE VS. BASE RATE FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE
One way for a community to provide an incentive to its residents to reduce the amount of waste
disposed is to establish a variable rate charge for collection services. Currently, most trash
haulers charge a flat monthly fee (a base rate) for collecting a specified or unlimited amount of
refuse. As a result, there is little economic incentive for residents to reduce the amount of waste
disposed. In order to create an economic incentive to reduce the amount of waste disposed,
citizens could be charged based on the amount of refuse placed at the curb each week (a
variable rate). As the amount of waste disposed increases or decreases, the cost to the individual
either increases or decreases.
Variable rate programs are commonly referred to as pay-as-you-throw programs. With this
service, residents place waste in specially designated bags or containers purchased from the
hauler, local government, or cooperating retail outlets. Essential to a pay-per-unit program is
availability of recycling programs and educational material on methods of reducing waste.
Programs exist that are totally based on a per-unit rate. Regardless of the specifics, a pay-per-
unit program provides two main benefits:
• It provides citizens a certain level of control over their disposal costs and
• It reduces the amount of waste requiring landfill disposal.
The variable rate program is available in Allegheny County using a sticker program. Another
alternative could use a combination of a base rate for a threshold volume and a greater per bag
fee above that threshold.
4.1.3 WASTE COLLECTION IN WASHINGTON COUNTY
The current system in unincorporated areas of the County continues to be an open-ended /
subscription system. A list of current licensed haulers is available through the Solid Waste
Department. Many individual home or business owners haul their waste to the landfill or to a
convenience center under the annual permit system. In 2008, 7,721 individual permits were sold.
4.1.4 TRANSFER
A transfer station is used to gather waste from residential, commercial, and other collection
vehicles into a larger vehicle for transportation cost savings. An example of this would be to take
waste from two or more route collection vehicles with two-man operating crews and place the
waste into one semi truck-trailer, with one driver transporting waste to the disposal facility.
Savings can be realized by using less staff for transportation, by increasing waste collection time
for vehicles, and by minimizing vehicles used, thereby saving hauler operating costs for fuel,
maintenance, and labor.
Transfer stations can also provide a better opportunity to target materials from specific sources
for diversion or recycling, such as construction and demolition rubble or high value commercial
loads. The 2007 SW Plan Review progress report noted that a rubble transfer facility was being
evaluated as a more cost effective alternative to the re-opening of the Reclamation Rubble
Landfill. Additionally, options for transfer of waste from the County to out-of-county processing or
disposal facilities will be investigated in the future.
4-5
Rev. 11/18/09
Final Rev. 7/12/10
4.2 WASTE REDUCTION
4.2.1 WASTE REDUCTION AS PART OF AN INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT
APPROACH
Waste reduction is the process of reducing the amount of solid waste generated. It includes
product reuse, increased product life, reduced material use in product design, and decreased
consumption of products. It also includes activities such as grass cycling and backyard
composting of yard trimmings.
4.2.2 WASHINGTON COUNTY – WASTE REDUCTION POLICIES
Washington County will continue to promote and encourage waste reduction through the adoption
of internal goals, policies and programs. To date Washington County has:
• Included a web page on source reduction linked from the Solid Waste Department home page
on Washington County Government’s website. The page includes a link to the Hagerstown
Freecycle group. Similar to Craig’s List, items described are available for no charge
• Provided technical assistance upon request on the subject of waste reduction targeted at the
homeowner and small business
• Included waste/source reduction in presentations on waste management
• Promoted source reduction through radio and television
• Staffed a source reduction display at various community events
• Networked with the Master Gardener program through the University of MD Extension Service,
Washington County to promote grass cycling and backyard composting
These activities enabled the County to qualify for a one percent source reduction credit in 2008
toward meeting its minimum Maryland Recycling Act (MRA) goal.
4.3 SOURCE SEPARATION/RECYCLING
4.3.1 SOURCE SEPARATION/RECYCLING AS PART OF INTEGRATED SOLID WASTE
MANAGEMENT
Source separation means the removal of materials, at the point of generation, from the municipal
solid waste stream before the collection, disposal, or processing of the remaining municipal solid
waste. Materials subject to “source separation“ could be yard trimmings, aluminum cans, ferrous
metals, recyclable glass, electronics, paper, cardboard, and some plastics. Also implied are
collection, processing, and marketing of separated materials, which is recycling. Recycling results
in the ultimate reuse of specific materials separated out of the waste stream. Source separation /
recycling is one method of meeting legislative requirements for reduction of waste by means of
materials recovery. It also helps the environment in many ways, including reducing energy use,
and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
In the Spring of 1988, the Maryland General Assembly passed the Maryland Recycling Act
(“MRA” - House Bill 714) requiring all Maryland’s Jurisdictions to develop and implement recycling
programs. The Act mandated that jurisdictions with populations greater than 150,000 reduce
waste, through recycling, by 20%, while jurisdictions with populations less than 150,000 are
required to reduce waste by 15%. The jurisdictions were required to meet their recycling goals by
1994. The Act also required each jurisdiction to prepare and submit a Recycling Plan outlining
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Rev. 11/18/09
Final Rev. 7/12/10
steps on how the recycling rates would be achieved. Washington County’s Recycling Plan was
approved by the Maryland Department of the Environment in October, 1991. From the time the
Recycling Act went into effect Washington County has been in the 15% recycling category.
However, with a population projected to increase to 149,250 by 2010, Washington County’s
population will likely surpass 150,000 during this Plan period. This will require the County to
reduce its waste through recycling by a minimum of 20%. Washington County’s recycling rate has
exceeded the 20% mark since 1993.
4.3.1.1 GOALS
• Provide for public involvement and input in recycling issues to continue citizen support
of measurable and innovative waste stream reductions
• Encourage a primary role for private enterprise in all collection, recycling, and marketing
efforts
• Continue a planning, coordinating, and educational role for the County and
municipalities
• Integrate reduction and recycling with the County’s comprehensive solid waste
management strategy
• Pursue an ultimate 50% recycling/diversion rate of waste generated in the County,
Including MRA and non-MRA waste
4.3.2 WASHINGTON COUNTY’S RECYCLING PROGRAM
Since 1994, Washington County has provided a comprehensive recycling program and continuously
reviews various recycling and resource recovery options so as to meet and exceed established
recycling program goals. Recycling benefits include reducing environmental impacts, reducing use
of nonrenewable resources, saving landfill construction and lining costs, diversion of resources for
use by business and industry, and extending landfill life. Solid waste department staff continuously
reviews recycling and resource recovery options.
County government promotes recycling of used office paper, aluminum cans, and plastic beverage
bottles at all County offices. The County Board of Education offices and all public schools have
paper and cardboard collection and recycling programs. The recycling programs coordinator is
responsible for development, implementation and management of recycling programs under the
direction of the Deputy Director of Solid Waste. The recycling coordinator is also a point of contact
for comprehensive and current information on waste reduction, solid waste management, and
recycling issues to the public, businesses, and industries by means of:
• Contact phone number/email on County website and in phone directory government
pages
• Monthly radio and print media campaigns
• Presentations to professional and social organizations and school programs
• Recycling display tabling at special events and activities
• Outreach and promotion for special waste collection days, such as household
hazardous waste (HHW)
• Offering waste audits and technical assistance to businesses and industry
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Rev. 11/18/09
Final Rev. 7/12/10
Recycling facilities listed on the County’s Recycling webpage include:
• Drop-off facilities at sixteen recycling collection sites around the County for components of
the residential waste stream, including clear and colored glass, aluminum and ferrous metal
cans, selected plastics and paper, including pasteboard and cardboard, and. For added
convenience glass, metal, and plastic containers can be co-mingled.
• Drop off facilities for white goods, scrap metals, batteries (auto and rechargeable),
magazines, and scrap tires at the Forty West Municipal Landfill
• Drop off facility for residential electronic equipment (scale fee charged) at the Forty West
Municipal Landfill, established in 2008
• Used oil and antifreeze receptacles at each convenience center and at the Forty West
Municipal Landfill
• Used cooking oil/grease receptacle at the Forty West Municipal Landfill
• Private recycling and processing businesses in Washington County, with contact
information
4.3.3 YARD DEBRIS (COMPOST/MULCH)
Since 1994, by state law, yard waste and leaves have been diverted from landfill disposal. The
County Collection Licensing Ordinance also requires yard waste to be diverted (Sec. 3.6.1).
These materials are now stockpiled at the Forty West Municipal Landfill and processed using a
horizontal grinder and tub grinder. Following composting, the finished product is sold at the
wholesale and retail level as mulch and soil amendment.
The County recycling coordinator, along with agencies such as the University of Maryland
Extension Service also promote grass cycling and backyard composting by means of workshops
and training.
4.4 WASTE PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES
Various alternatives have been and will continue to be evaluated in order to effectively maximize the life
of the County landfill. Waste processing alternatives discussed in this section are:
• Waste combustion/Resource Recovery
• MSW Composting
• Mining of waste from County landfills
• Balefilling
• Bio-reactor landfilling
4.4.1 WASTE COMBUSTION/RESOURCE RECOVERY
This waste processing alternative has the potential to extend landfill life considerably. However,
the technology requires a comprehensive development scheme including a detailed site selection
and evaluation study. Modern waste combustion facilities, whether the technology is intended for
waste-to-energy or simply incineration, are outfitted with state of the art air pollution control
4-8
Rev. 11/18/09
Final Rev. 7/12/10
technology to control air emissions. Combustion technologies available today are capable of
reducing material volumes going into the landfill by up to 90%. Facilities have been toured by
County staff.
The cost of this technology per ton of waste is often higher than other methods of disposal due to
significant capital costs associated with facility licensing, design, and construction. A number of
large municipalities have allowed private ventures to fund, design, construct and operate in their
jurisdictions in exchange for long term contracts for tipping, steam, and energy sales. The
arrangements generally involve the sale of steam and/or electricity that is used to help offset a
portion of the cost of operations. The companies agree to construct, own and operate the facilities
for a designated number of years (usually 20-30 years) on a leaseback arrangement in exchange
for the agreed tipping rate. Facilities are designed in various configurations including waste
separation before combustion. Materials such as glass and metals that do not add to the fuel
needed for combustion can be separated and recycled. Metals are also recovered post-
combustion and offered for sale. After combustion, the revenue realized through the sale of
steam and/or electricity is used to offset and minimize tipping costs.
Resource recovery is focused on viewing waste as a resource. A resource recovery system
consists of waste sorting and processing technologies designed to process municipal solid waste
and convert it into a resource such as compost or energy. Using such technologies has the
additional benefit of reducing land disposal needs. At this time Washington County is preserving
landfill space by means of less costly and complex methods, such as modifying and improving
daily cover techniques, and encouraging more waste reduction and recycling.
4.4.2 SOLID WASTE COMPOSTING
Municipal solid waste (MSW) composting has been practiced for many years with various
methods. The significant volume reductions associated with composting make MSW composting
attractive as a potential means of diverting waste from landfills. On the other hand, MSW
composting requires considerable pre-sorting of the incoming waste and screening of the finished
product to remove uncompostable materials such as glass, metal, and plastic – activities that
tend to be relatively costly. Composted material may be used as landfill cover, for agricultural
purposes or for landscaping. The market for composted municipal solid waste in Washington
County and the mid-Atlantic area has not been fully developed. As with all solid waste
technologies providing recovered or processed materials, determination of markets is an
essential first step in evaluating benefits and cost effectiveness. In the US solid waste composting
has had limited success due to high costs, product odors, technology issues, product quality and
lack of markets for end product.
4.4.3 LANDFILL MINING
Landfill mining refers to excavating previously buried waste with the goal of separating easily
recovered ferrous metals, screening for separation of residual fine material, and final disposal
through landfill or combustion. The objective of this effort at operating landfills is the recovery of
air space in the landfill cell. The objective at closed landfills includes minimizing or mitigating
potential environmental liabilities.
4.4.4 BALEFILLING
Balefilling is the process of using mechanical equipment to compress municipal solid waste into
bales, then transporting, stacking, and covering them in a compact mass. Resource recovery is
facilitated at the baling plant as refuse travels along conveyer belts, metals and corrugated
cardboard are easily removed for recycling. Balefilling can require a large upfront investment for
construction of a transfer station to sort and bale the waste. However, such a facility can also
function as a transfer station if waste management processes change and balefilling is
discontinued.
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Final Rev. 7/12/10
4.4.5 BIOREACTOR LANDFILL/LEACHATE RECIRULATION
As an alternative to “dry tomb” landfills, bioreactor landfills are designed to promote the rapid
decomposition of the organic portion of the MSW. This is accomplished by maintaining optimal
moisture conditions at or near field capacity (approximately 34 to 65 percent). At a minimum,
leachate is injected into the landfill to stimulate naturally occurring micro-organisms that can be
either aerobic (with oxygen) or anaerobic (without oxygen). Liquids are added to the landfill
through vertical wells, horizontal pipes, or trenches. The primary purpose of a bioreactor landfill
is to accelerate decomposition of the organic fraction of the MSW to less than 10 years (i.e.,
rather than 30 or more years). Because decomposition and biological stabilization of the waste in
a bioreactor landfill occurs in a much shorter time period than in a “dry tomb” landfill (i.e., years
versus decades), the potential advantages of the bioreactor landfill can include:
1. Reduced leachate disposal costs;
2. Increased waste decomposition and settlement that results in additional air space. This space
can be as much as 40 percent;
3. Reduced post-closure care periods and costs;
4. Increased revenues through acceptance of liquid wastes;
5. Shortened time periods over which air and water emissions are generated and must be
controlled resulting in increased environmental protection;
6. Increased methane production over shorter time periods making methane recovery and use as
an energy source more economical; and
7. Faster return of the landfill to a productive end-use.
4.4.5.1.1.1 BIOREACTOR LANDFILL CONFIGURATIONS
4.4.5.1.1.2 AEROBIC
In an aerobic bioreactor, biodegradation occurs in the presence of air, which contains
oxygen. Air is injected into the waste mass using vertical or horizontal wells to promote
aerobic bacteria to accelerate waste decomposition. The degradation of waste occurs,
under conditions similar to compost operations. The byproducts of aerobic degradation are
carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).
4.4.5.1.1.3 ANAEROBIC
In an anaerobic bioreactor, biodegradation occurs in the absence of air and oxygen.
Without air, methanogenetic bacteria are promoted to accelerate waste degradation. The
byproducts of anaerobic degradation are methane (CH4) that can be used an an alterative
energy source and CO2.
4.4.5.1.1.4 HYBRID (AEROBIC-ANAEROBIC)
In a hybrid bioreactor landfill the waste is first degraded under aerobic conditions followed
by anaerobic conditions. Aerobic conditions usually occur in the newly placed waste in the
upper sections of the landfill, while anaerobic conditions occur in the lower sections.
Because anaerobic conditions exist in the older lower sections of the landfill, methane
production still occurs.
4.5 ALTERNATIVES FOR SLUDGE PROCESSING AND UTILIZATION
4.5.1 SEWAGE SLUDGE MANAGEMENT IN WASHINGTON COUNTY
Sewage sludge is the by-product of both the water and wastewater treatment process. In order to
insure that the water used for domestic and commercial/industrial use is clean and not harmful it
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must be treated. Treatment systems are designed individually for each water source. Sludge
created when treating water for potability is not the greatest concern. Sewage sludge resulting
from the treatment of domestic and industrial wastewater has a much higher potential to be
contaminated with pathogens and chemicals such as heavy metals and pesticides.
Components of a sludge treatment system at a municipal wastewater treatment plant may
depend, to a large extent, on the chosen sewage sludge disposal option. Sludge management
options traditionally include:
• Landfilling
• Land application
• Incineration and ash disposal
• Composting
At present, sewage sludge and other residual solids (screening, grit and grease) from the
Conococheague Wastewater Treatment Plant are landfilled at the Forty West Municipal Landfill.
While other jurisdictions in Maryland use land application to a greater extent, Washington
County’s permeable soils and limestone bedrock geology limit its usability.
When sewage sludge is applied to land, the application rate is specified by the permit issued by
MDE and restrictions are placed on the future use of the land. To the extent that sludge adds
organic material to the soil the process can be beneficial. Sludge contains plant nutrients
including organic chemicals, nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. However, sludge may also
contain heavy metals and other compounds that can accumulate. These elements build up in the
soil with repeat applications and could result in levels that may be toxic. Synagro is one company
that prepares a nutrient management plan and delivers the material to available markets.
An MDE permit to apply sewage sludge is issued for each farm and each field. The permits are
not transferable. Specific soil PH must be maintained. Sewage sludge application permits also
define any limitations that will be placed on the area to be treated. These include required soil
depth to bedrock or ground water, specific buffer zone requirements, and application restrictions
during adverse weather conditions.
4.5.2 SLUDGE GENERATION BY WASHINGTON COUNTY PUBLIC FACILITIES AND
CURRENT DISPOSITION PRACTICES
There are nine County managed community sewage systems in Washington County, as well as
systems managed by Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Hancock and the State prison complex. All of the
sewage sludge generated at County managed facilities is landfilled at the Forty West Municipal
Landfill. A total of 7,818 tons including 1,172 dry tons from County managed facilities was
delivered to the Landfill in 2008. The City of Hagerstown contracts with Synagro Corporation to
dry, pelletize and market its sludge as fertilizer.
4.6 TECHNOLOGY FOR FINAL DISPOSAL
4.6.1 EXISTING LAND DISPOSAL SYSTEM IN WASHINGTON COUNTY
Washington County has a Refuse Disposal Permit issued by the Maryland Department of the
Environment to operate the Forty West Municipal Landfill, which has adequate capacity to serve
its needs for the period of this Plan. The permit was issued October 14, 2009 and will expire
Oct.13, 2014. Renewal is performed via letter application to MDE. The County continues to
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investigate improvements in waste management and recycling processes so as to increase
efficiencies, lower costs, and extend landfill life. This is demonstrated by:
Presentation to the County Commissioners by representatives of a company designing and
constructing equipment using landfill methane to generate electric power
Presentation to the County Commissioners by a company that provides energy efficient sludge
drying and marketing services
Presentation to the County Commissioners by a waste collection and recycling company
promoting the concept of “single stream” curbside recycling
Presentation to the County Commissioners by representative of the Recyclebank program,
which enables residential recyclers to earn credit for their participation in a curbside program.
Commissioner purchase approval of a reusable tarp system to substitute for daily earth cover
at the landfill that will save labor and landfill space and extend its life.
4.6.2 LANDFILL DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
A sanitary landfill contains compacted solid waste within an enclosed lined area to minimize
possible adverse environmental impacts. All landfills in Maryland must meet requirements
established for construction, operation, maintenance, expansion, modification, and closure as
stipulated by the Maryland Department of the Environment.
Despite environmental and public concerns associated with landfills, every integrated waste
management system needs to have access to a landfill. Recycling, composting, and material
recovery can divert significant portions of the waste stream from final disposal, but not all
materials are recyclable. Combustion of solid waste significantly reduces waste volumes, but
even the most advanced facilities must dispose of ash residues. Waste may also need disposal
during plant shutdowns.
Modern sanitary landfills are significantly more sophisticated than the open dumps of the past.
Current landfills use a variety of specific technologies and practices including:
• Liner systems
• Leachate collection and removal systems
• Leachate treatment and disposal systems
• Closure techniques which reduce the amount of leachate generation
• Gas collection, venting/reuse, and monitoring systems
• Provisions for closure and post-closure care and maintenance
• Ground and surface water monitoring systems and
• Monitoring and control of materials entering the site.
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4.6.3 ALTERNATIVES AT OPERATING LANDFILLS
FORTY WEST MUNICIPAL LANDFILL
The Forty West Municipal Landfill operation is planned to continue in the current manner, along
with continued attention to operational improvements and cost effective techniques for increasing
landfill life. The County plans to utilize this landfill well into the 21st century. At the current fill rate
approximately 55 years of life remains available.
4.7 SITE CONSTRAINTS FOR NEW SOLID WASTE ACCEPTANCE FACILITIES
Physical features and existing and planned uses of the land within Washington County affect the siting of
waste management facilities. Solid waste facilities must be planned to minimize adverse impact on the
environment and Washington County citizens. The following is a brief description of the technical,
environmental and land use constraints imposed upon the establishment of solid waste acceptance
facilities.
4.7.1 TOPOGRAPHY
Washington County is located in the Appalachian Highlands and is part of two physiographic
regions, the Blue Ridge Province and the Ridge and Valley Province, which includes the
Hagerstown Valley.
The topography of the County is quite varied and consists of ridge lines, valleys and surface
water characterized by steep slopes, rolling foothills, broad limestone valleys and meandering
stream courses with wide floodplains.
Elevations within the valleys range from 300 to 600 feet above sea level, with the highest at 2,145
feet at Quirauk Mountain to 260 feet at Sandy Hook, at the south end of the County. Within the
County the amount of land with severe slope is greatest in the mountainous areas in the east and
west and along stream and valley embankments. Severe slopes greater than 15%, totals nearly
30% of the County’s area. The Hagerstown Valley, which includes nearly half of the land area of
the County is predominately level and moderately sloping land.
Landfill sites are generally located in ravines, topographic sinks, broad, flat plateau areas and
areas which do not have steep slopes. Land with slope greater than 15% is not considered
acceptable for landfills due to the considerable site grading required to develop the landfill. Low
lying areas along rivers and waterways are also not desirable and are regulated by Federal,
State and local resource protection laws. Low lying areas within the 100-year floodplain are also
not acceptable for development as land disposal facilities.
4.7.2 SOILS
Soils in Washington County have been formed from two general types of parent material. The
most extensive soil is residual formed from bedrock. The second type of parent material consists
of sand, silt, clay, and rock fragments that were transported by a combination of water, wind, and
gravity. Washington County has five soil development provinces:
South Mountain-Elk Ridge Province--These soils are eroded from quartzites and slates
with some being developed from metabasalt and phyllites. The area includes some
colluvial and alluvial soils derived from materials of the same sources. Most of the
bedrock develops soils with poor native fertility. These soils are shallow to bedrock, or
have rock outcroppings. Approximately 6% of land in this province has a slope greater
than 25%. Soils are stony and erosion is an issue in the 50,000 acre province.
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Pleasant Valley Province--This area is located in Southern Washington County between
the South Mountain and Elk Ridge Province and has relatively fertile soils derived mainly
from metabasalt. The valley has 4,000 acres of which only 100 acres have severe slope
limitations.
Great Valley Limestone Province--This area includes approximately 160,000 acres and
covers a major portion of the County. These soils are very fertile, although some are
shallow to bedrock. Development is impeded in some areas by frequent outcrops of
bedrock exposures and some severe slope limitations. Generally, the erosion problem is
moderate.
Great Valley-Martinsburg Shale Province--This belt of shallow, highly erodible soils lies
near the western edge of the Great Valley. The soils here are only moderately fertile and
approximately 15% of the area has severe slope limitations. Erosion is a chronic problem
and has affected much of the soil in this province. Generally, the Martinsburg Shale soils
provide the most preferred soil type in the County for landfill construction.
Ridge and Valley Province--This area encompassing the western section of the County
has over 60,000 acres. The topography is rolling, with severe slope limitations. Shallow
and stony soils limit the use of some areas. Soils are derived from sandstones and
shales and have low native fertility. Nearly 60% of the region is wooded. Erosion is a
problem, particularly on the soils of shale origin.
A listing of preferred landfill soils was included in the Planning Department Preliminary
Site Evaluations for Additional Washington County Landfill Acquisitions, conducted in
January, 1986.
4.7.3 GEOLOGY AND GEOHYDROLOGY
Washington County’s area encompasses several physiographic provinces and related geology
and is highly variable. The eastern section is a portion of the Blue Ridge Province, which includes
the high ridge called South Mountain. This area is underlain by highly metamorphosed Pre-
Cambrian granite gneiss and metabasalt, phyllite, and quartzite. The Ridge and Valley Province
comprises the remainder of the County and includes the Great Valley, referred to locally as the
Hagerstown Valley. This valley is mainly underlain by limestone, dolomite and shale. To the west
are a series of ridges which are characteristic of the Ridge and Valley Province and are underlain
with resistant sandstone, limestone and shale.
Over half of the potable water used in Washington County has surface water, mainly the Potomac
River, as its source. The municipalities of Boonsboro and Keedysville rely on groundwater from
wells. Washington County has four distinct groundwater provinces.
South Mountain-Elk Ridge--Springs in this province are numerous but generally small.
Chemical quality of water from this area is good and is suitable for most uses.
Hagerstown Valley--This includes the area between South Mountain on the east and
Fairview Mountain to the west. The hydrology of this province is complex due to a series
of folds and faults that occurred in the limestone bedrock. The limestone and dolomite
that underlie the Valley province furnish large groundwater supplies, but are also
susceptible to contamination through surface rock fissures and sinkholes.
Hancock-Indian Springs--This province includes shale, sandstone, and shaley limestone
bedrock with a generally thin soil cover. A good part of this area has aquifers with a high
yield.
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Sideling Hill--This includes Fairview and Powell Mountain, west of Clear Spring,
extending westward to the base of the eastern slope of Sideling Hill. This area of the
County consists of shales, sandstones and thin beds of limestone folded and cut by the
Potomac River. As the movement of groundwater through the shales depends in part on
fractures in the bedrock, flow and storage capacity for large users is limited. Springs are
a common source of water within the province, particularly seeps and small springs in
shale areas.
4.7.4 SURFACE WATER AND FLOODPLAINS
The County is located entirely within the Potomac River watershed, of which Washington
County represents 3%. The Potomac intersects both the Ridge and Valley and the Blue
Ridge physiographic Province. Nine major tributaries and several sub-watersheds in the
County terminate in the Potomac River, with all but two having their origin in Pennsylvania.
Antietam Creek Basin—This basin drains approximately 40% of the County; about two
thirds of the Antietam’s basin is in Washington County with the remainder in
Pennsylvania
Conococheague Creek Basin—A relatively steep sided meandering stream draining
approximately 65 square miles in Washington County. The watershed forms the
western boundary of the Hagerstown Valley
Licking Creek Basin--This stream drains the Bear Pond Mountain and Pigskin Ridge
area west of Fairview Mountain, a drainage basin of about 27 square miles
Tonoloway Creek Basin-- Almost entirely in Pennsylvania, this stream enters the
Potomac River east of Hancock
Little Tonoloway Creek Basin-- Begins in the narrow valley between Sideling Hill and
Tonoloway Ridge west of Hancock and includes several small tributaries from
Pennsylvania
Sideling Hill Creek Basin—Most of this basin is in Pennsylvania; the stream forms the
western boundary of Washington County
Additional tributaries include Little Conococheague Creek, Marsh Run, and Israel
Creek.
Along these creeks, streams and tributaries are areas associated with the 100-year floodplain.
Floodplain soils are approximately 5.8% or nearly 17,000 acres of the total County acreage.
Facilities located within the floodplain may hinder the flow, reduce the temporary storage capacity
of the floodplain, or wash out the waste within the landfill and endanger human health and the
environment. Construction of buildings or facilities in the 100 year floodplain is prohibited in
Washington County by State and Federal regulations.
4.7.5 WETLANDS
Eighty-four percent of the state’s wetlands occur in the costal plain region, with approximately
13% in the Piedmont region and 1% in the Blue Ridge-Appalachian Highlands region. A number
of small wetlands are located throughout Washington County and identified on National Wetlands
Inventory Maps prepared by the USFWS.
Maps and data are available at the County Planning Department. Wetlands are valuable for water
quality and are protected by Federal, State and County regulations.
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4.7.6 WATER QUALITY
The Maryland Environment Service monitors water quality from 81 monitoring wells and
piezometers located on and adjacent to County solid waste facilities. There is no known data that
would indicate water quality problems in the vicinity of any of the operating County landfill
facilities.
4.7.7 LAND USE COMPATIBILITY
Solid waste management facilities must be sited in locations appropriate for such a use. Facilities
have the potential to create odor, noise, dust or possible traffic impacts for nearby land users.
Adjacent land uses that are incompatible with solid waste management facilities include airports,
hospitals, and residential areas. Most residential development is concentrated around the
Hagerstown metropolitan area with low density development scattered in various rural areas of
the County. Future solid waste management facilities studies will need to factor and address a
broad spectrum of applicable environmental, engineering, economic and social factors so as to
minimize or mitigate any negative impacts. Siting is also subject to the County’s development
review process.
4.7.8 PLANNED LONG TERM DEVELOPMENT
The County Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the County Commissioners in 2002. An
update is to be completed in 2010. The Plan is a policy document that provides a guide for public
and private sector decisions to be made for future growth and development over the next 20
years. It is a County-wide plan that applies directly to all the unincorporated areas of the County
and indirectly to the area within Hagerstown and the other seven municipalities. Growth is
expected to take place wherever adequate public facilities are available. The primary policy tool is
the designation of an Urban Growth Area around Hagerstown, Funkstown, Williamsport and
Town Growth Areas surrounding several small towns. By encouraging development and growth
to occur within that area, the County can be assured of providing for expansion in the most cost
effective manner. On the other hand, development in the rural areas of the County is not
encouraged because of the long-term cost of additional infrastructure, loss of farmland, and
diminishment of scenic values. Residential growth is expected to occur east of Hagerstown, in the
Robinwood/Community college area, and in the area of Smithsburg. Additional growth of all
types may also be expected in the Halfway area and north of Williamsport.
4.7.9 AREAS OF CRITICAL CONCERN/SENSITIVE AREAS
The Areas of Critical State Concern program was established by authority of the State Land Use
Act of 1974. Under the law, the Counties and state agencies were to designate critical sites or
structures of such County or state significance that they should be protected by state law from
inappropriate development. Following consideration by the County Commissioners and Planning
Commission on two different occasions, local officials determined that critical areas were best
addressed at the local level. This issue was resolved according to Comprehensive Plan
guidelines for Special Planning Areas. Therefore, there are no designated “Critical Areas”
according to the State program.
Under the Planning Act of 1992, Washington County identified four sensitive areas requiring
protection:
Streams and their buffers
100 Year Floodplains
Threatened and endangered species habitat
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Steep slopes.
All solid waste and recycling planning and management activity by the County will be consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan, the Planning Act and any additional amendments to the
Comprehensive Plan.
4.8 SPECIAL WASTE MANAGEMENT
Waste management requirements for asbestos, special medical waste and hazardous waste are
discussed below.
4.8.1 ASBESTOS
Friable asbestos may be accepted and disposed at the Forty West Municipal Landfill, as
authorized by MDE. The material must be packaged and labeled in accordance with COMAR
26.11.15.04. Required disposal procedures include:
• Minimum 24 hour prior notice to the landfill supervisor of delivery time, source and
quantity
• Use of protective clothing and respiratory protection
• Careful handling of material to prevent fiber emissions into the air
• Disposal in a separate area of the landfill and complete covering with earth or refuse
so as to prevent release of fibers during compaction
The Solid Waste Collection Licensing Ordinance describes the specific procedures required by
Washington County for asbestos disposal.
4.8.2 MEDICAL WASTES
The Forty West Municipal Landfill will not accept medical wastes, including infectious and/or bio-
hazardous medical waste. Currently, special medical waste generated at the Washington County
Hospital and Western Maryland Hospital is incinerated at the County Hospital. Medical wastes
from doctor’s offices, clinics and nursing homes are handled by licensed haulers. Management of
special medical waste is strictly regulated by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE)
under specific medical waste regulations, and therefore is not addressed in this plan.
4.8.3 HAZARDOUS WASTES
No hazardous substances are accepted for disposal at the Forty West Landfill other than small
amounts of household hazardous wastes. Hazardous waste generators within the County
contract with a licensed hazardous waste hauler for collection and disposal. The management of
hazardous wastes is strictly regulated by MDE, and is not addressed in this Plan.
4.8.4 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS RESPONSE
Emergency response to unplanned release of hazardous materials is coordinated through the
County Emergency Operations Center. All fire companies have had training in identification of
hazardous materials incidents and basic response techniques. The County Emergency Operation
Plan lists the Washington County Division of Fire and Emergency services and Fire Department
Special Operations as the primary agencies for oil and hazardous materials incidents. Support
agencies are County Emergency Management, Washington County Sheriff’s Department,
Maryland Department of the Environment, County Health Department, and the State Police.
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4.8.4.1 Hazardous Materials Cleanup
Chemical and petroleum spill cleanup material can be accepted at the Forty West
Municipal Landfill with the following conditions:
• The spilled material is identified
• The material is not a controlled hazardous substance per COMAR 26.13.02
• The material will not harm the landfill liner
• The material is contained in an absorbent such that no free liquid residue is evident
according to EPA method 9095 test
Additional disposal sites for chemical and petroleum spill cleanup material include Spirit
Services adjacent to the Conococheague Wastewater Treatment Plant and Clean Earth
of Maryland on Oak Ridge Drive.
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Legend
County BoundaryGeologic FormationsFormation
ALLUVIUM
ANTIETAM FORMATION
BLOOMSBURG FORMATION
CATOCTIN FORMATION
CHAMBERSBURG LIMESTONE
CHEMUNG FORMATION
COLLUVIUM
CONOCOCHEAGUE LIMESTONE
DIABASE
ELBROOK LIMESTONE
GNEISS COMPLEX
HAMPSHIRE FORMATION
HARPER'S FORMATION
HELDERBERG FORMATION
JUNIATA FORMATION
KEEFER FORMATION
LOUDOUN FORMATION
MARTINSBURG FORMATION
MCKENZIE FORMATION
ORISKANY SANDSTONE
PARKHEAD SANDSTONE
PINESBURG STATION DOLOMITE
PURSLANE SANDSTONE
ROCKDALE RUN FORMATION
ROCKWELL FORMATION
ROMNEY FORMATION
ROSE HILL FORMATION
ST. PAUL GROUP
STONEHENGE LIMESTONE
TERRACE GRAVEL
TOMSTOWN FORMATION
TONOLOWAY LIMESTONE
TUSCARORA SANDSTONE
WATER
WAYNESBORO FORMATION
WEVERTON FORMATION
WILLS CREEK SHALE
WOODMONT FORMATION
Prepared by the Washington CountyPlanning Department GIS J anuary 2010S:\Infra\Waste\2010 Solid Waste Plan\geologic.mxd
FIGURE 4-1SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENTAND RECYCLING PLAN2010
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County Boundary
Wetlands
Prepared by the Washington CountyPlanning Department GIS J anuary 2010S:\Infra\Waste\2010 Solid Waste Plan\wetlands.mxd
FIGURE 4-2SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENTAND RECYCLING PLAN2010
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LocationofWetlands
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Legend
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100yr. FloodplainWatersheds (Legend)
Antietam Creek
Catoctin Creek
Conococheague Creek
Licking Creek
Little Conococheague
Little Tonoloway Creek
Marsh Run
Potomac River Direct
Licking Creek
Sideling Hill Creek
Tonoloway Creek
Upper Monocacy River
Prepared by the Washington CountyPlanning Department GIS J anuary 2010S:\Infra\Waste\2010 Solid Waste Plan\watersheds.mxd
FIGURE 4-3SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENTAND RECYCLING PLAN2010
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WatershedBoundariesand100 Year Floodplains
Rev. 1 – 10/21/09
Rev. 2 – 11/16/09
Rev. 3 – 1/27/10
CHAPTER 5
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
AND RECYCLING
PLAN OF ACTION
5.0 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN OF ACTION
An integrated Solid Waste Management and Recycling Plan will provide specific management tools to
handle various components of the waste stream. A variety of programs, which together make up the
Solid Waste Management Plan, work in combination to complement each other. The plan should include
the programs and potential schedule for implementation.
Washington County’s Solid Waste Management Plan must be consistent with the requirements of the
state-mandated recycling goals and all other applicable federal, state and county regulations and laws.
The goals and objectives described in Chapter 1 address many of these requirements.
Based on the evaluations of existing and alternative technologies presented in Chapter 4, this chapter
outlines a Plan of Action and Alternatives for the Washington County Solid Waste Management Program
through the year 2021. A summary of the Plan recommendations to meet stated goals and objectives is
presented below.
5.1 MEETING THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PLAN
5.1.1 PROTECTION OF HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT
The actions outlined in this Plan and the decisions behind them directly address a solid waste
management program that, as its primary goal, is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the
total population and protection of the natural environment.
5.1.2 PLANNING
The County will continue to provide a triennial review and update of the 10 year Solid Waste
Management and Recycling Plan. Time bound goals as part of the 3-year review and update
process will be evaluated. Municipalities are encouraged to develop their own plans with each
subsidiary plan paralleling the organization of the County Plan as specified in COMAR 26.03.03.
Service and program efficiencies and convenience will continue to be evaluated and end use of
landfill facilities will be considered.
5.1.3 FINANCIAL SELF SUFFICIENCY
It is intended that all County spending required to implement this Plan will be funded through
tipping fees or other fees and income supporting the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund. It is important
that costs for solid waste management be kept separate from general revenue taxes so citizens
are made aware of the actual costs of the program. Table 5-1 provides a summary of projected
capital and operating costs for the proposed solid waste program for the 10 year planning period.
5.1.4 PUBLIC EDUCATION
The Washington County Recycling Plan (Appendix B) dated July 2005 is adopted as an integral
part of this Plan. The public information program begun under that Plan will be continued and
expanded. Waste reduction and recycling information on the County Solid Waste Department
website will be expanded and additional informational links added.
5.1.5 WASTE REDUCTION AND RECYCLING
Waste reduction and recycling programs will help protect the environment by minimizing the land
required for disposal facilities. The County will continue to meet and exceed the state mandated
recycling rate and continue working toward the established goal of a 50% recycling and diversion
rate.
5-2
Private sector involvement will be continued by means of proposal and bid requests as needed.
Education through various media including print, electronic, and billboard will be refined to
communicate waste reduction, recycling and waste management messages. Educational facilities
will be targeted for recycling information. Drop off locations will be reviewed so as to improve
convenience and deter dumping and litter. The Plan recommends a goal of increasing recycling
by 1% per year to reach a 38% Maryland Recycling Act (MRA) recycling rate by the end of 2013
and a 50% MRA rate by 2021.
5.1.6 COLLECTION
The licensing ordinance for solid waste collection in Washington County will be continued so as to
identify waste handlers, require reports of materials collected and regulate materials permitted to
be landfilled. The Ordinance provides for accounting of recyclable materials collected. The
Ordinance is included here by reference:
http://www.washcomd.net/washco_2/pdf_files/legal/SolidWaste Coll Lic Ord (Rev1).pdf
5.1.7 WASTE MANAGEMENT AND DISPOSAL
The County will continue to provide a permitted disposal site and refine operations for solid waste
and rubble throughout the 10-year planning period. Weight data collection will continue. Municipal
and private costs of waste collection will be monitored. Solid waste management facilities and
convenience centers will be operated so as to protect public health and the land, air and water,
and to be in compliance with the mandates of pertinent federal and State laws, permits, or orders
issued under these laws. The possibility of establishing a contract or franchise form of solid waste
and recyclable collection will be explored. Waste disposal fees will be evaluated annually. (See
Appendix C).
5.1.7.1 LANDFILL DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE
Washington County is currently operating one MDE permitted sanitary landfill. The Forty
West Municipal Landfill, located approximately 4 miles west of Hagerstown at 12630
Earth Care Road on the north side of US 40 West, has the capacity to serve the County
for the 10 years covered by this Plan and beyond. As described in Chapter 3, the City of
Hagerstown and the County are also operating recycling programs that reduce the waste
stream, extending the landfill life.
As noted in preceding sections of the Plan, although the County has adequate landfill
space through 2065, there will be on-going efforts to maximize landfill life and promote
cost-effective landfilling alternatives. These alternatives include waste minimization,
recycling and source separation and composting. In addition, the County will continue to
investigate costs and benefits of construction and demolition (C & D) waste diversion,
improvements in waste cover operations, economic and environmental benefits of
methane capture for energy, and other alternatives to extend landfill life.
Actions proposed in this Plan during the next ten years use the existing solid waste
system now in place in Washington County with added activities to satisfy requirements
of the Plan. Parts of the Plan that affect the County Landfill are:
1. Continued operation of the Forty West Municipal Landfill
2. Continue to encourage waste minimization
3. Continued operation of citizen’s drop-off convenience centers
4. Investigation of alternatives to C & D rubble landfilling, including a rubble ban or
diversion and processing
5. Continued investigation of operational efficiencies and service convenience
6. Establishment of methane capture for carbon credit and energy generation
7. Continue and increase recycling collection by targeting business and education
institutions and investigating curbside recycling
5-3
8. Continue to divert compostable bulky wastes such as yard waste
9. Continue efforts at regional cooperation
The County intends to rely on landfill disposal at the existing licensed facility during the
period of this Plan. Quantities of wastes that will need landfilling are estimated for each
year during the period of the Plan. The waste stream is projected based on waste flow
trends and scale data. A summary of projected tonnage and costs is in Table 5-1. No
public solid waste acceptance facility is scheduled to close or cease operations during
the 10 year planning period.
5.1.7.2 FORTY WEST MUNICIPAL LANDFILL
The Forty West Municipal Landfill will continue to be used during the ten year Plan
period. Assuming the current waste volume continues, estimated cell construction during
the next 3-year planning period is:
Cell 4 will remain active until December 2010 or January 2011. Cell 6/7, which is
currently in the design phase, will be constructed in 2010, and will open when Cell 4 is
filled to intermediate grades. Cell 5 is scheduled for construction in 2013/2014.
5.1.8 CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION (C&D) RECYCLING
The construction and demolition part of the total waste stream was approximately 33 percent in
2008, a large component along with commercial and residential. Diversion or processing of C & D
could play a role in extending the life of the landfill. At present, Clean Earth of Maryland, located on
Oak Ridge Drive south of Hagerstown is the sole business in the County that provides crushing and
processing facilities for concrete, brick, stone and pavement cement, and contaminated soils. Other
processors are located in Clarksburg and in the Baltimore region.
An additional incentive for C & D diversion or processing is the LEED green building rating system.
Green, or sustainable, building is the practice of creating and using healthier and more resource-
efficient models of construction, operation, maintenance, and renovation. Designing with industrial
materials is a key component of green building and can earn points in green building certification
programs, such as the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) green building rating system. This table illustrates credits available:
Industrial Materials Recycling and LEED
Credits*
Points
Using construction and building products
containing recycled content
1-2
Reusing building materials and products 1-2
Diverting C&D materials from disposal 1-2
Using materials extracted, processed, and
manufactured locally
1-2
Total Possible Points 8
*From US EPA Industrial Materials Recycling web page
Alternatives to landfilling will require life cycle cost evaluation because diversion of a significant
amount of C & D debris from landfilling would mean a loss in tipping fee revenue to the Solid
Waste Enterprise Fund. For example, assuming diversion of half the C & D debris landfilled in
2008 (11,942 tons) at $75.00 a ton, a potential loss of $895,600 would occur. At present, the
majority of C & D debris from larger demolition projects is being diverted and recycled.
5-4
5.1.9 COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL & INSTITUTIONAL RECYCLING & WASTE
REDUCTION
Offices, stores and industries typically generate a significant percentage of the solid waste stream
in a community. According to the 2008 tonnage report, over 39% of wastes accepted at the Forty
West Municipal Landfill were from commercial and industrial sources. The County recycling report
for 2007 indicated that 80% of MRA (Maryland Recycling Act) materials recycled were classified
as Commercial. Of commercial classified material, half consisted of mixed paper and cardboard.
The hauler-licensing ordinance could enable the County to more accurately track amounts of
these materials. Owners and managers of commercial establishments will continue to be
educated and informed about making arrangements with waste haulers to pick up and deliver
their recyclables to material processing businesses in the community and region. County
involvement will consist primarily of providing information, technical assistance and recognition to
encourage recycling, monitoring and reporting amounts of materials recycled based on reports
submitted by collection companies. Materials that commercial establishments will be encouraged
to target for recycling are primarily used office paper and old corrugated cardboard. Washington
County’s emphasis will be on privately provided recycling collection and marketing. The County
will serve mainly as a vehicle for education and coordination of various business sectors to
increase commercial recycling.
5.1.10 RESIDENTIAL RECYCLING
County activity promoting recycling includes licensing haulers and requiring them to offer a
curbside recycling service as an option to all their customers. The Solid Waste Advisory
Committee has recognized the benefits of scale in investigating the benefits and costs of
requiring curbside recycling service in the Urban Growth Area and in the municipalities. These
areas are where the population is concentrated and where curbside services would be most cost
effective. Co-operation, joint bidding, and/or cost sharing with municipalities for curbside service
should be investigated.
The County Residential drop-off recycling program is well used by the public. However, trash
dumping and contaminants are a continuing issue at a number of the sites and will likely continue
as long as the bins are unsupervised. Used in other jurisdictions, video monitoring may help deter
trash dumping. Careful evaluation of the drop off program including locations, efficiencies of
operation, material types, etc. is recommended by this Plan.
5.1.11 PUBLIC SCHOOL RECYCLING PLAN
Per HB 1290, this section provides the proposed plan for the collection and disposition of
recyclables by the County public school system. The Washington County Board of Education
recently adopted the following:
RESOURCE CONSERVATION (RECYCLING) POLICY
“The Board of Education of Washington County firmly supports the practice of resource
conservation, and seeks to fully integrate “reduce, reuse, recycle” methods across all levels of the
school system. The Board of Education encourages all employees and students to reduce the
consumption of materials when possible; fully utilize (reuse) all materials prior to disposal; and,
cooperate with, and participate in, recycling efforts being made by local and state government.
Further, the school system will purchase, where financially viable, recycled products and will also
seek to locate suppliers actively supporting recycling and resource conservation efforts. The
school system will continue to develop methods for reducing the amount of paper consumption,
the system’s largest waste product, while boosting recycling efforts for this material. System-wide
recycling efforts should be enforced daily, and appropriate recycling resources will be made
available to promote this practice.”
5-5
A. It is the responsibility of the Washington County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)
to ensure the implementation of the County’s schools’ recycling programs. The BOCC
has directed that the Washington County Board of Education (WCBOE) and the
Hagerstown Community College Board of Trustees HCCBOT) have the responsibility of
developing the recycling plans and implementing the recycling programs for all of their
respective schools. If needed, the BOCC may also direct the Washington County
Department of Environment Management, Division of Solid Waste to develop recycling
plans and implement recycling programs for the respective schools.
B. Washington County Public School Recycling Plan
To date, all Washington County Public Schools have recycling programs in place and are
participating in a recycling program.
1) Designation of School Recycling Program Implementation and Responsibility:
a) WCBOE has the responsibility of securing a recycling contract for the
County’s public schools. This shall be awarded annually to become effective
each July 1st. The current contract is for a dual-stream recycling program
that accepts mixed paper, newspaper, and cardboard in one container, and
glass containers, steel and aluminum cans, and plastic bottles in another, co-
mingled container. This may or may not change based on market conditions
and requirements.
b) The recycling contractor is responsible for the marketing of the collected
recyclables. This is currently performed by Allied Waste. This may or may
not change based on market conditions and requirements. The method of
marketing may or may not change based on market conditions and
requirements.
c) The recycling contractor must report, by February 14th of each year, to the
Maintenance Department Director the amount and type of recyclables
collected for the previous calendar year (e.g., the February 14, 2010
contractor report would contain the totals for calendar year 2009).
d) The recycling contractor is responsible for supplying centralized recycling
containers for each county public school.
e) The WCBOE has designated the School’s Maintenance Department Director
(Director) as responsible for the development and implementation of a trash
and recycling plan/program for each school. At a minimum:
• The Director shall report to the WCBOE and the Division of
Environmental Management, Division of Solid Waste, by March 1st, on
the amount and types of recyclable materials collected each calendar
year.
• Each county public school shall collect all of the materials specified in the
WCBOE awarded recycling contract (B.1.a., above) for recycling.
• All county public schools shall also collect, but not be limited to, printer
cartridges, electronics, metal, and fluorescent light bulbs for recycling.
• It is the responsibility of the custodial staff at each county public school
to collect recyclables for transport to the contractor recycling bins from
the school recycling bins throughout the school.
5-6
• The Director shall set a schedule for the collection of recyclables from
each school by the recycling contractor.
f) The WCBOE is responsible for purchasing recycling bins for each school and
distribution throughout each school (e.g., in classrooms, by copiers, etc.).
g) Each county public school is free to pursue their own separate recycling
program for materials as a method of increasing their schools income to fund
their school’s programs. Any independent contract a school, or a club, may
enter into will not exempt them from collecting the materials identified in
B.1.a. above.
• School or club must report to the Maintenance Director and the Division
of Environmental Management, Division of Solid Waste, by February
14th, on the amount and types of recyclable materials collected each
calendar year independent of the County contract.
h) The Director shall advise the WCBOE and the Department of Environmental
Management, Division of Solid Waste, of any recycling issues or non-
compliance of any school within 30 days of the issue arising. Part of the
briefing will include the steps needed to correct any issues.
i) Corrective actions must begin within 60 days of the issue arising.
j) The WCBOE may request to the BOCC that their trash and recycling
program be operated by another public agency (i.e., Washington County
Department of Environmental Management, Division of Solid Waste).
k) The BOCC has the responsibility to direct another public agency, to operate
the Washington County Public School’s trash and recycling program if
deemed necessary by the BOCC or upon request from the WCBOE.
l) The BOCC must make the decision to assign a trash and recycling program
to another public agency within 30 days of the WCBOE request.
m) Upon notification by the BOCC to the Washington County Department of
Environmental Management, Division of Solid Waste, to perform collection, it
will either prepare bid specifications for collection within thirty (30) days and
award a contract for collection within sixty (60) days, or perform the collection
itself within one (1) month or prepare bid specifications to acquire equipment
to perform collection within nine (9) months of notification.
n) The Washington County Department of Environmental Management, Division
of Solid Waste will review the WCBOE recycling plan annually, based upon
the annual recycling totals reported in accordance with B.1.e., and
recommend changes to the BOCC and WCBOE by May 1st of each year.
2) School Facilities Participating in the Collection of Recyclables:
The WCBOE shall direct the Maintenance Department Director to bring all
Washington County public schools and administrative sites into compliance with
the WCBOE trash and recycling plan.
C. Hagerstown Community College Recycling Plan:
Hagerstown Community College recycling plans must be completed no later than October 1,
2010 and HCC campus recycling programs must be operating no later than October 1, 2010.
5-7
To date, all Hagerstown Community College campuses have recycling programs in place and
are participating in a recycling program.
The Hagerstown Community College Board of Trustees (HCCBOT) oversees and funds each
campus of HCC. The HCCBOT is responsible for the implementation of a recycling plan for
the HCC.
1) Designation of HCC Recycling Program Implementation and Responsibility:
a) HCCBOT has the responsibility of securing a recycling contract for the
County’s college. This shall be awarded annually to become effective each
July 1st, the current contract is for a single-stream program that accepts
paper, newspaper, cardboard, glass bottles, steel and aluminum cans, and
plastic bottles for recycling. This may or may not change based on market
conditions and requirements.
b) The recycling contractor is responsible for the marketing of the collected
recyclables. This is currently performed by Allied Waste Services. This may
or may not change based on market conditions and requirements. The
method of marketing may or may not change based on market conditions
and requirements.
c) The recycling contractor must report, by February 14th of each year, to the
Maintenance Department Director the amount and type of recyclables
collected for the previous calendar year (e.g., the February 14, 2010
contractor report would contain the totals for calendar year 2009).
d) The recycling contractor is responsible for supplying centralized recycling
containers for each college/campus.
e) The HCCBOT has designated the College’s Maintenance Department
Director (Director) as responsible for the development and implementation of
a trash and recycling plan/program for each campus. At a minimum:
• The Director shall report to the HCCBOT and the Division of
Environmental Management, Department of Solid Waste, by March 1st,
on the amount and types of recyclable materials collected each calendar
year.
• Each college/campus shall collect all of the materials specified in the
HCCOT awarded recycling contract (C.1.a., above) for recycling.
• All college campuses where applicable, shall also collect, but not be
limited to, printer cartridges, electronics, metal, light bulbs, textiles, and
vegetative material for recycling.
• It is the responsibility of the custodial staff at each college/campus to
collect from the college recycling bins throughout the college recyclables
for transport to the contractor recycling bins.
• The Director shall set a schedule for the collection of recyclables from
each college/campus by the recycling contractor.
f) The HCCBOT is responsible for purchasing recycling bins for each school
and distribution throughout each college (e.g. in classrooms, by copiers,etc.).
5-8
g) The HCCBOT will expect demolition and construction contractors providing
remodeling and construction services to the HCCBOT to divert and recycle
demolition and building waste (trim, packaging/containers, forms, etc.) to the
maximum extent possible.
h) The Director shall advise the HCCBOT and the Division of Environmental
Management, Department of Solid Waste, of any recycling issues or non-
compliance of any school within 30 days of the issue arising. Part of the
briefing will include the steps needed to correct any issues.
i) Corrective actions must begin within 60 days of the issue arising.
j) The HCCBOT may request to the BOCC that their trash and recycling
program be operated by another public agency (i.e., Washington County
Division of Environmental Management, Department of Solid Waste).
k) The BOCC has the responsibility to direct another public agency to operate
the Hagerstown Community College’s trash and recycling program if
deemed necessary by the BOCC or upon request from the HCCBOT.
l) The BOCC must make the decision to assign a trash and recycling program
to another public agency within 30 days of the HCCBOT request.
m) Upon notification by the BOCC to the Washington County Division of
Environmental Management, Department of Solid Waste, to perform
collection, it will either prepare bid specifications for collection within thirty
(30) days and award a contract for collection within sixty (60) days, or
perform the collection itself within one (1) month or prepare bid
specifications to acquire equipment to perform collection within nine (9)
months of notification.
n) The Washington County Division of Environmental Management,
Department of Solid Waste will review the HCCBOT recycling plan
annually, based upon the annual recycling totals reported in accordance
with B.1.e., and recommend changes to the BOCC and HCCBOT by May
1st of each year.
2) College Facilities Participating in the Collection of Recyclables: The HCCBOT
shall direct the Maintenance Department Director to bring all Hagerstown
Community College campuses into compliance with the HCCBOT trash and
recycling plan by the 2011-2012 College season.
5.1.12 SCRAP TIRES
The County continues to accept automobile and light truck scrap tires from residents and
businesses at the Forty West Municipal Landfill. For less than 6 tires delivered by residents there
is a charge per tire; bulk loads are charged per ton. A licensed contractor hauls all scrap tires off
site for processing and disposal. The County will continue to participate in the MDE Scrap Tire
Amnesty Day, as long as that program continues to be funded by the MDE.
5.1.13 HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE
In 2009, the County held a one-day Household Hazardous Waste event at the Forty West
Municipal Landfill. Due to the success of the event, the County will offer residents a once a year
opportunity for disposing of their household hazardous waste as long as funding is available.
Feasibility of increased frequency, sites and promotion will be evaluated so as to increase
material volume and convenience.
5-9
5.1.14 INCINERATION & CONTROLLED HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES
An MDE permit for incineration of medical waste has been issued to the Washington County
Hospital, which also receives waste from the Western Maryland Center. Independent Cement
Company (Holcim) holds a permit for the use of tire derived fuel in the cement manufacturing
process.
Industries and commercial establishments in Washington County that generate and ship
controlled hazardous substances, including special medical waste, are closely regulated by the
Hazardous Waste Management Division of the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).
Each shipment must be manifested and volumes and types of materials reported to MDE. No
acceptance or treatment facilities exist in the County; in 1992 the County Zoning Ordinance was
amended to prohibit the incineration of hazardous waste or controlled hazardous substances or
using hazardous waste for fuel in certain zoning districts.
5.1.15 OTHER WASTES
Special waste categories that must be managed include asbestos, dead animals, septage,
sludge, leachate and farm wastes. Management practices for these wastes are described in
Chapter 4.
5.2 PLAN OF ACTION TEN YEAR SUMMARY 2011-2021
Program or Facility Description Date
Forty West Municipal
Landfill
Cell 4 Intermediate cover
Cell 6/7 opening
12/2010-1/2011
“ “
Methane Collection,
Use
Program, contract establishment,
Carbon credit sale
2010-2014 (min)
Tarp Waste Cover
Refine operations, other efficiencies
2011-Ongoing
Household Hazardous
Waste
Evaluate methods to increase
convenience, frequency
2010-2013
Styrofoam Diversion
Arrange compactor lease
Set up machine, begin program
April, 2010
June, 2010
Curbside Recycling
Evaluation of a curbside program
Household survey
July 2010
July 2011
Drop-off Recycling Bins
Evaluate lifecycle costs,
Additional convenience sites,
Techniques to deter dumping,
Education Increase
July, 2010-
ongoing
Source Reduction
Information Program
Expand successful outreach,
education, website info, links.
Ongoing
Public Venues
Recycling Containers -
County, City, Town
Park Depts.
Investigate public - private
partnerships, sponsorships.
2012-2014
Schools Recycling
activities
Establish monitoring program,
Assist as necessary.
2010-2021
CFL collection
Amend Plan, Monitor collection
program.
2011-2021
C&D Material
Research lifecycle cost of
Diversion.
2011
E-waste
Evaluate methods to increase
convenience; alternative sites,
frequency.
2011-2021
Sludge Disposal
Investigate alternative disposal
options: composting, combustion.
2012-2021
The County’s efforts at integrated waste management, including an expanded recycling program,
will continue to evolve and be reflected in future updates to this Plan. State requirements are for a
review and re-adoption every three years. Washington County has positioned itself to take
advantage of market conditions and fluctuations by the availability of a number of local and
regional end user materials businesses. These facilities will be an important part of the plan for
solid waste management and material recycling for the foreseeable future.
5-11
TABLE 5-1
PROJECTED FORTY WEST LANDFILL TONNAGE & COSTS SUMMARY *
(IN 1,000) DEBT SEVICE, APPROPRIATIONS EXCLUDED
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
BILLABLE
TONS
105 105 110 110 110 110 115 115 115 115 117
OPERATIONS $6,074 6,165 6,196 6,258 6,321 6,384 6,448 6,512 6,577 6,643 6,709
CAPITAL $6,564 5,380 983 53 270 4,857 55 55 55 55 55
TOTAL $14,688 13,588 9,864 8,581 9,019 13,753 9,246 9,292 9,819 10,407 9,930
*From Washington Co.Budget and Finance Solid Waste Long Range Forecast