HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022 Solid Waste Management and Recycling Plan
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT &
RECYCLING PLAN
2022-2031
INTRODUCTION 1
BACKGROUND 2
CHAPTER 1: COUNTY GOALS, OBJECTIVES, POLICIES AND PROGRAMS 4
I. CHAPTER OVERVIEW 5
II. GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES ESTABLISHED BY THIS PLAN 5
iii. CONFORMANCE WITH LOCAL, STATE AND REGIONAL PLANS 8
IV. COUNTY GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE IN RELATION TO SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT 9
V. AGENCIES, LAWS AND REGULATIONS AFFECTING SOLID WASTE 11
CHAPTER 2: OVERVIEW OF COUNTY POPULATION AND EMPLOYMENT CHARACTERISTICS,
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, ZONING REGULATIONS, MUNICIPALITIES, AND
FEDERAL FACILITIES 17
I. CHAPTER OVERVIEW 18
II. INTRODUCTION 18
III. MUNICIPALITIES 19
IV. FEDERAL FACILITIES 19
V. PROJECTIONS 21
VI. EMPLOYMENT 21
VII. CURRENT STATUS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 23
VIII. WASHINGTON COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE 25
CHAPTER 3: EXISTING SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 26
i. EXISTING SOLID WASTE GENERATION IN WASHINGTON COUNTY OVERVIEW 27
II. CURRENT WASTE GENERATION SNAPSHOT 28
III. EXISTING SOLID WASTE GENERATION BY CATEGORY 31
IV. WASTE IMPORTED AND EXPORTED 37
V. REFUSE COLLECTION SYSTEMS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY 38
VI. EXISTING SOLID WASTE REFUSE FACILITIES 39
VII. WASTE STREAM PROJECTIONS 46
CHAPTER 4: SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
ASSESSMENT AND ALTERNATIVES 47
I. ASSESSMENT OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ALTERNATIVES 48
II. WASTE REDUCTION 49
III. LAND DISPOSAL 54
IV. SOURCE SEPARATION/RECYCLING 59
V. WASTE UTILIZATION AND ENERGY RECOVERY ALTERNATIVES 65
CHAPTER 5: SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING PLAN OF ACTION 80
i. INTRODUCTION 81
APPENDICES 101
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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I. INTRODUCTION
A. Plan Purpose and Organization
The purpose of this document is to outline Washington County’s existing and future plans for solid
waste management in compliance with State and Federal regulations. This document, and the public
outreach that preceded its adoption, also serve as a link to inform local citizens about the County’s plans
for an essential public service.
Current State regulations (COMAR 26.03.03) require local governments to prepare plans that address
solid waste management for a ten-year period. Solid waste management plans must also be reviewed
and updated every three years. The current Washington County Solid Waste Management Plan, which
covers the period of 2022-2031, was adopted by the County on ____________ and approved by the
Maryland Department of the Environment on ____________.
The Plan is divided into five chapters in accordance with the COMAR requirements noted above. The
first chapter presents the Federal, State and local legal and institutional framework that governs solid
waste management in Washington County and establishes the County’s goals and objectives for this type
of land use. Chapter 2 presents an overview of the demographic trends which affect the County’s waste
generation, summarizes zoning regulations pertaining to solid waste facilities and describes the intent of
the County’s current Comprehensive Plan. Chapter 3 describes the current solid waste management
system operating in the County and presents data on solid waste trends and projections. Chapter 4
contains an assessment of the current solid waste management system and evaluates the need for and
feasibility of alternatives to current collection, processing and disposal technologies. Chapter 5 presents
an actionable plan for addressing solid waste during the ten-year period based upon the system
evaluation in Chapter 4, including a schedule for implementation.
B. Plan Approval Process
Plan preparation was performed by the Department of Planning and Zoning in consultation with the
Department of Solid Waste and Recycling. Input was also gained from the Washington County
Environmental Management Advisory Committee and a copy of the plan was routed to several outside
agencies including the Health Department for their review and comment. A draft version of the Plan was
also submitted to the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) for a preliminary review.
Opportunities for public comment on the plan were offered through a variety of methods, including
a public hearing held on ____ in accordance with Section 9-503 of the Annotated Code of Maryland’s
Environment Article. The public hearing was advertised in a newspaper of general circulation at least 14
days prior to the hearing. Notice of the hearing was also posted on the County’s website with a link to
the proposed plan. Revisions were made to the document in response to feedback from all the above
entities.
C. Statement of Certification
This Plan is certified to have been prepared in accordance with COMAR 26.03.03.
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D. Summary of Major Plan Updates
This Plan has been updated in numerous respects since the last major update to the Solid Waste and
Recycling Plan occurred in 2014, aside from those amendments which have been made since 2014 in the
aftermath of new State Legislation. Principally, goals, objectives and action items have been oriented to
and organized according to the Solid Waste Management Hierarchy that includes methods of waste
treatment ranging from source reduction to waste disposal.
In addition, there is a greater range of potential waste management solutions discussed and proposed
for further study and/or implementation within Chapter 4 and Chapter 5. The 2011 Plan and 2014 updates
were heavily oriented to the waste-to-energy facility that Washington County was jointly pursuing at the
time with Frederick and Carroll Counties. That project ultimately did not come to fruition, which
negatively affected many of the stated intentions imbedded within the prior Plan. Accordingly, this Plan
provides a more open-ended list of options, many of which have been given recent extensive study by the
County’s Environmental Management Advisory Committee, within Chapter 4 and Chapter 5 that may be
pursued by the County if promising opportunities arise to do so. The intent in doing so is to provide
greater flexibility, both within scope of study undertaken within this Plan, and in its actual implementation
under the constraints imposed by fiscal realities, changing material markets and many other factors.
II. BACKGROUND
Solid waste, as defined in Section 9-101 of the Environment Article, Annotated Code of Maryland,
refers to “any garbage, refuse, sludge, or liquid from industrial, commercial, mining, or agricultural
operations or from community activities.” Solid waste management describes an integrated system of
activities which provide for the collection, source separation, storage, transportation, transfer, processing,
treatment, re-use, or disposal of solid waste.
The timely, cost-efficient and environmentally sound provision of these services by public and private
solid waste management entities is an outgrowth of long-range planning to meet this essential community
need. Washington County first developed its solid waste plan in 1979. Updates have occurred several
times in the years since the original plan was written, most recently to comply with SB 370, passed by the
State Legislature in 2019, concerning recycling in office buildings.
Due to a range of factors, solid waste management has become increasingly complex since the first
Federal legislation to address the issue was passed in 1965. Environmental regulations at the Federal and
State level have become stricter over the succeeding decades as measures to protect public health have
broadened to include mitigating the impacts of an increasing range of pollutant or waste types. Citizen
opposition to the siting of traditional solid waste disposal facilities, such as landfills, has grown due to
concerns over impacts to neighboring communities and natural resources. Industry changes to the
collection, processing and disposal of solid waste have also led to increasing volumes being exported to
regional waste management facilities. These facilities are often operated by private entities that are
subject to less stringent regulations and offer highly competitive rates for services that compete with
those provided by public entities. While local governments wrestle with such challenges, the volume of
solid waste continues to grow proportionally in response to population growth, economic trends,
technological innovation and improvements to standards of living that result in greater material
consumption.
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Under those circumstances, the need to look beyond solid waste management practices which have
previously met our needs for generations, has led local jurisdictions to look at alternative methods by
which to deal with solid waste.
To that end, it’s useful to understand that waste management constitutes a hierarchy of strategies by
which to deal with solid waste. Most people are familiar with the simplified version of this hierarchy,
which progresses from reduce, to reuse to recycle. This hierarchy is expanded upon in the figure below
from the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
As is evident from this image, the disposal of solid waste in a facility such as a landfill represents an,
often necessary, but much less preferred technique for dealing with waste products. If feasible, more
preferred techniques should be pursued such as source reduction in manufacturing processes, product
reuse, recycling waste into raw materials that can be remanufactured into new products and the recovery
of energy from non-recyclable material through various waste-to-energy processes. These processes
increasingly represent viable alternatives to landfill disposal of solid waste which help to preserve the
useful life of existing facilities that represent major capital investments for local communities.
Washington County acknowledges the need to continue evaluating the feasibility of pursuing such
alternatives in an ever-changing economic and regulatory environment. Therefore, while landfill disposal
will continue to play an important role in solid waste management in Washington County during the ten-
year period covered by this plan, due to ample existing capacity, it is not the sole method by which the
County will manage its solid waste. This plan presents the County’s comprehensive vision for managing
solid waste in support of its long-range land use planning goals and in accordance with State and Federal
regulations.
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Chapter 1
County Goals, Objectives, Policies
and Programs
Solid Waste Management and Recycling
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I. Chapter Overview
This chapter describes the legal and institutional framework of solid waste management in
Washington County. The County’s goals, objectives and policies for solid waste management are
illuminated within the context of this plan and in conformance with State and local plans and programs
affecting this type of land use. The structure of County government as it relates to environmental
management, including solid waste and recycling is described. Relevant Federal, State and local agencies,
laws and regulations that significantly affect the planning, establishment and operation of solid waste
facilities in Washington County are also discussed.
II. Goals, Objectives and Policies Established by This Plan
A. Goals, Objectives and Policies
The 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. The ultimate intent of the Plan is an effective implementation of
an integrated system of solid waste management that allows flexibility to respond to changes in
regulation, technology and market conditions.
Comprehensive Plan Goals
The County is currently in the midst of updating its Comprehensive Plan. 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 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
Solid Waste Management and Recycling Plan
1. Protect the health, safety and welfare of citizens and the environment in all solid waste and
recycling operations.
Comply with all applicable County, State and Federal regulations governing water,
land, and air quality standards to safeguard community quality of life.
Develop innovative plans for repurposing public lands where solid waste facilities are
no longer active to provide continued community benefits.
Ensure that convenience centers are located and operated in a manner that is
convenient to the public and discourages illegal dumping from occurring.
Provide programs and facilities as necessary for the management of special wastes
which must be handled separately from the general residential and commercial waste
stream.
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Monitor private waste management facilities to ensure conformance with the Solid
Waste and Recycling Plan and assess their impact on public waste management
facilities and services.
2. Ensure that planned growth occurs in a manner consistent with the County’s long-range plans
so that solid waste management can be delivered as a cost-effective public service.
Project waste processing and disposal capacity, as necessary, to provide for future
County needs.
To the extent possible, track, characterize and report on all sources and types of solid
waste generated within Washington County so that accurate data exists from which
to evaluate changes to solid waste programs or services.
Regularly review and, if necessary, update County laws and regulations such as the
Solid Waste Licensing Collection Ordinance and Zoning Ordinance to ensure
protection of public welfare and sensitive environmental resources.
Review and update the Solid Waste Management and Recycling Plan on a triennial
basis.
3. Strive to make solid waste and recycling programs financially self-sufficient to the greatest
extent possible.
Maintain a budget structure independent of the General Fund that provides an
accurate measure of the costs and benefits of various solid waste and recycling
programs to provide a basis for long term capital investments.
Regularly review fees to ensure that they are competitive with other regional
facilities, to incentive waste diversion and to adequately fund solid waste programs.
Identify and pursue efficiencies in operations and management systems that reduce
costs or provide new revenue streams supporting solid waste programs and facilities.
Prioritize the maintenance of existing equipment and facilities over their replacement
with new ones, for as long as safety and operational efficiency allow their retention,
to maximize capital investments and extend the lifespan of existing solid waste
management facilities.
4. Collaboratively work across jurisdictional boundaries and with diverse partners to develop
innovative solutions for solid waste management.
Develop joint plans or programs with local jurisdictions or partner organizations to
address waste streams that could be more cost-effectively managed at a regional
scale when opportunities for collaboration exist.
Regularly explore the implementation of new waste management technologies that
preserve finite County landfill space and solve shared waste management issues.
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When applicable, utilize pilot programs to test new waste management technologies
or systems to provide a basis for assessing their effectiveness to achieve desired goals
and signal wider adoption.
Incentivize and recognize the achievements of individuals and organizations who
demonstrate exemplary commitment or creativity to addressing the solid waste
needs of Washington County.
5. Build the knowledge and capacity of the public, institutions, and the business community to
understand and address solid waste management issues.
Continually provide education, outreach and technical assistance to individuals and
organizations to efficiently achieve regulatory compliance before pursuing
enforcement measures.
Engage the public through diverse media outlets to disseminate information that
broadly reaches users of the County’s solid waste management system and provides
multiple points of contact by which citizens can access knowledge and resources.
6. Utilize the solid waste management hierarchy as tool by which to guide the County’s priorities
and expenditures for solid waste and recycling programs.
Strive to promote fiscal and environmental sustainability in County government
operations by instituting procedures or requirements that maximize alternatives to
waste disposal.
Investigate or create new markets for collected waste materials that can be diverted
from the landfill to capture their true value as commodities.
Meet or exceed the State-mandated recycling and waste diversion rates through the
implementation of current programs and through periodic operational
improvements.
Develop partnerships with organizations promoting the reuse of products or
materials to achieve source reduction and waste diversion objectives.
B. Policies
In order to implement and manage the adopted plan, policies must be integrated throughout
County government operations relating to solid waste management that will encourage,
promote, and enforce a clearly developed Integrated Solid Waste Management Program.
1. A Solid Waste Enterprise Fund will be maintained through which most costs of solid waste
management will be funded.
⮚ 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,
solid waste disposal and financial assurances.
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⮚ Also included are costs incurred during administration of present and future solid waste
planning and regulatory programs.
2. The Solid Waste Enterprise fund may be financed through revenues generated from:
⮚ Tipping fees and other special generation fees ⮚ Sale of assets and materials ⮚ Interest ⮚ Permits ⮚ Issuance of bonds ⮚ License fees ⮚ Waste Diversion Programs (i.e. Recycling, Composting, Energy recovery, etc.) ⮚ Grants and loans
3. Ordinances regarding inappropriate, illegal and illicit waste disposal activities will be enforced
through the county code and through appropriate rules adopted by each municipality.
4. Environmentally sensitive waste management practices will be followed.
III. Conformance with Local, Regional and State Plans
The Solid Waste Management Plan’s stated goals, objectives, policies and plan of action support those
proposed with the County’s current Comprehensive Plan. Washington County’s 2002 Comprehensive Plan
includes the goal:
Objectives in support of this goal include:
Maryland’s requirements for solid waste management plans are presented in Title 9, Subtitle 5 of the
Environment Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, and the Code of Maryland Regulations 26.03.03. These
“Encourage the stewardship of the environment and the
County’s heritage.”
“Comply with all applicable County, State and Federal
regulations governing water, land, and air quality
standards to safeguard community quality of life.”
“Strive to promote fiscal and environmental sustainability
in County government operations by instituting
procedures or requirements that maximize alternatives to
waste disposal..”
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requirements define the plan content and mandate that a county develop and maintain a solid waste
management plan that covers a ten-year planning period. The plan is required to be reviewed and updated
by the county a minimum of every three years. This Solid Waste Management Plan for Washington County
is prepared in compliance with these requirements.
Section 9-503 of Title 9, Subtitle 5 of the Environment Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, requires
that the Solid Waste Management Plan incorporate all or part of the subsidiary plans of each town,
municipal corporation, sanitary district, privately owned facility or local, State or Federal agency that has
existing or planned development in the County if such plans promote public health, safety and welfare.
Authority over solid waste management is Countywide, excepting the nine incorporated municipalities of
Hancock, Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Clear Spring, Funkstown, Keedysville, Sharpsburg, Smithsburg and
Williamsport. Each of the incorporated towns have contracted hauler services and Hagerstown and
Williamsport offer curbside recycling. None have any disposal facilities or produce their own solid waste
management plans.
IV. County Government Structure in Relation to Solid Waste Management
A. Overview
The Division of Environmental Management (DEM) is the principal entity responsible for solid waste
management in Washington County. The DEM is comprised of the Department of Water Quality, the
Environmental Engineering Department, and the Solid Waste Department. Solid waste management
planning is further aided by the Environmental Management Advisory Committee. All of the above
administrative or advisory bodies work under the authority of the County Administrator and Board of
Washington County Commissioners. Further description of these Departments and Committees is offered
below, as well as a flow chart showing the structure of County government in relation to solid waste
management.
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Figure 1: Washington County Solid Waste Management
B. County Departments and Committees Affiliated with Solid Waste Management
Department of Budget and Finance
The County Department of Budget and Finance manages the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund.
Division of Environmental Management
The Division of Environmental Management is responsible for integrating Federal, State and Local
environmental regulations pertaining to water, wastewater, solid waste and nutrient management and
applying them to the operations of the departments noted below. Initiatives such as stormwater retrofits,
stream restorations, tree plantings and street sweeping are among the Division’s responsibilities to
comply with various Federal and State water quality standards.
Department of Solid Waste
The Department of Solid Waste, which is located at the Forty West Landfill, is responsible for the
proper disposal of solid waste generated in Washington County through the daily management of
recycling drop-off, landfill, and rubble transfer facilities, as well as hauler licensing.
Board of
Washington County
Commissioners Washington County
Planning
Commission
Department of
Planning and Zoning
Director
Planning and Zoning
Deputy Director
Planning and Zoning
Planning and Zoning
Staff
Division of
Environmental
Management
Department of Solid
Waste and
Recycling
Deputy Director
Solid Waste and
Recycling
Assistant Director
Solid Waste and
Recycling
Recycling
Coordinator
Solid Waste and
Recycling Staff
Department of
Water Quality
County
Administrator
Environmental
Management
Advisory Committee
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Department of Water Quality
The Department of Water Quality owns, operates and maintains wastewater collections systems,
wastewater treatment plants and appurtenances throughout Washington County. The Department has
jurisdiction to serve any areas in Washington County, which are not incorporated or served by an
incorporated municipality with public wastewater facilities. It also operates and maintains several water
distribution systems and water treatment plants within the County.
C. Public Participation in Solid Waste Management Planning
Environmental Management Advisory Committee
The Environmental Management Advisory Committee (EMAC) is an appointed body of seven to nine
members that provides an opportunity for the public to be involved in solid waste management processes.
The EMAC serves as an advisory body to the County Commissioners by providing them with information
on all local solid waste issues. The Committee acts as a link between the County Commissioners and the
Division of Environmental Management, assists in the development of solid waste and recycling plans,
and helps formulate water and sewer service policies. EMAC members may serve up to two consecutive
3-year terms. New members are recommended by the SWAC to the County Commissioners as needed.
The EMAC is the successor to the Solid Waste Advisory Commission which aided in the creation of the
County’s first recycling plan in 1992.
Washington County Planning Commission
The Commission is charged with reviewing and approving subdivision plats, forest conservation
plans, site plans, and development plans. The Commission also acts in an advisory capacity to the Board
of County Commissioners on items such as rezoning requests, ordinance text amendments, and adoption
of other land use regulations and programs. The administrative body contains seven members, six of
which are appointed by the County Commissioners. The Planning Commission provides input on the
development of the Solid Waste and Recycling Plan prior to its adoption by the Board of County
Commissioners. The Commission’s monthly meetings are typically open to the general public and some
agenda items provide a forum for public comment.
V. Agencies, Laws and Regulations Affecting Solid Waste Management
This section includes discussion of major Federal, State and County laws, regulations and agencies
that are relevant to solid waste management in Maryland and Washington County. The list is not intended
to be comprehensive as numerous laws and regulations with at least some bearing on solid waste
management have been passed since 1965. Additional information on laws and regulations can be found
in the Appendix.
A. Federal Regulation of Solid Waste
Federal Agencies
Environmental Protection Agency
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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the principal Federal agency in charge of enforcing
national environmental laws and regulations. The EPA is made up of numerous sub-departments who
engage in a variety of research, monitoring, standard-setting, and enforcement activities in consultation
with State, local and tribal governments. Implementation of solid waste programs is delegated to State
and local governments. State regulations, including those for solid waste management facilities, must
meet or exceed those mandated by Federal regulations.
Federal Laws
o Solid Waste Disposal Act (1965)
Passed in 1965 (prior to the creation of the EPA) as Title II of the Clean Air Act, the Solid Waste
Disposal Act (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.
o Resource Recovery Act (1970)
The first amendment to the SWDA changed the Federal approach to solid waste management
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 EPA on means of promoting recycling and reducing the generation of waste.
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (1976)
With the passage of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) in 1976, the Federal
government embarked on a more active regulatory role in solid waste management. RCRA, which
comprehensively amended the SWDA, became the most significant law regulating hazardous and solid
waste. RCRA included three interrelated programs:
1. Solid Waste Program (Subtitle D) – encourages states to develop comprehensive plans to
manage nonhazardous industrial solid waste and municipal solid waste, sets criteria for
municipal solid waste landfills and other solid waste disposal facilities, and prohibits the
open dumping of solid waste.
2. Hazardous Waste Program (Subtitle C) - establishes a “cradle to grave” system for
controlling hazardous waste from the time it is generated until its ultimate disposal.
3. Underground Storage Tank Program (Subtitle I) - regulates underground storage tanks
containing hazardous substances and petroleum products.
RCRA has been amended several times since its original passage, thereby increasing federal
regulation over waste disposal. These amendments include the Hazardous and Solid Waste
Amendments of 1984, Federal Facilities Compliance Act of 1992 and Land Disposal Program Flexibility
Act of 1996.
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o Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (1980)
Created a Federal "Superfund" to clean up uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous-waste sites as
well as accidents, spills, and other emergency releases of pollutants and contaminants into the
environment. EPA was given power to assign liability to parties responsible for such pollutant releases
and mandate their cooperation in the cleanup.
o Clean Air Act (1970)
Set National Ambient Air Quality Standards for emissions from stationary and mobile sources to
protect public health. Emitting facilities must meet these performance standards by using the best
available technology to control various air pollutants. The original Act was amended in 1977 and 1990,
adding additional regulations and extending deadlines for states to meet the new standards. The Act
regulates emissions from landfill gas management systems as well as municipal solid waste
combustion facilities. Landfill operators must comply with requirements of the State implementation
plan established under Section 110.
o Clean Water Act (1972)
Like RCRA, the Clean Water Act (CWA) comprehensively amended and expanded the earlier
Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The CWA led to the development of national water quality
standards for pollutants in surface waters. The Act created the National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) to deal with point-source pollution discharges into navigable waters. In
the scope of solid waste management, the Act regulates the discharge of wastewater and runoff from
solid waste management facilities into surface waters. Solid waste facility siting or construction which
impacts highly regulated surface waters such as wetlands may also require additional permits under
Act requirements.
o Safe Drinking Water Act (1974)
Legislation to protect the quality of drinking water, including surface and groundwater sources by
creating minimum standards to protect tap water. Owners or operators of public water systems must
comply with these health standards. Landfills and resource recovery facilities must also monitor
groundwater in order to detect and prevent contamination. Wellhead protection areas may affect the
siting of future facilities.
o Endangered Species Act (1973)
Prohibits construction or operation of facilities that would result in the “taking” of an endangered or
threatened wildlife species, or in the destruction of their critical habitat.
Federal Regulations
Federal regulations related to RCRA are contained in title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations parts
239 through 282. A list of these regulations is contained in Appendix A. Additional information on each
can be found on the EPA’s website at the following location: https://www.epa.gov/rcra/resource-
conservation-and-recovery-act-rcra-regulations#nonhaz
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B. State Regulation of Solid Waste
Monitoring and enforcement of many Federal laws related to solid waste management are delegated
to individual states, who oversee compliance through various agencies. State implementation of Federal
statutes must meet the minimum requirements and a state may choose to have more stringent
requirements. Maryland has taken a proactive stance in regard to regulating many aspects of land use
that affect the environment. Laws affecting solid waste management and associated issues are generally
found in the Environmental Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland (Title 9), while regulations are
located in the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) Title 26 (Department of Environment).
Maryland State Agencies
Four State agencies in Maryland are principally responsible for solid waste management:
Maryland Department of the Environment
Among State agencies, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has the primary
responsibility for implementing all State and Federal legislation relating to solid waste and recycling.
MDE's Solid Waste Program regulates residential, commercial, and non-hazardous industrial solid waste.
MDE regulates Solid Waste Acceptance facilities to ensure that solid waste disposal is conducted in a
manner protecting public health and the environment. The potential effect of solid waste facilities on
water resources is a particular focus of the Department. MDE’s Refuse Disposal Permit system regulates
the design, construction, operation, and monitoring of solid waste facilities. Permit requirements for solid
waste acceptance facilities also require annual reporting to MDE which identifies annual tonnages in
numerous solid waste categories. MDE also reviews and comments on Solid Waste Plans prepared by
local jurisdictions based upon Federal and State regulations.
Maryland Environmental Service
The Maryland Environmental Service (MES) is an independent State agency that provides
multidisciplinary environmental and infrastructure services to public and private entities, including State
and local governments. It functions as a non-profit business unit of the State government that performs
the functions of a public utility. MES was created in 1970 by the Maryland General Assembly to help local
municipalities run select services, including waste disposal systems. Its powers were expanded by an
Executive Order a year later when MES assumed responsibility over the operation and maintenance of all
State-owned water, wastewater and solid waste management facilities. MES does not have regulatory
authority but can exert broad powers over solid waste management when directed by MDE or when
contracted to do so by a public or private sector client. 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.
Maryland Department of Health
The Washington County Health Department is a State agency with authority delegated by Maryland
Department of Health and MDE. Through programs within their Environmental Health Division, the
Department addresses a variety of public health concerns that relate to waste management including on-
site sewage disposal systems, on-site water systems, air quality issues, illegal dumping and more.
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ortheast Maryland Solid Waste Disposal Authority
The Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority (NMWDA) is an independent State agency which
assists in the coordination and financing of regional integrated waste disposal facilities. NMWDA serves
the counties of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, Carroll, Howard, Frederick and Montgomery, as well as
the City of Baltimore. The Authority’s board of directors represents each of the eight participating
jurisdictions. NMWDA assists its members with planning, constructing, financing, owning, and operating
regional waste disposal facilities within the boundaries of local jurisdictions. The Authority’s staff includes
engineers, planners and financial professionals. Consultants work under the direction of Authority project
managers to execute specific tasks.
State Laws and Regulations
Maryland has passed numerous laws which govern the full spectrum of solid waste management from
facility planning to disposal regulations to waste diversion methods such as recycling and more. Many of
the most significant State laws and regulations affecting solid waste are summarized in the Appendix. Title
9, Environment Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland contains many of the laws affecting the
location, design, and operation of solid waste disposal facilities. Among the most significant, in terms of
waste diversion, are the 1988 Maryland Recycling Act which mandated statewide recycling at diversion
rates based upon a County’s total population. 2012 amendments to this Act now require Counties with
populations greater than 150,000 to achieve at least 35%, while those with less than that figure must
achieve a 20% recycling rate.
Administrative rules and regulations adopted by State agencies pursuant to State laws are found in
Code of Maryland Regulations. Title 26, in particular, houses the majority of administrative rules and
regulations governing solid waste management. These regulations are also summarized in the Appendix.
C. County Laws and Regulations
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. This Ordinance is included in the
Appendix.
Washington County maintains authority over the location of solid waste management facilities
through the Zoning Ordinance. As a result of the comprehensive rural area rezoning approved in 2005,
sanitary landfills are a permitted use 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 are also a permitted use in the
RB zone.
The “RB” Rural Business 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 District is
established as a “floating zone”, which may be located on any parcel in an Agricultural, Environmental
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Conservation, Preservation or Rural Village zoning district provided certain design and performance-based
criteria are met.
The establishment process for a new RB Zoning District enables public input into the process of solid
waste management siting and design. First, a Public Information Meeting is held by the Washington
County Planning Commission. Public input during this meeting becomes a part of the informational
materials which accompany the Commission’s recommendation to the Board of Washington County
Commissioners concerning the proposed establishment of the new RB District. Following the Meeting,
the County Commissioners hold a Public Hearing where opportunity for public comment is also available
prior to and during the meeting. The nature of this administrative process thereby allows for flexibility in
the location of new solid waste facilities while also providing a forum to address community concerns
prior to the development review stage of a solid waste project.
The Forty West Landfill was established as a special exception in the former Agricultural zoning district
in 2000, prior to the comprehensive rural area rezoning of 2005 which changed the zoning on the site to
Environmental Conservation. The landfill is a legal non-conforming use. Recycling facilities are considered
an accessory use to the primary use as a sanitary landfill.
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Chapter 2
Overview of County Population and Employment
Characteristics, Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Regulations,
Municipalities and Federal Facilities
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I. Chapter Overview
This chapter covers demographic and land use characteristics of Washington County.
Demographic data such as population and employment characteristics and trends influence both the
volume and composition of projected waste streams. These projections form the basis for making capital
investments and programmatic decisions that form the County’s long-term strategy to address waste
management. Such decisions should be grounded in the long-term land use policy visions advanced by a
local jurisdiction’s adopted Comprehensive Plan. For this reason, the status and overall intent of this plan
is presented in this chapter as well.
II. Introduction
Washington County, covering a total area of 467 square miles, is located in the west-central part
of Maryland. The County borders Pennsylvania to the north, West Virginia to the south and west, and
Virginia to the southeast. The County’s immediate proximity to these other states, coupled with the
abundance of major transportation facilities such as interstate highways and rail corridors, facilitate the
movement of solid waste throughout the region in response to industry trends in ways that are sometimes
beyond the control of local jurisdictions. Accordingly, Washington County, Maryland is lumped together
with Berkeley and Jefferson Counties in West Virginia and a small portion of Franklin County, Pennsylvania
for transportation planning purposes. Hagerstown, the county seat, is located approximately 70 miles
northwest of Baltimore and Washington DC and 165 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. The geographic setting
of the County is shown on the map below.
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III. Municipalities
As of 2019, Hagerstown, as the largest of
these municipalities, had an estimated
population of 40,100 according to the U.S.
Census Bureau. It serves as the center of
local government (both City and County), as
well as the primary location for industry,
commerce and employment within the
County. For long range planning purposes,
the County has included the towns of
Funkstown and Williamsport in its
designated Urban Growth Area (UGA). Town Growth Areas are designated around Hancock, Boonsboro,
Clear Spring and Smithsburg as well to guide capital planning. Each of the incorporated towns have their
own contracted hauler services. Hagerstown and Williamsport offer curbside recycling.
IV. Federal Facilities
Four federal parks under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service are found partially or
completely inside the County’s borders. These parks include Antietam National Battlefield, Chesapeake
and Ohio Canal National Historic Park, Catoctin Mountain Park and Harper’s Ferry National Historic Park.
These parks, which are responsible for their own solid waste management, are shown on the map below
along with the incorporated municipalities. For a variety of reasons, many visitor use facilities within these
parks do not offer waste disposal receptacles as visitors are required to minimize their impact upon the
park by packing out their trash and disposing of it in a responsible manner elsewhere.
Nine incorporated municipalities are found
within the County’s borders: Hancock,
Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Clear Spring,
Funkstown, Keedysville, Sharpsburg,
Smithsburg and Williamsport.
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V. Projections
A. Total Population
In 2010, Washington County’s total population was determined to be 147,430 people. The
current population is estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau to be 151,049. This estimated population
increase would represent a 2.5% increase over the nine-year period, or approximately a .3% annual
population growth rate.
The modest estimated population growth between 2010 and 2019 noted above represents a
notable decline from historic growth rates in the County according to population data from the Maryland
Department of Planning1. The annual growth population between 1970 and 2010 was as follows: .89%
(1970-1980), .73% (1980-1990), .87% (1990-2000), and 1.2% (2000-2010). Cumulatively, this averages out
to a .92% annual growth rate during the 40-year period in question, which is three times the estimated
annual growth rate from 2010-2020.
Economic trends affect population growth, and the County certainly experienced the effects of
the Great Recession at the tail end and beginning of the millennium’s first decade. Similar if not greater
1 Maryland Department of Planning, Washington County Demographic and Socio-Economic Outlook (1970-2040)
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economic effects are all but certain to follow the Coronavirus pandemic that has followed us into the
2020s.
However, trends in population and the economy are, at best, indirectly correlated. Thus, based
upon historic growth rates calculated above, the County views the past ten years as something of an
anomaly in terms of projecting population increases for the ten-year period covered by this plan. The
traditional growth rate of .92% has been used in the local population projections shown in the chart below
for the purposes of this plan.
The Maryland Department of Planning’s population projections differ somewhat from the
County’s. They have used .67% annual growth rate to project population since the 2010 Census (.29%
from 2010 to 2020, .86% from 2020 to 2030, .88% from 2030 to 2040).
VI. Employment
Trends in employment also provide important information on the growth of waste streams,
particularly in the commercial and industrial economic sectors. Waste stream projections are provided in
Chapter 3 of this plan. Data pulled from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis shows employment
concentrations in Washington County using NAICS classifications in comparison to statewide averages. As
shown in the table below, the top three employment industries in Washington County are Transportation
& Warehousing, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Finance and Insurance. Over one third of all jobs in
the County are related to these three industries. Comparatively, the State’s top three employment
industries include Health Care and Social Assistance, Transportation & Warehousing, and Professional and
Technical Services.
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The graph below provides a starting point from which to evaluate projected changes to these
industry concentrations during the time horizon of this plan and beyond. The graph uses data from the
Maryland Department of Planning to project industry changes locally and statewide between 2014 and
2040. The Maryland Department of Planning projects the percentage distribution of jobs to remain
relatively the same; however, a few sectors are expected to shift significantly. Manufacturing jobs are
projected to drop significantly over the next several decades both at the State and County level. Also
projected to drop sharply at the State level are Information sector jobs. Conversely, jobs in the Health
Care and Social Assistance sector are projected to sharply increase. Increases are also predicted in the
Professional and Technical Services sector at the State level and in the Financing and Insurance and
Accommodations and Food Services sectors at the County level.
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VII. Current Status of the Comprehensive Plan
Washington County adopted its first Comprehensive Plan in 1971. Locally, the concept of
designated growth areas around existing towns and cities was incorporated for the first time with an
update of the Plan in 1981. This marked a change in emphasis on how to manage growth from previous
policy which encouraged the creation of new communities. This concept built upon the creation of the
County’s Agricultural District program in 1980, which was designed to protect rural lands from
encroaching development and support the continued success of the agricultural industry in Washington
County.
Also notable in the County’s planning history was the creation of the Rural Villages designation in
1999 for many small unincorporated communities in the County. This Zoning designation has helped to
preserve the unique character of many rural settlements which developed historically and can sustain
only moderate amounts of new growth due to infrastructural constraints and the desire to maintain
Washington County’s rural heritage.
The most recently adopted plan (from 2002) acted as
a refinement of the growth and rural areas concept. The basic
premise of the Plan has been to direct development into and
around the County’s five Urban and Town Growth Areas while
retaining the rural character and use of the surrounding land.
The five Growth Areas comprise the Urban Growth Area,
which surrounds the City of Hagerstown and includes the towns of Funkstown and Williamsport, plus the
Boonsboro, Hancock, Smithsburg and Clear Spring Town Growth Areas.
Growth Areas are planned locations
for development in the county where
infrastructure already exists to
support future growth.
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The provision of facilities and services, such as water and sewer infrastructure, utilities, roads,
schools and parks as well as police, fire and emergency services, in these designated areas incentivizes
planned growth in order to promote an efficient, environmentally sensitive and cost effective land use
pattern. The goal is to maximize finite fiscal resources in areas where they can promote sustainable
economic development while preserving rural character and resources where substantial growth cannot
be supported.
Key recommendations of the 2002 Comprehensive Plan or subsequent amendments that have
been implemented include:
● Comprehensive rezoning of the rural area of Washington County to reduce permitted density
(2005)
● Extending the Boonsboro Town Growth Area boundary to include an area along Alt. US 40 to
permit water line extensions to address health concerns
● Identifying Priority Preservation Areas
● Development of a State mandated Water Resources Element
● Modification of the Urban Growth Area boundary as part of a comprehensive urban area rezoning
(2012)
● Preservation of more than 34,600 acres of rural lands through various local, state and federal land
preservation programs in pursuit of the County’s goal of 50,000 permanently preserved acres
(since 1980)
● Introduction of a Special Planning Areas concept to protect sensitive areas unique to Washington
County including the Edgemont and Smithsburg Reservoir Watersheds, Appalachian Trail
Corridor, and the Upper Beaver Creek Basin and Beaver Creek Trout Hatchery
● Creation of the Rural Business Zoning District as a floating zone 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
● Amendments to the County’s Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance to include the determination
of impacts by new development on the adequacy of additional essential public facilities such as
school capacity to ensure necessary infrastructure is available to support intended growth
An update of the 2002 Comprehensive Plan is in progress, with the majority of the Plan’s elements
having been presented to the Washington County Planning Commission for their review and input. The
remaining elements to be presented, such as the Water Resources Element and the Land Use Plan, are
generally those which require further consultation with local towns and municipalities about essential
infrastructure to support intended growth, such as the availability of public water and sewer. This is
particularly true with the City of Hagerstown, which owns and operates most water systems within the
County. Hagerstown’s current Comprehensive Plan (adopted in 2018) also designated growth areas for
immediate, medium and long-term time horizons by which it will provide public water or sewer service.
The City and County are continuing to work together to reconcile geographical differences between the
County’s Urban Growth Area and the City’s Medium Range Growth Area which define imminent service
to support growth in and around the City. The resolution of these discussions will be a key milestone in
the eventual adoption of the new plan by the Board of Washington County Commissioners. Such decisions
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will also influence waste streams under the purview of this plan, such as those originating from
wastewater treatment plants.
VIII. Washington County Zoning Ordinance
As noted in Chapter 1, sanitary landfills are permitted in the Rural Business zoning district. As
shown in the table below taken from the County’s Zoning Ordinance, the Rural Business 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 currently operating Washington County
sanitary landfill and related recycling activities are located in the EC – Environmental Conservation zoning
district. It is a legal non-conforming use.
Permitted Zoning Districts for Sanitary Landfills
The distance requirements in Section 4.9 noted in the table above read as follows in the Zoning
Ordinance:
“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 RT, 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.”
The full text of the Rural Business Zoning District has been included in the Appendix.
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Chapter 3
EXISTING SOLID WASTE
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
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I. Existing Solid Waste Generation in Washington County: Overview
Solid waste in Washington County is generated through the daily activities of residents,
businesses, industries and institutions. COMAR Section 26.03.03.03D requires that the plan report existing
and projected solid waste generated within the County for the following waste categories:
Washington County began developing accurate data on Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) in 1989
when landfill scales were put into operation. Data on additional waste streams has been collected in
response to management needs in the time since. According to County reporting, Washington County
generated 189,744 tons of solid waste in 2019. Current waste stream data follows shortly below and
projections are shown 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 County’s Permit Program allows residents of Washington County to pay a nominal fee to drop
off general household trash, from their residence only, at the Forty West Landfill or one of the Transfer
Stations. Trash allowed on the permit is classified as standard kitchen and bathroom trash. Items not
allowed in the permit program include construction/demolition debris, scrap tires, roofing materials, land
clearing/yard debris, bulk items (i.e. furniture, mattresses, bedding, large area rugs and padding),
brick/block, appliances with refrigerant and electronics. Some of these items, such as yard debris, scrap
tires, appliances and electronics may be dropped off at the Landfill for recycling on or offsite after
obtaining separate permits or paying separate user fees.
Other prohibited items not accepted for landfill disposal include hazardous wastes, special
handling wastes without prior approval, explosives, septic sludge, bulky wastes or any waste in liquid
form, except waste oil and antifreeze for recycling. A full list of unacceptable wastes is included in Section
3 of the County’s Solid Waste Collection Licensing Ordinance. The landfill no longer accepts asbestos and
recently discontinued Styrofoam recycling. These prohibitions also apply to all convenience centers.
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II. Current Waste Generation Snapshot
The chart below categorizes the waste processed at Washington County’s solid waste acceptance
facilities by general category in 2019. According to the County’s Tonnage Reports, mixed municipal solid
waste, which contains both residential and commercial waste, represents the largest waste stream
handled by the County’s solid waste acceptance facilities at 86,215 tons or 45% of the total waste
generated. The County’s Solid Waste and Recycling Department estimates that 51,729 tons of the mixed
municipal solid waste (MSW Mixed) total is comprised of residential waste while the remaining 34,486
tons is commercial. Thirty percent of the total waste stream was diverted in 2019.
This chart is not intended to be comprehensive of all waste handled in Washington County.
Smaller quantities of other waste streams that are processed for recycling or out of County disposal are
not included in this characterization but are reported to MDE. Waste stream projections are included at
the end of this Chapter.
The County’s 22.85% recycling rate (MRA Rate)1 in 2019 represents an anomaly in its recent
efforts at waste diversion as shown in the table below. Between 2010 and 2018, the County’s average
recycling rate was 50.8% and its waste diversion rate (WDR)2 was 51.03%, according to MDE’s annual Solid
Waste Management and Diversion Report during this period.
1 MRA Recycling Rate = (MRA recycling tonnage + resource recovery facility credit tonnage) ÷ (MRA recycling
tonnage + MRA waste) x 100. “MRA Waste” for purposes of calculating the county recycling rate excludes bulky
materials such as sludge, rubble, land clearing debris and ash.
2 Waste Diversion Rate = Recycling Rate + Source Reduction (SR) Credit (based on voluntary reporting of SR
activities).
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The recycling rate for 2019 (22.85%) fell below mandatory recycling rate of 35%. The Maryland
Recycling Act of 1988, Codified as Subtitle 17 and 9-505 of the Environment Article, Annotated Code of
Maryland, requires a county with a population more than 150,000 to include a recycling plan that provides
for a reduction through recycling of at least 35% of the county’s solid waste stream. Under no
circumstances may a reduction of less than 10% be submitted.
The substantial drop in the County’s recycling rate is likely due to a number of factors, according
to the County’s Recycling Coordinator, most of which the County has little or no influence over. Recycling
reporting from businesses continues to be an issue, and the County experienced a reduction in reporting
between 2018 and 2019, including from some larger companies, despite making all efforts to obtain this
data. Additionally, changes in international recycling markets have broadly impacted the flow of waste
materials, including recyclables, with the tightening of the Chinese market of particular importance.
Finally, the County’s switch to a separate permit fee for residential recycling in 2013-2014 has likely
impacted residential recycling rates. The separate fee became unavoidable however, due to declines in
tipping fees and other revenues that previously helped support the recycling program. The majority of
the County’s recycling tonnage does however, typically come from the commercial sector, so residential
recycling alone would not account for the overall reduction in the County’s recycling rate. Further impacts
to recycling figures are expected as a result of available staff time for recycling data collection during the
Pandemic. Thus, a confluence of both local and international factors contributed the sudden decline in
the County’s historic recycling rate.
As might be expected given the nature of most waste generated by households and businesses,
paper was the most prevalent recyclable material processed by waste acceptance facilities in the County
from 2010-2018. County solid waste acceptance facilities handled an average of 63,207 tons of paper
annually during this time period. Compostable items generally were the next most common recyclable
material processed, although the substantially greater amount of metals collected in 2017 skews the
average for that material. According to the County’s Recycling Coordinator, the majority of the metal
tonnage reported in 2017 was “white goods” that were likely being stockpiled by local scrap metal
recyclers such as Conservit until market conditions were optimal for sale of these materials.
2016 Statewide Waste Characterization Study Data
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In 2016, MSW Consultants, on behalf of MDE and the Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal
Authority, conducted a statewide waste characterization study to establish a baseline snapshot of the
disposed waste stream for use by stakeholders in service of reducing waste disposal and increasing waste
diversion. The study focused on the municipal solid waste (MSW) portion of disposed solid waste, leaving
the characterization of other special waste streams tracked by MDE for future study. Washington
County’s Forty West Landfill was among the nine landfills that were sampled for the purposes of
developing a representative analysis of MSW throughout the entire state, including rural, suburban and
urban demographic regions.
The table below is taken from the 2016 study. It provides a more fine-grained look at the
composition of waste being disposed at the Forty West Landfill than what is presented in the table above.
Construction and demolition debris (C&D) made up the largest percentage of MSW disposed during the
study at the Landfill of all major waste categories at 24.2% of the total MSW waste stream. Within the
C&D category, concrete/brick/rock and other C&D waste made up the largest subcategory of C&D
materials disposed at the Landfill (8.9%), followed by painted or treated wood.
That C&D waste was the largest category identified in sampling at the Forty West Landfill is
notable within the findings of the entire study. It was the only one of nine landfills surveyed where C&D
waste made up the largest material category identified during sampling. Paper and organic wastes were
the most prevalent types identified at the majority of the other landfills used in the study.
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Forty West Landfill Waste Characterization (2016)
Source: 2016 Maryland Statewide Waste Characterization Study
III. Existing Solid Waste Generation by Category
Unless otherwise noted, 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
landfill is categorized by origin, as determined by drivers reporting their load origin to scale house
employees or by inspection. 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 disposal in the Forty West
Landfill is limited to waste generated within Washington County. Some waste materials are transported,
processed and disposed of outside the County.
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A. Residential Waste Generation
Approximately 51,729 tons of residential waste was accepted and disposed of at the landfill in
2019. This total is included in the MSW mixed tonnage reported above.
B. 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 2019 was
34,486 tons. This total is included in the MSW Mixed tonnage reported above. Privately operated
processing or recycling facilities may dispose up to 20% by weight of original raw materials as residuals
in the landfill.
C. Industrial (Non-Hazardous) Solid Waste
Many of the County’s industrial plants are in the business of manufacturing by assembly and
warehousing/distribution. Industrial solid wastes delivered and disposed of at County facilities by
commercial haulers in 2019 totaled approximately 12,894 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, non-hazardous
liquid wastes are discharged into those sewer systems and directed to associated treatment plants. These
plants are located in the towns of Clear Spring, Boonsboro, 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. Processed wastewater is
discharged through a NPDES permitted discharge (see Map below).
D. Institutional Wastes
Institutional wastes are inclusive of those generated in government offices, schools, hospitals,
clinics and other similar facilities. Medical waste from Meritus Medical Center is hauled out by the
contracted private haulers Curtis Bay Medical Waste Services and Triumvirate and disposed of outside of
Washington County. Based on landfill records, no institutional waste was disposed of in 2019.
As required by Maryland House Bill 1290, a Public School Recycling Plan which provides for the
collection, processing, marketing and disposition of recyclables by the County public school system in
accordance with the Washington County Board of Education’s adopted Resource Conservation Recycling
Policy has been included in the Appendix.
E. Construction and Demolition Debris
Construction and demolition (C&D) debris is material generated as a byproduct 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.
A relatively large volume of land clearing debris is common in a developing area such as Washington
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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 materials disposed of in 2019 totaled 24,120
tons.
F. Controlled Hazardous Substances
The total amount 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; 75.2 tons were recycled in 2019.
G. Dead Animals
In 2017, Valley Proteins stopped service in Washington County. Since then, the Department of
Solid Waste started to accept animal carcasses from local businesses. In 2019, 51 tons of animal carcasses
were disposed of. In accordance with the Solid Waste Permit, the carcasses are buried immediately.
Agape Pet Services operates an existing animal cremation in the Boonsboro vicinity that collects
and disposes of deceased animals from veterinary clients. Other pet medical waste is transferred by
licensed haulers for disposal at facilities outside Washington County.
H. Bulky or Special Wastes (Automobiles, Appliances, Etc.)
Scrap automobiles in Washington County are handled through private industry (see Map below).
The Forty West 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. 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. All of these operations produce other residual non-metallic wastes, most of which
are accepted at the County Landfill and reflected in the total commercial waste tonnages.
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Map: Washington County Automobile Recyclers
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 USEPA requirements. All of the accepted “white goods” are set aside and recycled through
a contractor. Washington County Forty West Landfill recycled 496 tons of “white goods” in 2019.
I. Scrap Tires
As an approved MDE secondary scrap tire facility, Washington County has an approved scrap
vehicle tire acceptance area at the Forty West Landfill where tires are stockpiled and removed on a regular
basis by an MDE licensed contractor. In 2018, 116 tons of used scrap tires were collected and recycled,
while in 2019, 109 tons of used scrap tires were collected and recycled.
J. 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
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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 12 publicly owned community water suppliers and 12 sewerage systems in Washington
County. Seventy percent of the County’s population has the benefit of a public water supply while 60%
have public sewer service.
Washington County owns and/or operates nine wastewater plants (WWTP). 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 of at the landfill from these other municipal and private
treatment plants in the County totaled approximately 8,846 tons in 2019, according to landfill data. The
Hagerstown Sewage Treatment Plant produces the second largest volume of sludge after the County’s
Conococheague plant. Depending on the market, material may be processed and dried by a contractor
on site and sold as fertilizer pellets. Due to the composition of the waste, the County’s Industrial
Pretreatment Facility located adjacent to the Conococheague WWTP (formerly operated by Spirit
Services, now Valicor Environmental Services) exports its waste to Pennsylvania where facilities exist for
its final disposal.
K. 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 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.
L. Other Wastes
1) 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. Currently, County
haulers, municipalities, businesses and residents may deliver acceptable yard trimmings, loose or in paper
bags, to the Forty West Landfill. The woody materials are processed by a grinder into a mulch product.
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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 2019, 4,500 tons of yard waste were delivered and processed at the Forty West Landfill.
2) Electronics
With grant funding from MDE, the County established a permanent residential electronics drop-
off site at the Forty West Landfill in 2007. The program went into effect following several successful one-
day electronics recycling events. The County program accepts 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 for a fee. For
businesses requiring electronics recycling services, the County Recycling Office can provide a list of
recycling companies that may meet their needs. The MDE grant has been discontinued and, therefore, all
costs associated with the County program became part of the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund. A fee for this
program has been instituted.
3) Asbestos
The County formerly permitted the acceptance of asbestos at a designated location at the landfill
with prior notification and provided the hauler meets a variety of regulatory conditions as defined in the
Solid Waste Collection Licensing Ordinance. At present, however, the County is not accepting asbestos
waste.
4) 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 each
case, the material is not treated as waste. Quarry operations typically use material from overburden soil
in reclamation.
5) 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 22.5 million gallons of leachate for treatment
during 2019. 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 Landfill. Leachate is
collected and primarily trucked to the Valicor Conococheague Industrial Pretreatment Plant. Leachate
may also be hauled directly to the Conococheague Wastewater Treatment Plant on an as-needed basis. A
project to add one or more leachate storage tanks at the Forty West Landfill is in the CIP.
6) Fluorescent and Compact Fluorescent Lights
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State legislation passed in 2011 required counties to develop a strategy for the collection and
recycling of fluorescent and compact fluorescent lights that contain mercury. The disposal of these
materials is handled by licensed contractor. In 2019, 13.05 tons of fluorescent lights were recycled.
7) Waste Oil and Antifreeze
Individuals are allowed to drop off up to 5 gallons of both used oil and used antifreeze at the Forty
West Landfill free of charge. These materials are accepted in a designated location at the Landfill and
recycled. In 2019, 2,270.54 gallons of used oil and 143.23 gallons of used antifreeze were recycled.
IV. Waste Imported and Exported
A. Waste Imported
Under the County’s Solid Waste Collection Licensing Ordinance, only solid waste generated in
Washington County may be delivered to or disposed of at County operated facilities. Any privately
operated facility recycling or processing recyclables cannot generate residue greater than 20% by 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 of at the Forty West Landfill. These requirements help preserve
landfill space for future needs, thereby reducing significant capital expenditures on solid waste
management.
B. Waste Exported
Prior Federal court rulings which classified solid waste as a commodity subject to Interstate
Commerce laws have had the effect of prohibiting local jurisdictions from passing laws which direct the
flow of waste to a specific waste acceptance facility. As a result, local jurisdictions have less control over
where the ultimate disposal of solid waste occurs, particularly when collection occurs by private haulers,
as is often the case. Competition among regional solid waste acceptance facilities to offer lower tipping
fees frequently results in waste being exported across state lines. Washington County’s location
bordering three other states makes it particularly susceptible to the out-of-state diversion of solid waste.
As a result of the open system of collection and transfer which allows individuals, towns and cities
in Washington County to contract with haulers of their choosing, significant amounts of solid waste are
exported by these entities across state lines. Statewide, according to MDE’s 2019 Solid Waste
Management and Diversion Report, 8.29% of solid waste captured by Maryland’s permitted solid waste
acceptance facilities was managed in Pennsylvania. Washington County’s immediate proximity to solid
waste acceptance facilities in Pennsylvania all but assures that this is a primary destination for waste that
is not disposed of at the Forty West Landfill. This is particularly true for the City of Hagerstown, which
uses the national contractor Waste Management to meet its trash and recycling needs. As one example,
Waste Management’s Mountain View Landfill, located just across the Pennsylvania state line in
Greencastle, is a primary disposal location for Hagerstown’s solid waste. As these operations are
conducted by private haulers, exact figures of waste exported cannot be accurately quantified.
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V. Refuse Collection Systems in Washington County
Under authority delegated from the State through the Annotated Code of Maryland, Washington
County has legal authority to require, regulate or provide for the collection, removal, and disposal of solid
waste, the licensing of solid waste haulers and to direct the disposition of solid wastes within its borders.
The County has utilized this authority since the passage of the Solid Waste Collection and Licensing
Ordinance in 1995. Any person hauling for another party on a regular basis (i.e., average 3 times weekly)
must obtain a license. Licensed haulers must furnish a list of all vehicles operated in Washington County
and must obtain a commercial permit sticker for each vehicle listed.
As a part of the license application process, haulers must provide a description of their plan for
the collection and disposal of solid waste including recyclables. The plan must take into consideration
materials designated for recycling including:
I. Commercial corrugated cardboard and office paper products, residential materials including
newspapers, glass bottles and jars, food and beverage cans, and HDPE/PET plastic bottles.
Through the Ordinance, Washington County officials have the authority to:
II. Require haulers or purchasers of recyclables to furnish the County with annual reports on
tonnages of recyclable materials hauled, generated, or purchased, their source and their
destination
III. Establish and collect a Solid Waste Management Fee that reflects the actual cost of solid
waste services projected for the next fiscal year
IV. Set operating and safety rules for county facilities
V. Assign liability to contractors for certain issues arising during collection, transport and
disposal
VI. Enforce the terms of the Ordinance through the levying of fines or pursuit of other civil or
criminal penalties
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 four convenience centers located around the
County for resident's use.
Collection of solid waste and recycling materials for administrative facilities under the umbrella
of Washington County’s governmental operations are conducted by a contracted private hauler (currently
Apple Valley Waste). Materials from these facilities are accepted for disposal or further processing at the
Forty West Landfill. One exception to this system is when private parties rent the entire facility at the
Washington County Agricultural Education Center. In that case, the renter is responsible for trash removal
during the event.
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VI. Existing Solid Waste Acceptance Facilities
Washington County's public waste handling and disposal facilities are located at the Forty West
Landfill. All types of residential and commercial solid wastes are currently accepted, including white
goods, scrap tires, construction rubble, and yard trimmings. The map below shows the location of public
solid waste acceptance facilities.
Map: Washington County Public Solid Waste Acceptance Facilities
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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.
Contracted haulers for Washington County municipalities are listed below.
Municipal Solid Waste Haulers
Municipality
Collector
Boonsboro
Apple Valley Waste
Clear Spring
Apple Valley Waste
Funkstown
Apple Valley Waste
Hagerstown
Waste Management
Hancock
Apple Valley Waste
Keedysville
Apple Valley Waste
Sharpsburg
Apple Valley Waste
Smithsburg Allied Waste
Williamsport
Allied Waste
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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 commingled
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.
A. County Owned and Operated Facilities
1) Solid Waste Disposal Facilities
❖ Forty West Landfill
The County's Forty West Landfill comprises 425
acres located on US Route 40, 4 miles west of the
City of Hagerstown. It opened in November of 2000
as a state-of-the art secured sanitary landfill, with a
high-density polyethylene liner, leachate collection
and management system, and computerized scale
house. The Forty West Landfill accepts only County
generated waste. The facility includes a sanitary
and rubble landfill, as well as recycling, composting,
transfer stations.
Forty West Landfill Site Data
⮚ Permit #: 2019-WMF-0266A expires 12/1-2024. ⮚ Location: 12630 Earth Care Road
Hagerstown, MD 21740 ⮚ MD State Coordinates (1983): East 570, North 667 ⮚ Area Served: 467 Square Miles ⮚ Population: 147,130 (2010 Census) ⮚ Wastes Refused: 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, Monday-Saturday ⮚ Employees: 29 ⮚ Equipment on Site: 3 dozers, , 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 (189 acres fillable) ⮚ Remaining Capacity 19,509,152 Cubic Yards* ⮚ Estimated years of service life: 50 years
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2) Inactive or Closed County Solid Waste Facilities
❖ Inactive Facilities
Rubble Reclamation Landfill ⮚ Location: 11112 Kemps Mill Road
Williamsport, MD 21740 ⮚ Permit has expired ⮚ Acreage: 100 acres (75 acres fillable) ⮚ Inactive since 2000, facility to be capped by 2022 ⮚ Portion of site has been repurposed to generate
solar energy for County facilities
❖ Closed Facilities
City/County Landfill (1982)
12824 Resh Road, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Resh Road Sanitary Landfill (2000)
➢ 13224 Resh Rd, Hagerstown, MD 21740
➢ Scheduling and budget for monitoring and
leachate collection established. Leachate is trucked
to the Conococheague Wastewater Pretreatment
and Treatment Plant for processing.
➢ Portion of site repurposed to generate solar
energy for County facilities
Hancock Sanitary Landfill, Hess Road (1996) ⮚ Site of current Hancock Convenience Center ⮚ Landfill was capped in 1996
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3) County Convenience Centers and Recycling Facilities
In addition to the Forty West Landfill, Washington County has convenience centers for residential use
only at the following locations shown above and described below. Users of each convenience center
must purchase a permit to use the facility. Convenience centers accept trash, recyclables, cardboard,
oil and antifreeze.
GREENSBURG ⮚ Location: Bikle Road, north of Smithsburg ⮚ Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Saturday
7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Closed Monday ⮚ Attendant present during operations
DARGAN ⮚ Location: Dargan School House Road
across from firehall off Harpers Ferry Rd ⮚ Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Saturday
7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Closed Monday ⮚ Attendant present during operations
KAETZEL ⮚ Location: Kaetzel Road, south of
Boonsboro ⮚ Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Saturday
7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Closed Monday ⮚ Attendant present during operations
HANCOCK ⮚ Location: Hess Road, east of Hancock ⮚ Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Saturday
7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Closed Monday ⮚ Attendant present during operations
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B. Private Facilities
Private sector waste acceptance facilities, including recycling facilities, are identified and located
geographically on the Map shown below. 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, scrap metals, cardboard and electronics are
included in the table accompanying this map. Detailed below are a select number of private solid waste
acceptance facilities that operate in Washington County.
Map: Washington County Private Solid Waste Acceptance Facilities
1) Agape Pet Services
Agape Pet Services is a permitted waste transfer station facility that offers pet cremation
services. The facility is described as follows in accordance with COMAR 26.03.03.03D:
Location address - 19712 Shepherdstown Pike in Boonsboro, MD 21713
Maryland Grids Coordinates – 1119543.156 East, 668190.557 North.
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Facility size in acres - 41
Type and quantity of waste accepted in 2019 – Special Medical Waste, 13 tons.
Ownership - Private
Permit Status - Active, Permit No. 2015-WTS-0672, Expiration: May 1, 2022.
2) Habitat for Humanity Restore
Hagerstown’s Habitat for Humanity Restore offers new and used furniture, appliances, home
décor and building materials. The store acts as a fundraising arm for Habitat for Humanity of Washington
County to further their mission of advancing affordable homeownership and alleviate substandard
housing conditions locally.
3) Holcim Cement Company
The cement company on Security Road is an 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.
4) Conservit, Inc.
Conservit Inc. is a ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal recycling facility for household, commercial
and industrial waste. Accepted household items include aluminum beverage cans, pet food cans,
lawnmowers, washers/dryers, copper, brass, and more. Conservit, Inc. supplies roll-off container service
for commercial and industrial companies. Mobile crane services are available for assisting with scrap metal
clean up along with mobile car crushing for salvage yards. Conservit also recycles some materials resulting
from construction and demolition projects. Their Washington County facility is located at 18656 Leslie
Drive in Hagerstown.
5) 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.
6) Maryland Metals
Maryland Metals, Inc. has three locations in Hagerstown, two of which provide metal recycling and
processing services. The third location offers new steel products and fabrication services. The company’s
recycling division accepts scrap metal from individuals, small businesses, and industry. Ferrous and non-
ferrous scrap metals are accepted, including aluminum, copper, brass, steel, stainless steel, sheet iron,
automobiles and cast iron.
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VII. Waste Stream Projections
The table below projects selected major waste stream categories in two-year increments from
2021 through 2031. Total waste generation as well as individual waste stream category tonnages have
been projected using the County’s 1.15% historic annual growth rate. Projections for all other categories
which recorded no waste disposed or which are not connected to population growth (i.e. – dead animals)
remained flat based upon 2019 reported tonnages, with the exception of asbestos, which the County no
longer accepts for disposal at the Forty West Landfill.
A 50.8% recycling rate, and corresponding 49.2% disposal rate (based upon averages presented
in the Waste Stream Snapshot at the beginning of this chapter) have been used to project the split
between Total MRA Recycling and Total NON MRA Recycling in accounting for the Total Waste Generated
for each two-year period.
Actual
Tons
Waste Category 2019 2021 2023 2025 2027 2029 2031
MSW Residential 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
MSW Commercial 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
MSW Mixed 86,215 88,197 90,225 92,300 94,422 96,593 98,814
Industrial (solids, liquid, etc.)12,894 13,280 13,585 13,897 14,216 14,542 14,876
Institutional (schools, hospitals etc.) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Demolition Debris (C&D)24,122 24,676 25,243 25,823 26,416 27,023 27,644
Land Clearing 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Controlled Hazardous Substance (CHS)0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Dead Animals 51 51 51 51 51 51 51
Bulky or Special Waste 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Vehicle Tires 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Wastewater Treatment Plant Sludges 8,846 9,049 9,257 9,469 9,686 9,908 10,135
Special Medical Waste 183.43 187.65 191.97 196.39 200.91 205.53 210.26
Textiles 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Asbestos 3 0 0 0 0 0 0
Soil 165 165 165 165 165 165 165
Total MRA & NON MRA Waste 132,479 95,501 97,697 99,944 102,243 104,594 106,999
Total MRA Recycling 29,377 50,585 51,748 52,939 54,156 55,401 56,676
Total NON MRA Recycling 27,888 48,021 49,126 50,255 51,411 52,594 53,803
Total MRA and NON MRA Recycling 57,265 98,606 100,874 103,194 105,567 107,995 110,479
Total Waste Generated 189,744 194,108 198,572 203,139 207,811 212,590 217,479
Solid Waste Management Plan 2022-2031
Washington County Annual Waste Generation and Projections
Table 3-1
Projections
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Chapter 4
Solid Waste Management System
Assessment and Alternatives
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I. Assessment of Solid Waste Management Alternatives
In this chapter, the advantages and disadvantages of Washington County’s existing solid waste
management system are evaluated in order to determine its adequacy in meeting the goals and objectives of
this Plan. Alternatives to the current system, including potential new technologies, or changes to existing
solid waste and recycling programs, operations or regulations which support achieving the County’s desired
vision during the planning period are examined. Constraints for siting new solid waste management facilities
are considered as well. This analysis, which must also account for fiscal limits in either pursuing new
technologies or continuing to support existing programs and services, forms the basis for the County’s Plan
of Action in Chapter 5.
Washington County has established a hierarchy of solid waste management, shown below, that is
used to guide the evaluation of potential technologies, from most preferable to least. It is depicted as an
inverted pyramid below to demonstrate the importance of exhausting all available alternatives to waste
disposal before falling back on that option. This hierarchy recognizes that, while not all waste can be diverted
from disposal in a landfill, the goal should always be to limit the amount which is disposed to the greatest
degree possible.
Washington County Waste Management Hierarchy
⮚ Source Reduction constitutes waste and/or pollution prevention. It can take many forms, including
the design, manufacture, purchase or use of materials and products in a manner which reduces either
the amount or toxicity of solid waste. Source reduction represents the highest priority in waste
management because of the myriad environmental, economic, and social benefits that can be
attained through its achievement.
⮚ Material Reuse involves extending a product’s lifespan by various means, including the continued
usage of a product for its original purpose, or repurposing the item for other suitable activities. Reuse
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acknowledges that many products are manufactured with greater durability and utility for multiple
purposes than may originally have been envisioned at the time of consumer purchase.
⮚ Recycling, or waste diversion, differs from reuse in that collected waste is processed and broken
down into raw materials that can be re-manufactured into something new. Composting, where
organic material such as yard waste is processed into various products that can be used as fertilizer,
is one familiar example of this process.
⮚ Waste Utilization typically involves the recovery of energy or materials from waste for their
processing into another usable form. It differs from recycling in that it requires various processing
steps to remove and separate usable materials from the waste. Recycling, in contrast, usually does
not require any processes for separation as sorting can be done manually. Gasification, where energy
is harvested from municipal solid waste through a chemical reaction process, is an example of waste
utilization.
⮚ Waste Disposal represents the end stage of a product’s lifecycle. Many forms of waste require
treatment processes before their final deposition in a landfill or other permitted solid waste disposal
facility.
II. Waste Reduction
Waste reduction, as noted in the County’s waste management hierarchy, is the process of reducing
the amount of solid waste generated through a variety of means at different stages of a given product’s
lifecycle. It includes many activities that fall within the hierarchy of source reduction, material reuse and
waste diversion (recycling).
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:
⮚ Created a Citizen's Guide to Solid Waste and Recycling brochure that provides concise information
about recycling and solid waste programs in Washington County. ⮚ Initiated electronic plan review, instead of requiring paper submissions, for select plans and permits.
Such applications typically require numerous paper copies to be submitted, which are then sent out
to various Departments inside and outside of County government for review and comment.
Therefore, there is significant potential for the reduction of paper waste as a part of this initiative. ⮚ 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. Like Craig's List, items described are available for no charge. The webpage also includes tips
for residents on ways to reduce waste and provides links to other State and National organizations
that provide information about Source Reduction. ⮚ Provided technical assistance upon request about waste reduction targeted at the homeowner and
small business. ⮚ Included waste/source reduction in presentations on waste management.
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⮚ Promoted source reduction through varied media including the internet, 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 recycling and backyard composting. ⮚ Undertaken a Clean County Initiative which includes stormwater retrofits, stream restorations, street
sweeping and tree plantings that reduce nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment loads entering County
waterways in compliance with Federal Clean Water Act requirements. This program also promotes
citizen initiatives such as septic system stewardship, using rain barrels and cleaning up pet waste as
ways to improve water quality by reducing different types of waste. ⮚ Promotes the reuse and internal redistribution of office furniture and equipment to other County
Departments of supplies through an email notification system that goes out to all County
employees. ⮚ Interoffice mail is sent with reusable mailers to reduce paper consumption.
A. Collection and Transfer
Alternatives considered for the collection of residential and other waste and recyclables include the
existing free enterprise system, franchising/contracting, hauler licensing, and a County operated system.
Advantages and disadvantages of each collection system are analyzed below.
1) Alternative Collection Systems
● Free Enterprise 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, homeowner’s association or
management company, 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.
The City of Hagerstown contracts a private hauler for collection services within its boundary, as do all
other municipalities in the County. Municipal taxes or designated fees are used to pay for collection costs
within the municipalities.
Advantages
⮚ Requires minimal or no involvement and financing by County government ⮚ Individual or establishment is free to deal with the hauler of his/her choice ⮚ System has previously served the needs of the County in a satisfactory manner ⮚ Cost for hauling and disposal of waste billed directly to the customer or municipality by the hauler
with no County involvement ⮚ Provides opportunities for private enterprise ⮚ 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 may be best addressed by individual contracts.
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Disadvantages
⮚ Overlapping routes are common (a neighborhood or block may be served by several private
haulers) ⮚ Potentially less cost effective than a system with assigned routes that do not overlap (accounting for
labor, equipment, operation, and maintenance) ⮚ Potential for illegal dumping to avoid fees or trips when collection is voluntary ⮚ More difficult to implement changes to collection practices that meet Plan goals and objectives due
to the number of haulers and lack of County involvement (i.e. - volume-based billing for collection
services, mandatory recyclables collection by haulers) ⮚ Less control over waste flow in and out of County
● Contract Collection (Franchise)
In contract collection, 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. This system was recommended by the body formerly known as the Washington County Solid Waste
Advisory Committee (now known as the Environmental Management Advisory Committee) in 2007. The
Environmental Management Advisory Committee, which has succeeded the SWAC as the liaison between the
Department of Solid Waste and Recycling and the Board of County Commissioners, has not taken an official
position on a preferred collection system at present.
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:
⮚ The length of the contract ⮚ Mandatory or voluntary collection within the district ⮚ Recyclables collection ⮚ Entity who will provide containers for both refuse and/or recyclables ⮚ 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 ⮚ Personnel Training ⮚ Performance standards for issues such as spillage, litter, noise, equipment ⮚ Designation of a disposal or processing facility ⮚ Annual Adjustments to Service Rates Based on a Certified Operating Cost Statement ⮚ Billing and bill collection procedures ⮚ Performance bonding of collection contracts, and ⮚ Insurance, indemnification, and record keeping
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Advantages
⮚ Elimination of redundant routes typically reduces collection costs for homeowners and commercial
accounts ⮚ Allows for the establishment of new management policies through inserting requirements in
contracts (i.e. - mandatory recyclable collection and volume-based billing establishment more
achievable than in the free enterprise system through greater administrative control) ⮚ Mandatory collection may reduce illegal dumping and improve air quality by reduction in the number
of collection routes ⮚ Greater control of waste flow in and out of the County
Disadvantages
⮚ May require additional resources (fiscal, staffing) to implement and administer this system ⮚ Reduced competition as some haulers may be eliminated from collection system
● Hauler Licensing
A licensing system includes elements of both the free enterprise and contract collection systems. The
licensing system allows private haulers to remain in business if they meet regulatory conditions imposed by
the County such as vehicle/container standards or reporting requirements. Haulers are also responsible for
customer billing and disposal services. In this system, the County must establish procedures, policies and
performance standards for licensing and monitoring haulers.
The following considerations are typically included in 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.
Advantages
⮚ Enables individual choice and promotes competition that may reduce consumer collection costs ⮚ Greater control of waste flow than free enterprise system ⮚ Facilitates implementation of new management policies through licensing requirements
Disadvantages
⮚ Overlapping routes still likely ⮚ Potential for hauler opposition to regulations on collection and disposal practices. Regulation
avoidance could create alternate disposal avenues outside the County’s systems to avoid the licensing
requirements. ⮚ Requires County establishment of standards and licensing procedures and policies.
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⮚ Smaller haulers may not be able to comply with requirements
Washington County adopted a Solid Waste Collection Licensing Ordinance in 1995, which is included
in the Appendix. 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.
● Government Collection (Public Operation)
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.
Advantages
⮚ Greatest control over waste flows for the County allows for increased source reduction, recycling,
and standard quality of service ⮚ Economies of scale could be realized to reduce capital costs of the operating system ⮚ System would only need to be financially self-sufficient (cover costs of operation, no profit
requirement)
Disadvantages
⮚ Would require large capital expenditure by the County to purchase the necessary equipment to
assume responsibility for all collection and hauling ⮚ May cost more than private collection system due to a variety of factors (i.e. - different management
objectives, operational characteristics, salaries, and benefits) ⮚ Eliminates opportunities for private enterprise
B. Collection Billing and Source Reduction Alternatives
1) Variable Rate vs. Base Rate for Solid Waste Collection Service (“Pay-As-You-Throw”)
One way for a community to provide an incentive to its residents to reduce the amount of waste
disposed of is to establish a variable rate charge for collection services. Currently, most trash haulers charge
a flat monthly fee (a base rate) for waste collection regardless of how much, or how little, trash they generate.
As a result, there is little economic incentive for residents to reduce the amount of waste disposed of. In order
to create an economic incentive to reduce the amount of waste disposed of, 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. This approach treats waste
disposal services just like electricity, gas, and other utilities in which households pay a variable rate depending
on the amount of service they use.
Variable rate programs are commonly referred to as “Pay-As-You-Throw” (PAYT) programs. With this
service, residents place waste in specially designated bags or containers purchased from the hauler, local
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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.
The variable rate program is available in Allegany 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.
Advantages
⮚ Environmental Sustainability – Many communities with PAYT programs in place have reported
significant increases in recycling and reductions in waste disposal, due primarily to the economic
incentives inherent in PAYT. Less waste and more recycling mean that fewer natural resources need
to be extracted. In addition, greenhouse gas emissions associated with the manufacture, distribution,
use, and subsequent disposal of consumer products are reduced because of the increased recycling
and waste reduction that PAYT encourages. ⮚ Economic Sustainability - PAYT can help communities control increasing municipal solid waste
management expenses. Well-designed programs generate the revenues communities need to cover
their solid waste costs, including the costs of such complementary programs as recycling and
composting. Residents also benefit from having greater control over their trash bills. ⮚ Equity – Under traditional waste collection models, users of the system who recycle and prevent
waste disposal subsidize the cost of those who recycle less and dispose of more waste as all users are
charged the same flat rate. PAYT therefore, provides a more truly fair and equitable collection system
where users only pay for what they throw away.
Disadvantages
⮚ May be more expensive to implement and administer the more complex collection system that
requires multiple container sizes and variable billing rates associated with different subscription
levels.
III. Land Disposal
A. Existing Land Disposal System in Washington County
Currently, most of the solid waste in Washington County is disposed of at the Forty West Landfill. This
is the only landfill actively used by the County, as the County’s Rubble Reclamation Landfill has been inactive
since 2000. This landfill has a fifteen-cell capacity with five of the cells currently operational. On average,
approximately 350 tons of trash, yard debris and construction debris are brought across the scales per day.
The Landfill accepted 111,466 tons of solid waste in 2018. At the current rates, it is estimated that the Forty
West Landfill will reach its capacity around 2070.
The County’s Permit Program allows residents of Washington County to pay a nominal fee to drop off
general household trash from their residence only, at the Forty West Landfill or one of the Transfer Stations.
Trash allowed on the permit is classified as standard kitchen and bathroom trash. Regular residential permits
currently cost $130 annually, with discounted rates available for seniors, veterans and for households
purchasing additional permits. Current Forty West Landfill fees are shown below. Alternatively, any county
resident can use the landfill on a cash basis. A residential permit is not required for cash sales.
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Table 7: Forty West Landfill Inbound Fees
B. Sanitary Landfills
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. Source reduction, recycling, composting, and material
recovery can divert significant portions, but not all of the waste stream from landfill disposal. Waste-to-
energy and waste-to-renewable energy facilities for solid waste management significantly reduces waste
volumes, but even the most advanced facilities must dispose of residues and residual non-processable waste.
Waste may also need disposal during plant shutdowns.
Modern sanitary landfills are significantly more sophisticated than the open dumps of the past, as
shown in the figure below. 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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Figure 2: Sample Landfill Cross Section
Source: http://www.projectdataresearch.com/landfills.html
C. Rubble Landfills
The County also operated a Rubble Reclamation Landfill at the Kemps Mill Road solid waste
management facility for construction and demolition waste derived from building construction, demolition,
or remodeling activities. Rubble waste was diverted from the incoming waste loads and disposed of in the
rubble cell. Due both to cost saving measures after the opening of the Forty West Landfill, and to changes in
State regulatory requirements for rubble landfills, the Rubble Reclamation Landfill ceased operations and has
been inactive since 2000. Rubble waste that was delivered to the County solid waste management facility is
diverted to the municipal waste cell or transferred for disposal elsewhere.
D. Repurposing Inactive or Closed Landfills
Landfills which are no longer actively receiving solid waste present opportunities to be repurposed
for uses which continue to provide a beneficial use for County owned lands. Three solid waste acceptance
facilities in Washington County have been repurposed as solar energy generating facilities to offset the
electricity used by County government operations. The solar sites are located at the Rubble Reclamation
Landfill (see image at left) off Kemps Mill Road, at the Forty West Landfill and at the closed Resh Road Landfill.
Each solar site can generate 2 megawatts of electricity. A public-private partnership with Spear Point Energy,
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EPG Solar and Northern Energy and Power, was pursued to realize these
projects. The County’s lease agreement with these entities enables it to
collect annual rental and revenue payments in addition to the energy cost
savings achieved from this alternative energy source. The County’s solar
partners assume responsibility for financing and maintenance of solar farms
across the County. These agreements were transferred from Spear Point to
Clara Cressingham LLC in a recent sale between the two companies.1
Numerous other possibilities exist for reusing the space occupied by
a closed landfill. Pinesburg Softball Complex, a very well used County park,
is a local example of a park created atop a closed landfill There are many
other successful examples across the Country of communities creating parks
or other open space land uses at such sites following closure. Installing wind turbines atop closed landfills is
another potential energy generating option that would fit these sites. The fact that such lands are already in
public ownership negates the need to find available real estate on the private market to achieve public
benefits of this nature. Additional opportunities for capturing materials or energy from the land disposal
system are discussed throughout the remainder of this chapter.
E. 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 decreasing 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.
Washington County currently has four transfer stations (the Dargan, Hancock, Greensburg and
Kaetzel Convenience Centers). These facilities, which require a permit to use, accept trash, recyclables,
cardboard, oil, and antifreeze. These facilities are important in cost-effectively providing solid waste
collection across a largely rural County, where many households are located distant to the final processing
and/or disposal facility that serves the majority of the solid waste generated within the County’s borders
(Forty West Landfill). At present, the County does not anticipate creating another transfer facility during the
period covered by this Plan.
F. Alternative Landfill Disposal Technologies
1) Bioreactor Landfill/Leachate Recirculation
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
1 https://www.heraldmailmedia.com/news/local/washington-county-government-partially-powered-by-solar-but-cost-
savings-not-as-expected/article_78347782-3b80-5f1d-a311-e82df85003a2.html
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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:
⮚ Reduced leachate disposal costs ⮚ Increased waste decomposition and settlement that results in additional air space. This space can be-
as much as 40 percent ⮚ Reduced post-closure care periods and costs ⮚ Increased revenues through acceptance of liquid wastes ⮚ Shortened time periods over which air and water emissions are generated and must be controlled
resulting in increased environmental protection ⮚ Increased methane production over shorter time periods making methane recovery and use as an
energy source more economical ⮚ Faster return of the landfill to a productive end-use
a) Bioreactor Landfill Configurations:
⮚ 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 by-
products of aerobic degradation are carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H20).
⮚ Anaerobic
In anaerobic digestion, micro-organisms break down biodegradable materials in the absence of
oxygen-producing harvestable methane gas and compost. Methanogenic bacteria are promoted to accelerate
waste degradation in the absence of these compounds and materials. The by-products of anaerobic
degradation are methane (CH4) that can be used as an alternative energy source and CO2.
Bioenergy Development Company from Annapolis, MD recently presented its technology for
anaerobic digestion to the EMAC. The Company estimated that 11.4% of landfill material could be diverted
through this process.
⮚ 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.
Landfill Mining
Landfill mining refers to excavating previously buried waste with the goals including, but not limited
to, recovery of ferrous metals, screening for separation of residual fine materials, utilization in a waste to
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energy or waste-to-renewable energy facility. By-products of these processes can be re-landfilled or utilized
as an approved reuse product depending on the process.
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 conveyor 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.
G. Conclusions
Typical costs for landfills include pre-development, land acquisition, landfill development,
construction, operating, closure, and post-closure costs. These costs can vary considerably due to a myriad
of factors. The lifetime cost of operation of the Forty West Landfill was recently estimated by the County’s
Environmental Management Advisory Committee to be approximately $315,000,000. Building a new landfill
through the completion of the first cell is estimated to cost $390,000,000. This includes the cost of purchasing
more land to use for the landfill.2
This considerable lifetime cost of the landfill represents an opportunity to explore source reduction,
waste diversion and other waste processing technologies beyond those described above in the sections that
follow in this chapter to achieve fiscal sustainability with the County’s solid waste management programs,
operations and facilities.
IV. Source Separation/Recycling
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.
Recycling represents the collection, processing, and marketing of separated materials. Recycling results in
the ultimate reuse of specific materials separated out of the waste stream which are eventually used to
manufacture new products. A range of materials can be separated from the waste disposal stream including
yard trimmings, aluminum cans, ferrous metals, recyclable glass, electronics, paper, cardboard, and some
plastics.
Recycling is one method by which the County meets its legislative requirements for waste reduction,
but it also offers numerous benefits to communities. It’s positive environmental impacts, such as decreased
demand for new raw materials and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions stemming from the lifecycle
energy costs of new material production, use and disposal are well understood.
Easily forgotten, however, is the fiscal benefits that come from preserving valuable landfill space that
is needed for waste that has no alternative to disposal. As outlined in the prior section concerning land
disposal, the lifetime costs of operating a landfill are exceptional and public opposition to siting new landfills,
combined with increasing regulation of solid waste facilities at multiple levels of government, makes it
2 Environmental Management Advisory Committee Study presented to the Board of Washington County
Commissioners November 17, 2020
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imperative that local jurisdictions maximize the use of existing solid waste disposal facilities. There is no
guarantee that either a suitable site or the fiscal resources needed to open a new landfill, will be available
when current facilities reach capacity limits. In such situations, disposal outside of local boundaries often
becomes the short-term fix which can leave Counties with limited leverage to control operational costs of
solid waste management. A robust recycling program is one tool by which to avoid such issues.
A. Washington County's Recycling Program
Since 1994, Washington County has provided a comprehensive recycling program and continuously
reviews various recycling and resource recovery options 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.
Recycling in Washington County can be done by private hauler recycling permit or by crossing the
scales. Private haulers provide curbside recycling for residents for a fee. Businesses also contract directly with
private haulers for recycling. Materials accepted for recycling vary by hauler.
For a fee of $36 per year, a resident can bring their recyclables to either the Forty West Landfill or
one of the four transfer stations. Recyclables included in the permit program are:
⮚ Newspapers ⮚ Magazines ⮚ Phone Books ⮚ Office Paper ⮚ Envelopes ⮚ Cardboard (2ft Square, Flattened) ⮚ All Colors of Glass Containers and Lids ⮚ Metal Food & Beverage Containers ⮚ Empty Plastic Containers ⮚ Brown Paper Bags ⮚ Junk Mail ⮚ Cereal Boxes ⮚ Soft Cover Books ⮚ Aluminum Foil and Pie Tins
County residents and businesses who would like to recycle but not hire a private hauler can now cross
the scales and pay $30/ton for recyclables. This option is only available at the Forty West Landfill. There is a
$10 minimum charge which covers up to 660 pounds.
Various public entities provide leadership to promote recycling in Washington County. County
government recycles used office paper, aluminum cans, and plastic beverage bottles at all County offices.
Washington County Public Schools and the Board of Education have extensive recycling programs. The County
also has a dedicated Recycling Coordinator who is responsible for the development, implementation, and
management of recycling programs under the direction of the Deputy Director of Solid Waste. The Recycling
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Coordinator is the primary point of contact for comprehensive and current information on waste reduction,
solid waste management, and recycling issues to the public, businesses, and industries. The following are
examples of methods by which the Recycling Coordinator provides this information to the public:
⮚ Contact phone number/email on County website and in phone directory government pages ⮚ Monthly online, 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 electronics and tire recycling
1) Recycling facilities listed on the County's Recycling webpage include:
⮚ Drop-off facilities at five 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. For added convenience glass,
metal, and plastic containers can be co-mingled. The use of these facilities requires a residential
recycling permit. ⮚ Drop off facilities for white goods, scrap metals, batteries (auto and rechargeable), magazines,
Styrofoam, and scrap tires at the Forty West Landfill ⮚ Drop off facility for residential electronic equipment (scale fee charged) at the Forty West Landfill,
established in 2008 ⮚ Used oil and antifreeze receptacles at each convenience center and at the Forty West Landfill ⮚ Used cooking oil/grease receptacle at the Forty West Landfill ⮚ Private recycling and processing businesses in Washington County, with contact Information provided
B. Adopted Recycling Legislation
1) Mandated Statewide Recycling Rates
In 2012, the Maryland General Assembly passed the Recycling Rate and Waste Diversion - Statewide
Goals Act. The Act revises the Maryland Recycling Act (1988) by increasing the mandated recycling rates for
all Maryland jurisdictions to at least 35% for Counties with a population greater than 150,000 or 20% for those
with a population below that figure. According to the most recent Census figures, Washington County has
recently exceeded a total population of 150,000, thereby requiring it to meet the 35% recycling rate. As was
noted in Chapter 3, while the County’s recycling rate was 22.85% in 2019, it’s average recycling rate was
50.8% between 2010 and 2018, which exceeded the state mandated rate for the population.
2) Public School Recycling
State legislation passed in 2010 requires a County recycling plan to address the collection, processing,
marketing, and disposition of recyclable materials from County public schools. Appendix D contains the
County’s Plan for public school recycling.
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 office paper, newspapers and
magazines, manila folders and envelopes, and cardboard.
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Each classroom and office are provided with a separate paper recycling container. The containers are
periodically collected by custodial staff and emptied into the mixed paper recycle bin. Recyclable materials in
the mixed paper bin and commingled containers bin are collected and marketed by the waste hauling
contractor.
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) Apartment Building and Condominium Recycling Program
In 2012, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation that requires recycling in all apartment
buildings and condominiums that contain 10 or more dwelling units. Owners and managers of sixty-one (61)
apartment complexes and five (5) condominiums that fell under the scope of the law were contacted by the
County about compliance with the new regulations. Materials that must be recycled under this law include
plastic, metal, glass containers and paper. Appendix E contains the County’s Apartment Building and
Condominium Recycling Program.
4) Special Events Recycling Program
In 2014, the Maryland General Assembly established a requirement for Maryland counties to address
the collection and recycling of certain materials by organizers of special events which:
1. Include temporary or periodic use of a public street, publicly owned site or facility, or public park;
2. Serve food or drink; and
3. Are expected to have 200 or more persons in attendance.
Organizers must provide clearly labeled recycling receptacles adjacent to each trash receptacle,
ensure that recyclable materials are collected and delivered for recycling, and pay any cost associated with
recycling at the special event. This Plan is included in Appendix F.
5) Office Recycling Program
In 2019, state legislation was passed requiring Counties to address the collection and recycling of
recyclable materials from buildings that are 150,000 square feet or greater of office space. Office building
owners must provide recycling receptacles for the collection of recyclable materials and for the removal of
certain materials for further recycling by October 1, 2021. The County has already amended language in its
previous Solid Waste and Recycling Plan, identified and notified establishments who must comply with the
new regulations and will meet all required deadlines to enforce its provisions by October 1, 2021. The
County’s Plan for Office Building Recycling is included in Appendix G.
D. Existing Recycling Categories
1) Residential
Many of the recycled materials in the County originate primarily from residential sources and are
collected within incorporated communities that have comprehensive recycling programs operated mostly by
contracted private haulers. Homeowners in rural areas of the County either contract directly with a private
hauler for recycling or self-haul to the Forty West Landfill or one of the four convenience centers. Most
residential recycling originates from single family dwelling units which make up the bulk of the County’s
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housing stock. State legislation has, somewhat recently, mandated recycling from large apartment buildings
and condominiums which increases the overall annual recycling tonnages reported to MDE.
Potential for increasing residential recycling recovery would be gained primarily through increased
recovery of material through existing or expanded curbside recycling programs, by finding expanded markets
for new (i.e. – organic waste composting) or existing materials collected, or by adding additional sorting
facilities or convenience centers.
2) Commercial
As mentioned above, commercial entities are responsible for their own recycling programs as a
component of managing their waste stream. Recycling in this sector is provided primarily by contracted
private haulers who serve businesses both large and small. Haulers may process and market the recyclables
directly or bring them to the Forty West Landfill for a fee. Others may collect specific materials and recycle
them at private recycling facilities. Some larger retailers ship their materials directly to market or to a
centralized warehouse.
There are significant opportunities to recycle more waste from businesses. Except for a few counties,
businesses in Maryland recycle on a voluntary basis. Most choose to do so for economic reasons, as it reduces
their waste disposal fees and they may receive market value for recyclable materials. Data reporting on waste
totals from businesses is also an issue, as it is not mandatory. The County’s Recycling Coordinator makes
every effort to obtain as much data from businesses as possible while working with this handicap. Therefore,
current data may not accurately describe how much waste is recycled vs. disposed.
The potential for increased recycling from this sector would likely come from increased recovery of
mixed recyclable containers, organics and construction and demolition materials. Corrugated cardboard and
mixed paper are more readily recycled, as is reflected in the reported tonnages of MRA Recyclables in Chapter
3. These materials accounted for the bulk of reported MRA recyclables between 2010 and 2018. The 2016
Statewide Waste Characterization Study also included in Chapter 3 does, however, indicate that there is still
room for further capture of various paper wastes in recycling. Additional regulation, particularly at the state
level, mandating recycling from this sector would significantly boost commercial recycling.
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). Presently, residents can
bring yard waste to the Forty West Landfill with either a permit or by going across the scales. Acceptable yard
waste is the plant waste derived from gardening, landscaping, and tree trimming activities, including leaves,
garden waste, lawn cuttings, weeds, and pruned branches less than 4” in diameter. The Yard Waste Permit,
currently $25 as a stand-alone permit or $20 when purchased with a Regular Residential Permit, covers
household yard debris only. The County Recycling Coordinator, along with agencies such as the University of
Maryland Extension Service also promote grass recycling and backyard composting by means of workshops
and training.
Yard waste is stockpiled at the Forty West Landfill and processed using a horizontal grinder and tub
grinder. The finished product is sold at the wholesale and retail level as mulch and compost. The program
has been successful enough for the County to investigate options for expansion. In 2018, the County
generated 1,565 tons of mulch and 887 tons of compost.
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4) Other Recycled Materials
a. Scrap Tires
County residents and businesses can bring tires to the landfill for recycling. Individual light car and
truck tires are $3.00 each up to 5 tires. Tires with less than 22-inch rim size are charged at $162/ ton. Large
tires and equipment tires are charge at $250/ton. Any customer hauling six or more tires to the Landfill is
required to obtain a temporary scrap tire haulers license from the Maryland Department of the Environment.
There is no fee for the temporary scrap tire haulers license.
b. Scrap Metal
Washington County residents can drop off any metal items at no charge at the Forty West Landfill.
Scrap metal items include, but are not limited to:
- Washing Machines
- Dryers
- Metal Fencing and Posts
- Bicycles
- Metal Shelving
- Filing Cabinets
- Lawn Mowers (all fluids removed)
- Metal Furniture
- Hot Water Heaters
- Any other items made of at least 90% metal
- Refrigerators, dehumidifiers, and air conditioner units must go across the scales; there is a $5
fee for the removal of the coolant from the appliances.
c. Electronics
Electronics recycling is also available for $55/ton. Included in the Electronics Program are televisions,
monitors, computers, cell phones, video games, VCR’s, CD players, radios, and stereo equipment. There is a
$10 minimum charge.
d. Oil and Antifreeze
Used motor oil (up to five gallons), used antifreeze (up to five gallons), used cooking oil (up to five gallons)
can also be recycled for free at the Forty West Landfill.
5) Curbside Recycling
Currently, collection of Washington County residential recyclables is predominantly performed by the
private sector through single stream curbside collection or by permit at the Forty West Landfill or convenience
centers. At least three private sector haulers offer collection of residential recyclables as part of subscription
waste collection service in selected higher-density areas of the County. Commercial and industrial recycling
is performed by the private sector through contracts with individual businesses and industries.
There are various models for curbside recycling collection, including:
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a. Resident/Multi-Sort
Residents segregate target materials by type into separate containers. Typically, three containers are
provided to each resident for collection of newspaper or mixed paper, metal cans, glass, and plastic.
b. Dual-Stream Sort
Target materials are placed into two different containers, typically one for bottles and cans and the other
for mixed paper. Collection crews keep the materials separate as they place recyclables in the collection
vehicle.
c. Single Stream
Target materials are placed in a single container separate from the other residential wastes. The materials
are not sorted by collection crews but placed into the collection vehicle in a mixed state.
Each of the above approaches may have differing effects on the level of participation achieved,
materials processing requirements, the investment required to fund the program, and operational costs.
Material processing requirements for the curbside programs are dependent upon the collection option
selected, and the specific market requirements. Typically, an intermediate processing facility is used to
prepare each material for market specifications and to package the material for shipment to the markets.
These services may be contracted to private industry.
While there is opportunity to consider the advantages offered by switching to a different collection
system, the current single stream curbside recycling program has proven successful in achieving resident
participation due to the system’s convenience and ease of use. Therefore, aside from considering changes in
the collection system, the other likely avenue for improving recycling participation would be through the
existing Solid Waste Collection Licensing Ordinance.
The Ordinance states that licensed haulers must offer or provide for recycling to their residential
customers, but that requirement has not been stringently enforced previously. Accordingly, the potential for
greater participation in curbside recycling exists through greater enforcement of the Ordinances’ current
regulations. This would seem a logical first step to consider pursuing before determining whether additional
changes to the Ordinance are necessary to achieve higher participation in the County’s recycling programs.
Expanded curbside recycling would assist in capturing many of the recyclable materials identified in
the 2016 Statewide Waste Characterization Study which included sampling at the Forty West Landfill. The
study showed that notable percentages of materials which are already recyclable at County solid waste
acceptance facilities, such as various types of paper, plastic and corrugated cardboard, among other
materials, are not being diverted from disposal in the current collection system. In short, greater penetration
of curbside recycling across the County would likely help capture many of these recyclable materials without
having to develop new facilities for their processing or sorting.
V. Waste Utilization and Energy Recovery Alternatives
The County continually investigates opportunities for improvements in waste management and
recycling processes to increase efficiencies, lower costs, and extend landfill life. Most recently, over a period
of eighteen months, the Environmental Management Advisory Committee (EMAC) studied long-term
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solutions for waste disposal in Washington County, meeting with representatives and experts from a variety
of companies offering several different solutions. Potential options included expanded recycling, composting,
pelletization options, anaerobic digestion and partnerships with private companies offering comprehensive
waste management resource planner solutions. These, plus several other technological solutions that find a
secondary life for certain waste products or recover energy from the solid waste stream are described in the
sections that follow. Chapter Five contains the County’s Plan of Action for the next ten years based upon
these recent studies, as well as past investigations into solid waste management alternatives.
A. Recyclable Material Processing Facilities
Processing facilities are used to recover recyclables from both residential and commercial or
institutional sources. These facilities produce a sorted, recyclable material which is prepared for the end-use
market. Recyclable material processing facilities include two basic types: mixed waste processing facilities
and material recovery facilities. The former type must obtain a permit from MDE prior to construction and
operation while the other facility type currently does not. A private recyclable processing facility, buy-back
centers, are also discussed in this section.
1) Mixed Waste Processing Facility (MWPF)
A mixed waste processing facility recovers recyclables from the municipal waste stream. Use of a
MWPF typically results in higher recovery rates for recyclables as there is no need for collection operations
to segregate wastes at the source.
The process unfolds as mixed municipal solid waste is dumped onto the tipping floor and pushed onto
a below-ground conveyor by a front-end loader. Bag-breaking, done either manually or with specialized
equipment, is usually necessary if the MWPF is receiving large quantities of residential waste. Screening
drums or other special equipment are then used to separate the mixed waste stream generally into two
compartments:
• An “undersize” stream, which consists mostly of fine particles fewer than one or two inches in
diameter; this stream contains fine aggregate materials (glass, stones, etc.) and compostables,
such as soil and food particles
• An “oversize” stream, which contains recyclable food and beverage containers, paper, film,
plastic, and other large objects.
One of the primary objectives of this process is to separate the compostable components of the waste
stream from the larger particles of paper and plastic that are more useful as fuel. Size classification can also
help improve hand-sorting efficiency. Because fine materials have already been removed, sorters picking
materials from the oversize fraction do not have to dig through as much material to reach and pick out the
recyclables. The first recyclable item that is typically removed is ferrous metal, typically by electromagnetic
separation.
Once recyclable materials are baled, crushed, or otherwise processed, they are either stored within
the building or loaded directly into waiting trucks for shipment to markets. The MWPF may further process
non-recovered waste. Non-recovered waste which comes off the sorting conveyor may be shredded to make
it easier to burn or compost. The shredded material is directed to an on-site fuel pelletization or composting
process or loaded into transfer trailers for shipment to off-site fuel production or composting facilities.
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Capital costs for a MWPF vary depending on the level of mechanization and sophistication of the
facility, as well as land acquisition and site development. Capital and operations costs are higher than for a
Material Recovery Facility. Contamination of materials is also a problem, which results in lower quality
recyclables that are more difficult to market. The potential exists for environmental impacts from odors,
aesthetics, and contaminated runoff from the facility.
2) Material Recovery Facility (MRF)
Material recovery facilities receive and process recyclables that have been source-separated from the
waste stream. A MRF is designed to receive large quantities of commingled or single-stream recyclables,
separate them by type, and prepare finished quantities for transportation to markets. The type of process
and the equipment used depends on the types of recyclables and the collection method. Separation includes
a combination of mechanical and manual processes. Some County businesses contract separately for
collection and processing of recyclable materials. Such recyclables from the commercial waste stream are
typically delivered either to a MRF or directly to a recycling market.
MRF’s vary in level of sophistication from “recyclable transfer stations” to highly mechanized
processing plants for commingled recyclables. Equipment requirements are based upon the level of
separation of the incoming recyclables and the type and quality of recycled materials required. Most MRF’s
will include concrete storage bunkers and compaction and baling equipment.
MRFs generally produce a higher quality of recyclable materials than a MWPF. As a result, capital
and operations costs tend to be lower once the facility is up and running. There is better control over the
types and sources of waste that is accepted. Environmental impacts, including odors, are less of a concern
than with a MWPF.
Residents and businesses must separate recyclables from their waste stream prior to collection with
an MRF, which results in a lower participation and recovery rate than for the MWPF. MRFs do require a large
investment of capital upfront to become operational. In addition, as with all recyclables, the sale of end
products is subject to market volatility. Processing costs can also be considerable if economies of scale are
not reached.
3) Buy Back Centers
Private buy-back centers operate similarly to the convenience centers run by the County, but
individuals are paid for the materials they drop off based on current market prices. Buy-back centers, which
can be permanent or mobile facilities, function as an intermediate collection point/processing center taking
materials in and distributing them directly to the end processors. They require scales and containers for
weighing and storing recyclables at minimum, with other equipment requirements being dependent on the
specific approach being used.
The private ownership of buy-back centers offers the advantage of incurring no cost to local
governments. In addition, direct payment for recyclable materials provides an incentive to recycle for those
who might not otherwise be motivated to do so. Buy-back centers tend to have low material recovery rates
however, and market prices may significantly affect participation.
B. Mixed Solid Waste Composting
Various methods of municipal solid waste (MSW) composting have been practiced for many years
around the world. Composted material may be used as landfill cover, or for agricultural or landscaping
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purposes. In the United States however, solid waste composting has had limited success due to high costs,
product odors, technology issues, product quality and lack of markets for end products. Yet, the significant
volume reductions associated with composting make MSW composting attractive as a potential means of
diverting waste from landfills. According to MDE, compostable materials such as food scraps and yard
trimmings make up nearly 30% of all municipal solid waste generated in the U.S. As a result, in the past
decade interest in solid waste composting has increased in the United States and more facilities are being
built.
MSW composting requires considerable pre-sorting of the incoming waste and screening of the
finished product to remove non-compostable materials such as glass, metal, and plastic - activities that tend
to be relatively costly. Additionally, the economics of solid waste composting require high landfill tipping fees
to justify the high cost of capital, operation, maintenance, and product marketing. High tipping fees would
be a difficult requirement to meet, given the County’s geographic location bordering multiple other states
with solid waste facilities competing for the same disposal fees. Finally, 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.
There are currently no in-county solid waste facilities that manage mixed solid waste composting
operations at this time. The County’s current composting facility is only permitted for yard debris. A new
permit would therefore be required to expand the current composting operation. Facility upgrades would
also be necessary to obtain permits to accept other types of solid waste, as well as additional acreage to
accept an increase in material. A system for curbside pickup of food waste would have to be developed, in
addition to educating the public on how to use the collection system (i.e. – keeping food scraps separate from
other solid waste and recycling materials). Finally, participation from the City of Hagerstown would be
essential to make this economically feasible. Further development of regional markets for composted
materials in Western Maryland could make MSW composting more feasible for Washington County should it
wish to pursue this method of waste diversion.
C. Municipal Waste Combustion and Waste to Energy (WTE)
Municipal waste incineration has evolved over time from a focus on simply reducing the volume of
waste disposed in a landfill to capturing energy from waste materials that can generate power for use on or
off site from the solid waste management facility. Most new incinerators have “waste-to-energy" capabilities
in which they produce steam and/or electricity through as a part of the combustion process. Whether a mass-
burn or a WTE facility, all incinerators include certain common elements such as air pollution controls and a
residue handling system. Reuse of the ash that results from incineration as an alternative daily cover,
drainage layer or structural fill at a landfill is an example of the latter system (if the ash is classified non-
hazardous waste after testing under state and federal regulations).
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
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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.
1) Mass-Burn Incinerators
Mass-burn facilities, which can be constructed and operated with or without energy recovery, do not
process incoming waste prior to combustion aside from removing bulky and non-processable objects (white
goods, sofas, tires, etc.). These items are set aside for recycling or landfill disposal. Incoming waste is dumped
into a tipping pit and fed into a charging hopper using a crane or conveyor. The remaining waste is transferred
from the pit into the furnace by a horizontal moving ram.
The steam produced in the boiler and superheater can be used for industrial process purposes,
central steam heating, or to generate electricity by channeling it through a turbine. The turbine-generator
and steam circulation systems employed at mass-burn facilities are identical to those used at fossil fuel or
wood fired power plants. The quantities of steam and/or electricity produced largely depend on the quantity
and heating value of the waste processed at the WTE facility.
2) Refuse Derived Fuel Facilities (RDF)
RDF facilities improve the efficiency of waste-to-energy operations by reducing the incoming mixed
municipal solid waste to particles less than six inches in length and removing the materials that have little or
no heat value, thereby improving fuel properties. RDF facilities also aid in the recovery of recyclables,
although modern RDF facilities do not sort out nearly as much recyclable material as mixed waste processing
or even municipal solid waste composting facilities.
Municipal solid waste is dumped onto a tipping floor where front-end loaders and dozers compact
the waste and push it onto in-feed conveyors. Bulky and non-processable items are segregated either on the
tipping floor or are lifted off the in-feed conveyor by cranes at designated picking stations. The bulk of the
waste enters a series of shredding and screening machines, which convert up to 95 percent of it to loose RDF.
Steam generation, air pollution control, and ash handling systems are similar in design to those used at mass-
burn facilities.
The processed RDF consists of paper, plastic, and other particles one to six inches in length. Fine
particles (those under one inch) typically consist of non-combustibles such as dirt, food waste, and broken
glass. This material is screened out by the trommels and deposited on conveyors, which load it into trailers
for shipment to landfills. Ferrous metal is also collected on separate conveyors and transferred into waiting
trailers for shipment to scrap markets.
After processing, the RDF is normally stored on a second enclosed tipping floor. This is an obvious
difference from mass-burn systems, where the fuel product (raw waste) is stored in a pit. The RDF is pushed
onto in-feed conveyors by front-end loaders and enters a feeding system, which may be a complicated series
of vibrating screens, auger conveyors, and pneumatic feeders. The purpose of this system is to carefully
regulate the flow of RDF into the combustion chamber, thus maximizing combustion efficiency. The furnaces
and waterwall boilers utilized at RDF combustion facilities are like those at mass-burn plants. However, in RDF
combustion systems, much more of the fuel burns in suspension (combusts while airborne in the furnace), as
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opposed to on the grates. In addition, RDF boilers do not need to accommodate the larger, heavier objects
from the waste stream. As a result, RDF boilers are generally smaller than those at mass-burn facilities.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Municipal Waste Combustion and Waste to Energy Facilities
Advantages
Natural Resource Conservation: Solid waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill is used to
generate energy, thus conserving fossil fuels.
Preserving Landfill Space: After combustion, the volume of material requiring land disposal is
reduced by 85 to 90 percent.
Commercial Viability: Both mass-burn and RDF systems are commercially proven as evidenced by the
number of commercial-scale facilities in operation and their cumulative years of operating
experience. Particularly for mass-burn systems, there are multiple vendors with strong business
positions and significant amounts of construction and operational experience.
Energy Production: Waste-to-energy facilities are net energy producers.
Disadvantages
Public Opposition: Though improved technology has reduced the amount of air pollution produced
by waste-to-energy facilities, air pollutants are still emitted as a part of the facility’s operation. Ash
resulting from operations that do not qualify as non-hazardous waste when tested may be difficult
to dispose of. These issues, plus siting concerns, often result in public opposition to waste-to-energy
facilities.
Cost: Capital costs for a waste-to-energy plant, as well as operation and maintenance costs, are
generally high and vary greatly depending on the type of facility. The amount of time required for
siting, permitting, and construction is considerably greater than for other waste processing and
disposal technologies.
Energy Production: Although waste-to-energy facilities are net energy producers, they cannot
produce electricity on the scale of a normal-sized fossil-fired power plant. Revenues from energy
sales usually cover a portion of the plant's operating expenses and debt service.
Comparison between Municipal Waste Combustion and Waste to Energy Facilities
● Since some components of the waste stream with poorer heat value and combustion
properties are removed during pre-processing, RDF facilities will produce
approximately 5 percent more energy than a comparably sized mass-burn facility.
● RDF processing is a more mechanically complex process. As a result, RDF systems
sometimes exhibit lower availability than mass-burn systems.
● As with mixed waste processing, very complex processing lines tend to have more
mechanical shutdowns and lower overall availability.
● Due to the relative complexity of the pre-processing systems, RDF systems require
operators with greater skill and experience.
● Processed RDF is stored on a separate tipping floor; therefore, a larger site is required
than for a mass-burn facility.
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3) Recent Waste-to-Energy Developments in Washington County
During the previous Solid Waste and Recycling planning period, Washington County, in tandem with
Carroll and Frederick Counties, explored the possibility of engaging in a public/private partnership for a waste
to renewable energy facility that would have produced renewable energy products. Ultimately, both Carroll
and Frederick Counties formally withdrew from the incinerator plan based on their concerns for cost and
potential environmental impacts and public opposition. With the partnership needed to make the project
economically viable for Washington County no longer in place, the County’s immediate plans for pursuing a
waste-to-energy facility were shelved.
The County has not stopped exploring opportunities to pursue waste-to-energy and waste diversion
technologies that would help preserve existing landfill space, however. Most recently, the EMAC heard
presentations and toured facilities from three companies about taking waste material and converting it into
fuel pellets (pelletization) that would serve as an 8,000 BTU coal substitute. Private funds would likely be
used to cover startup costs. The partner company would then gain its return on investment through tipping
fees and revenues from the sales of end products. The County would gain revenues once the project became
operational. As pelletization is not widely used across the United States at this point, there were questions
about the existing market for such products which could put the County in a difficult financial position if
product revenues did not yield expected returns. The County intends to engage in further inquiries about the
feasibility of pursuing this technology as a long-term waste management solution.
D. Alternatives for Sludge Processing and Utilization
1) Sewage Sludge Management in Washington County
Sewage sludge is the by-product of both the water and wastewater treatment process. To ensure
that the water used for domestic and commercial/industrial use is clean and not harmful, it 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. New state regulations are also limiting the ability to land apply
in the State of Maryland, making this alternative less viable.
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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
groundwater, specific buffer zone requirements, and application restrictions during adverse weather
conditions.
2) Sludge Generation by Washington County Public Facilities and Current Disposition Practices
There are seven County-managed community sewage systems in Washington County, as well as
systems managed by Hagerstown, Boonsboro, Hancock, and the State prison complex. Valicorp, a private
company, also owns and operates an Industrial Pretreatment Facility. The sewage sludge disposed of at the
landfill from these other municipal and private treatment plants in the County totaled approximately 8,846
tons in 2019, according to landfill data. The City of Hagerstown has a contract to dry, pelletize and market its
sludge as fertilizer.
E. Site Constraints for New Solid Waste Acceptance Facilities
Both natural physical features and existing or planned land uses 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.
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, steep slopes, rolling foothills, broad
limestone valleys and meandering stream courses with wide floodplains. Elevations above sea level range
from 260 feet at Sandy Hook in the southernmost tip of the County, adjacent to the Potomac River, to 2,145
feet at Quirauk Mountain in the northeast corner 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% cover nearly 30% of the County's land area. The Hagerstown
Valley, which includes nearly half of the land area of the County, is predominantly level or moderately sloping.
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.
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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 becomes soil 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. ⮚ 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.
3) Geology and Geohydrology
Washington County's varied land area encompasses several physiographic provinces, as shown in the
geologic map below. 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.
Much of the potable water used in Washington County comes from surface water, mainly the
Potomac River. The municipalities of Boonsboro and Keedysville rely on groundwater from wells. Washington
County has four distinct groundwater provinces:
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⮚ 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 shale limestone bedrock with
a generally thin soil cover. A good part of this area has aquifers with a high yield. ⮚ 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.
Map 6: Washington County Geology
4) Wetlands
Wetlands are valuable for water quality and are protected by Federal, State and County regulations.
Eighty-four percent of the state's wetlands occur in the coastal plain region, with approximately 13% in the
Piedmont region and 1% in the Blue Ridge-Appalachian Highlands region. Several small wetlands are located
throughout Washington County and identified on National Wetlands Inventory Maps prepared by the United
States Fish and Wildlife Service. Wetlands throughout the County are shown on the map below.
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Map 7: Washington County Wetlands
5) Surface Water and Floodplains
The County is located entirely within the Potomac River watershed, of which Washington County
represents 3%. The Potomac River 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. Watershed boundaries are shown on the map below.
⮚ 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.
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Map 8: Washington County Watersheds
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.
100-year floodplain areas are shown in the map below.
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Map 9: Washington County 100-Year Floodplains
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. To date, there is no evidence of groundwater
contamination from any of the County landfill facilities.
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 to minimize or mitigate any negative impacts. Siting is also subject to the County's
development review process.
The County regulates solid waste and recycling facilities siting through zoning requirements, as new
facilities are allowed only in the Rural Business Zoning District (RB). The RB Zoning District is applied atop the
base zoning as a floating zone which is approved through the rezoning process. Criteria within the RB Zoning
District address many of the above siting concerns. Opportunity for public comment on facility siting is a
required part of the rezoning process, as multiple public meetings are held in which concerns may be heard
and incorporated into facility plans for a given site.
8) Planned Long-Term Development
The County Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the County Commissioners in 2002 and an update
is in progress. The Plan is a policy document that provides a guide for public and private sector decisions to
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be made for future growth and development for a 20-year planning horizon. 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 eight municipalities. The policies of the Comprehensive Plan are reinforced and made tangible
through various functional plans, such as the Solid Waste and Recycling Plan, Water and Sewer Plan, and
many others.
The basic premise of the Plan has been to direct development into and around the County’s Urban
and Town Growth Areas while retaining the rural character and use of the surrounding land. The Urban
Growth Area surrounds the City of Hagerstown as well as the towns of Funkstown and Williamsport.
Boonsboro, Hancock, Smithsburg, and Clear Spring comprise the Town Growth Areas. These Growth Areas
are shown on the Municipalities and Federal Facilities Map in Chapter 2.
The provision of facilities and services, such as water and sewer infrastructure, utilities, roads, schools
and parks as well as police, fire and emergency services, in these designated areas incentivize planned growth
in order to promote an efficient, environmentally sensitive and cost effective land use pattern. The goal is to
maximize finite fiscal resources in areas where they can promote sustainable economic development while
preserving rural character and resources where substantial growth cannot be supported.
Growth is anticipated in all planned growth areas that have adequate public facilities, with planned
residential density or commercial/industrial land use intensity decreasing as one reaches the margins of these
areas. Accordingly, any new solid waste and recycling facilities would likely either be located in rural areas of
the County away from residential clusters or sensitive environmental resources where adequate
infrastructure exists to support operations, or within urban zoning districts that permit land uses of an
industrial nature.
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.
Further requirements for the protection of sensitive environmental resources were introduced as a part of
Maryland’s Economic Growth, Resource
Protection and Planning Act of 1992. This
legislation required local governments to
adopt a “Sensitive Areas” element, among
other requirements, within the framework
of their Comprehensive Plan. Four
overarching categories of Sensitive Areas
were to be considered for protection as a
part of comprehensive planning.
A fifth element, Special Planning Areas, was added with amendments to the County’s Zoning and
Subdivision Ordinances in 1996. Special Planning Areas are areas of unusual or significant importance for
which regulatory definitions, special policies and land use techniques were proposed and adopted in the
Four categories to be considered for protection:
Streams and their buffers
100-year floodplains
Habitats of threatened and endangered species
Steep slopes
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above noted amendments. These elements were originally
identified in Washington County’s 1981 Comprehensive Plan.
All solid waste and recycling planning, operations,
and future siting of facilities by the County will be consistent
with the local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to
protection of sensitive environmental resources.
10) Special Waste Management
Waste management requirements for asbestos,
special medical waste and hazardous waste are discussed
below.
a. Asbestos
The County formerly permitted the acceptance of asbestos at a designated location at the landfill
with prior notification and provided the hauler met a variety of regulatory conditions as defined in the Solid
Waste Collection Licensing Ordinance. At present however, the County is not accepting asbestos waste.
b. Medical Wastes
Medical waste from Meritus Medical Center is transported by the contracted private haulers Curtis
Bay Medical Waste Services and Triumvirate and disposed of outside of Washington County.
c. Hazardous Wastes
No hazardous substances are accepted for disposal at the Forty West Landfill. Hazardous waste
generators within the County contract with a licensed hazardous waste hauler for collection and disposal.
Automobile batteries are accepted at the Landfill and set aside for recycling; 75.2 tons were recycled in 2019.
⮚ Hazardous Materials Response
Emergency response to unplanned release of hazardous materials is coordinated through the
Washington County Emergency Operations Center. All fire companies have had training in identification of
hazardous materials incidents and basic response techniques. The Washington 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
Washington County Emergency Management, Washington County Sheriff’s Department, Maryland
Department of the Environment, Washington County Health Department, and the Maryland State Police.
⮚ Hazardous Materials Cleanup
Chemical and petroleum spill cleanup material can be accepted at the Forty West 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
Washington County
Special Planning Areas:
Edgemont and Smithsburg Reservoir
Watersheds
Appalachian Trail Corridor
Upper Beaver Creek Basin and Beaver
Creek (Albert M. Powell) Trout
Hatchery
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Additional disposal sites for chemical and petroleum spill cleanup material include Valicorp Industrial
Pretreatment Facility and Clean Earth of Maryland on Oak Ridge Drive.
⮚ Hazardous Material Planning and Issues
The County’s recent update to its Hazard Mitigation Plan evaluated the risk from hazardous material
(hazmat) releases into the environment by various methods. The Plan judged this potential hazard to be one
of frequent probability (# of incidents), marginal severity (historic average of costs, injuries and/or deaths),
and medium-high risk based upon the probability and severity of incidents.
Historically, most hazmat moving through Washington County has been on the Norfolk Southern and
CSX rail systems. Today, however, the bulk of hazardous materials pass through the county by truck,
particularly on I-70 and I-81, which cross the county from west to east and north to south. Given the projected
increase in truck traffic over the next several decades, the potential for transportation accidents involving
hazmat will increase significantly.
The municipalities most susceptible to transportation Hazmat incidents include Hagerstown and
Williamsport which are adjacent to I-81, and Hancock, Clear Spring, and Funkstown which are adjacent to I-
70. In addition, Hagerstown, Williamsport, Smithsburg, and Hancock are adjacent to or near rail lines.
While the projected increase in truck traffic carrying hazardous materials along major arterial
transportation routes does not preclude siting of solid waste or recycling facilities adjacent to these roads, it
is a relevant consideration in judging the compatibility of a proposed new facility with the risks posed by the
surrounding built environment. Response to hazmat incidents will be carried out by the entities identified
above in accordance with the County’s Emergency Operations and Hazard Mitigation Plans.
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Chapter 5
Solid Waste Management and Recycling
Plan of Action
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I. Introduction
An integrated Solid Waste Management and Recycling Plan identifies the specific management
programs and tools needed to manage the entirety of the County’s solid waste stream. To effectively
implement this Plan, existing solid waste and recycling programs that are successfully meeting the waste
management needs of the community must be augmented with new programs that address deficiencies
in the current system in a timely and cost-effective manner. Chapter 4’s analysis of the County’s existing
system of solid waste management, as well alternatives to those current methods, forms the basis by
which to appraise the appropriate course of actions over ten-year period covered by this plan.
Chapter 5 describes the programs, facilities and methods of financing for managing each of the
waste streams identified throughout this Plan, in accordance with local, state and federal regulations. The
manner by which these waste flows will be addressed is structured according to the County’s Waste
Management Hierarchy presented in Chapter 4. Therefore, the above identified elements are illuminated
as a part of the County’s plan to address Source Reduction, Material Reuse, Recycling, Waste
Utilization/Energy Recovery and Waste Disposal.
A. Plan of Action
1) Source Reduction and Material Reuse
Corresponding Goals and Objectives
• Goal # 6
o Utilize the solid waste management hierarchy as tool by which to guide the
County’s priorities and expenditures for solid waste and recycling programs.
Strive to promote fiscal and environmental sustainability in County
government operations by instituting procedures or requirements that
maximize alternatives to waste disposal.
Develop partnerships with organizations promoting the reuse of products
or materials to achieve source reduction and waste diversion objectives.
COMAR Waste Streams Managed
• Residential (household, domestic)
• Commercial
• Industrial (non-hazardous) solids, liquids, and sludges
• Institutional (schools, hospitals, government buildings)
• Land clearing and demolition debris (rubble)
• Bulky or special wastes (automobiles, large appliances, etc.)
• Other (Yard and other organic waste)
Targeted Improvements (Programs, Policies and/or Facilities)
MDE Source Reduction Credits
Washington County will, within the limits of fiscal and staffing constraints, continue to pursue the
maximum 5% waste prevention credit available annually from the Maryland Department of the
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Environment. Credits are equal to the amount of organic material diverted from the County’s total
generated waste stream. Numerous actions could be undertaken to promote the source reduction of
solid waste to earn these credits including:
Create an ongoing, multi-faceted, public education program promoting grasscycling and/or
home composting of yard trimmings (Partner with the University of Maryland Extension
Service’s Master Gardener program)
Distribute publications promoting and describing how to utilize grasscycling and/or home
composting of yard trimmings to at least 30% of single-family households in the county.
Conduct an ongoing multi-faceted, public education program promoting food donation and
food composting
Distribute publications promoting and describing the benefits of food donation and backyard
food composting to at least 30% of single-family households in the County
Provide technical assistance on waste reduction to homeowners, businesses and institutions
when opportunities exist
Conduct educational outreach in-person at community events, to community institutions and
organizations about the benefits of source reduction
Partner with various County departments to create multi-media campaigns across diverse
platforms to promote source reduction benefits to waste management costs and community
quality of life to residents and businesses
Create synergy between compliance actions and campaign promotion of Washington
County’s Clean County Initiative and the Source Reduction of solid waste where those
endeavors overlap
Regularly update the Department of Solid Waste and Recycling’s website and the Citizen’s
Guide Solid Waste and Recycling to provide the most up to date information on County solid
waste management programs.
School science programs are also good candidates for composting education, and schools
could serve as the location for a pilot program for composting. The Claud E. Kitchens
Outdoor School at Fairview offers one such avenue for both educational outreach and the
location of pilot composting program for organic waste.
Implementation Timeline: Long Term (6-10 years)
Electronic Plan Review
The County will continue to expand the recently introduced option for the electronic submission
of select plans and permits for review by various agencies. Such applications typically require numerous
paper copies to be submitted, which are then sent out to various Departments inside and outside of
County government for review and comment. Therefore, there is significant potential for the reduction
of paper waste as a part of this initiative.
Presently, only a limited number of land development plan applications are slated to be accepted
under this new submittal method. Online building permit submittals have also been temporarily allowed
for processing in response to COVID-19 impacts on daily in-person staffing of County offices. It is likely,
that these submittal options will be expanded as the platform for their acceptance is refined and issues
are alleviated with the rollout of this new feature.
Implementation Timeline: Short Term (0-2 years) - Initial rollout
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Long Term (6-10 years) - Platform expansion
Use of Recycled Products or Recyclable Materials in County Operations
The County will investigate opportunities for the expanded use of recycled products throughout
all Departmental operations. County regulations and codes should be reviewed and, if necessary, revised,
to promote the use of recycled products. The introduction of purchasing requirements for recycled
products offers one such avenue, as participation by County Government would be instrumental in
creating markets for recyclable materials. Minimum percentages of both the recycled content and total
volume of paper products procured by County purchasing agents could be established for County
operations.
In the purchase of non-paper commodities, purchasing agents could also be directed to procure
items such as re-refined oil, plastic products, auto parts, compost material, aggregate, insulation, solvents,
rubber products; and others that contains recycled content. The avoidance of toxic substances, such as
utilizing non-toxic inks County publications could also be required.
The reduction of packaging waste could also be addressed by contracts specifying that materials
must be packaged in recycled and recyclable materials, and by minimizing the purchase of products that
are not recyclable or packaged in materials that are not recyclable.
Implementation Timeline: Long Term (6-10 years)
Reduction of Paper Waste
Consider creating requirements for double-sided printing or copying of specified materials in
County government operations and mandating that consultants and contractors who do business with
the County must use recycled and recyclable materials printed on both sides when electronic document
submission is not feasible.
Implementation Timeline: Short Term (0-2 years) – Internal operations
Long Term (6-10 years) – Reviewing agencies, Contractors
Material Reuse
Material reuse programs are a critical facet of a comprehensive waste management program.
This Plan recommends that the County research successful and sustainable reuse programs available in
the region and participate, where appropriate, in support of these programs. The Solid Waste and
Recycling Department’s County webpage should be regularly updated to include information on material
reuse organizations operating locally, or in the state or region, that provide outlets which offer
opportunities to reduce the disposal of reusable products. Examples of successful programs include the
following:
Clothing collection program started at the Forty West Landfill and each of the 4 transfer stations
in 2018. Each have collection bins from non-profit companies or local businesses.
Internet based material reuse networks such as Hagerstown Freecycle, Bikes for the World and
the Industrial Materials Exchange.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore program
Private secondhand shops operating in local municipalities
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Implementation Timeline: Short Term (0-2 years) – Existing partnerships
Long Term (6-10 years) – New partnerships
2) Recycling
Corresponding Goals and Objectives
• Goal # 4
o Collaboratively work across jurisdictional boundaries and with diverse partners
to develop innovative solutions for solid waste management.
When applicable, utilize pilot programs to test new waste management
technologies or systems to provide a basis for assessing their
effectiveness to achieve desired goals and signal wider adoption.
Incentivize and recognize the achievements of individuals and
organizations who demonstrate exemplary commitment or creativity to
addressing the solid waste needs of Washington County.
• Goal # 5
o Build the knowledge and capacity of the public, institutions, and the business
community to understand and address solid waste management issues.
Continually provide education, outreach and technical assistance to
individuals and organizations to efficiently achieve regulatory
compliance before pursuing enforcement measures.
Engage the public through diverse media outlets to disseminate
information that broadly reaches users of the County’s solid waste
management system and provides multiple points of contact by which
citizens can access knowledge and resources.
• Goal # 6
o Utilize the solid waste management hierarchy as tool by which to guide the
County’s priorities and expenditures for solid waste and recycling programs.
Investigate or create new markets for collected waste materials that can
be diverted from the landfill to capture their true value as commodities.
Meet or exceed the State-mandated recycling and waste diversion rates
through the implementation of current programs and through periodic
operational improvements.
COMAR Waste Streams Managed
• Residential (household, domestic)
• Commercial
• Industrial (non-hazardous) solids and sludges
• Institutional (schools, hospitals, government buildings)
• Land clearing and demolition debris (rubble)
• Bulky or special wastes (automobiles, large appliances, etc.)
• Scrap tires
• Wastewater treatment plant sludge
• Septage
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• Other (Yard or other organic waste, electronics, mining wastes, fluorescent lights, waste
oil & antifreeze, etc.)
Current Facilities
• Public: Forty West Landfill, Four Convenience Centers (Dargan, Greensburg, Hancock
and Kaetzel),
• Private: Sorting facilities operated by Republic (Greencastle Pike), Apple Valley Waste
(Hunters Green Parkway)
Targeted Improvements (Programs, Policies and/or Facilities)
Residential Recycling
The majority of recycled materials in the County originate primarily from residential sources and
are collected within incorporated communities that have comprehensive recycling programs operated
mostly by contracted private haulers. Homeowners in rural areas of the County either contract directly
with a private hauler for recycling or self-haul to the Forty West landfill or one of the four convenience
centers. Most residential recycling originates from single family dwelling units which make up the bulk of
the County’s housing stock.
During 2009 and 2010, the County performed a detailed study of the feasibility of a county-
managed curbside residential recycling program. Study emphasis was placed on determining the most
effective, economically viable recycling collection methods available to the county. Study results indicated
that implementation of an incentive-based residential recycling program, such as one provided by
Recyclebank, would likely provide the greatest increase in residential recycling rates while presenting the
least financial impact to the participants. The Recyclebank program provides reward “points” to
participating households based upon the weight of materials recycled. These “points” can be redeemed
for discount coupons which can be used at local and on-line retailers to reduce costs. In summary, the
study revealed that should the Recyclebank program be implemented, county-wide recycling rates could
be increased by 10 MRA percentage points or more depending on program scope. The anticipated cost
to the public was estimated at between $6 and $8 per residential unit per month, with a recycling rate of
340 pounds per residential unit per year as the cost “break-even” point.
The Recylebank model is an example of the variable rate collection and billing systems described
in Chapter 4. As stated there, such systems create an economic incentive to reduce the amount of waste
disposed which, correspondingly, tends to increase the amount of recyclables collected.
Implementation of Countywide curbside recycling was not found to be economically feasible for
Washington County at the time of the study’s conclusion. The County will continue to assess the costs
and benefits of implementing alternative collection models such as those described above and throughout
Chapter 4. Determination of how many households in the County outside of the incorporated
municipalities remain unserved by curbside recycling programs offered by the private haulers who serve
such areas is a potential topic for future study if the data could be obtained through a representative
survey produced either by the County or a private waste management consultant.
Implementation Timeline: Long Term (6-10 years)
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Commercial Recycling
Businesses generate a significant percentage of the solid waste stream in a community.
Commercial waste accepted at the Forty West Landfill in 2019 was 34,486 tons (18.2% of the total waste
stream). Commercial entities are responsible for their own recycling programs as a component of
managing their waste stream. Recycling in this sector is provided primarily by contracted private haulers
who serve businesses both large and small. Haulers may process and market the recyclables directly.
Others may collect specific materials and recycle them at private recycling facilities. Some larger retailers
ship their materials directly to market or to a centralized warehouse.
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 and data reporting.
Potential Actions
The potential for increased recycling from this sector would likely come from increased recovery
of mixed recyclable containers, organics and construction and demolition materials. Corrugated
cardboard and mixed paper are more readily recycled, as is reflected in the reported the tonnages of MRA
Recyclable in Chapter 3. These materials accounted for the bulk of reported MRA recyclables between
2010 and 2018. The 2016 Statewide Waste Characterization Study included in Chapter 3 does, however,
indicate that there is still room for further capture of various paper wastes in recycling.
Building upon the above action, the County should consider partnering with local businesses (i.e.
- restaurants, bars, etc.) to implement pilot collection programs for high volume recyclable commodities
such as plastic, aluminum cans and cardboard. The County could approach the Liquor Board and propose
voluntary recycling as part of the local permitting requirements (i.e. Special Event Recycling) to help lower
business disposal costs and raise the County recycling rates. A properly planned and implemented bar and
business recycling program, using incentives and well-managed collection, can result in large quantities
of used beverage containers. It is prudent to minimize the number of separations, storage requirements,
and the amount of effort required from the participants.
Additional regulation, particularly at the state level, mandating recycling and/or data reporting
for commercial entities would be tremendously impactful on boosting recycling. In this vein, the County
could consider establishing mandatory thresholds whereby any business generating a certain annual
waste stream, or any office building/office complex exceeding a specified average occupancy, must report
recycling tonnage(s) annually.
Alternatively, the County could look into offering competitive grants or low interest loans to
encourage the implementation of innovative waste reduction and recycling programs.
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Changes such as those proposed above may require amendments to the Solid Waste Collection
Licensing Ordinance.
In recent years, the County did create a separate tipping fee for recyclables ($30/ton v. trash
$55/ton) to offer economic incentive to waste diversion efforts. The effect on recycling collection from
this pricing structure will continue to be evaluated in the coming years.
Implementation Timeline: Short Term to Long Term (0-10 years) – Education, outreach, technical
assistance; increase participation and capture of recyclable materials
Long Term (6-10 years) – Bar & restaurant voluntary recycling program
Long Term (6-10 years) – Data reporting requirements
Medium Term (3-5 years) - Incentives
Expanded Recycling and Recyclable Material Markets
Expansion of the County’s successful composting program for yard waste to include other organic
waste will be further researched. Research will include state permitting requirements, necessary facility
upgrades, the system for collection of such materials, interest in program participation among local
municipalities and the education necessary citizen use of the collection system. The County will also
monitor the development of markets for composable materials in the state and region to evaluate the
economic feasibility of undertaking such a project.
Additional recycled product markets could also be developed locally by the use of recycled
materials in County Public Works or Engineering projects. Recycled products, such as crushed glass,
concrete, asphalt, and landscaping material, could be approved for use on such projects. Successful
examples have been identified in both the state and region in utilizing recycled materials for these
purposes.
The feasibility of collection of additional recyclables should be researched during this plan period,
including items such as rigid plastics recycling (yard toys, plant pots, PVC, etc.), and buy-back programs
for select materials (i.e. – aluminum).
Implementation Timeline: Long Term (6-10 years) – Composting
Medium Term (3-5 years) – County projects
Long Term (6-10 years) – Additional materials
Solid Waste Collection Licensing Ordinance – Enforcement, Reporting, Amendments
The potential enforcement of existing regulations granted to the County through the Solid Waste
Collection Licensing Ordinance offers a possible opportunity to improve recycling collection and reporting,
without significant amendments to the Ordinance. The Ordinance states in Section 3.5 that “A hauler who
collects municipal solid waste must also collect or provide for the collection of recyclables separated from
all other forms of solid waste.” This requirement has not been stringently enforced.
The County should evaluate what the overall impact would be on haulers operating throughout
the system if greater enforcement of this provision were to occur, particularly on smaller haulers who
may have difficulty complying with heightened enforcement. As fiscal constraints and changes in
international recycling markets make it more difficult for the County to achieve past benchmarks for
recycling and waste diversion, it will become important to evaluate what existing regulations in the
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Ordinance could help boost the capture of recyclable materials, without making significant amendments
to current hauler requirements that may not be received favorably under existing economic conditions.
Regarding reporting, the Department of Solid Waste and Recycling maintains accurate data on all
solid waste and recyclables that end up making their way through the collection system to the Forty West
Landfill. Less accurate data is available on solid waste and recyclables that leave Washington County,
particularly that generated from businesses. The County should pursue or support statewide legislation
to mandate commercial/institutional recycling reporting, aiming for reasonable requirements that fully
take the needs of businesses and institutions into account. Recycling tonnage data from these sources is
crucial to understanding the “big picture” of recycling in the County, though reporting is currently a
voluntary process. This data is used by MDE to calculate the official recycling rate for Washington County
each year, and mandatory reporting would result in more complete data and thus a more accurate
calculation.
Finally, the County should review the Solid Waste Collection Ordinance in its entirety to determine
where amendments are needed to support the goals of this Plan. The Ordinance was adopted in 1995
and most recently amended in 2005. Significant changes in the industry have occurred since 2005, making
it important to review the Ordinance for its utility in regulating solid waste collection in the present. If
determined to be deficient in supporting the goals of this Plan, opportunity for public input should be
sought to the greatest extent possible to help guide its revisions.
Implementation Timeline: Short Term (0-2 years) – Ordinance review
Medium Term (3-5 years) - Amendments
Implement Office Building Recycling Legislation
In 2019, state legislation was passed requiring Counties to address the collection and recycling of
recyclable materials from buildings that are 150,000 square feet or greater of office space. Office building
owners must provide recycling receptacles for the collection of recyclable materials and for the removal
of certain materials for further recycling by October 1, 2021. The County has already amended language
in its previous Solid Waste and Recycling Plan, identified and notified establishments who must comply
with the new regulations and will meet all required deadlines to enforce its provisions by October 1, 2021.
The County’s Plan for Office Building Recycling is included in the Appendix.
Implementation Timeline: Short Term (0-2 years) – Initial implementation
Long Term (6-10 years) – Monitoring, enforcement
Recyclable Material Processing
The current recycling facilities at the County’s four convenience centers and the Forty West
Landfill will continue to operate during the period covered by this plan. To further aid in the diversion of
recyclable materials from the municipal solid waste stream, the County will investigate the costs and
benefits of utilizing additional private sorting facilities. Sorting facilities may be added in combination
with various waste diversion or waste-to-energy strategies highlighted in this Chapter.
Implementation Timeline: Short Term (0-2 years)
Recycling Education and Outreach
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Washington County recognizes that public education and outreach are important for increasing
participation in recycling, waste reduction and reuse activities. Current educational efforts include:
• Presentation to civic groups, schools and associations
• Web based education through the county web site
Future educational initiatives to be investigated and/or implemented include:
• Continue and increase recycling collection by targeting businesses and institutions for educational
and technical assistance for expanded recycling
• Recycling awards presented to businesses and other groups who demonstrate exemplary
organizational efforts through the Board of County Commissioners and the Environmental
Management Advisory committee
• Revisions to the county solid waste and recycling web pages
• Outreach programs to county residents; outreach programs to commercial waste and recycling
generators
• Participation in popular local trade or informational shows such as the Washington County Home
Show and Home and Garden Show held at Hagerstown Community College
• Expanded recycling presence on various County social media platforms, through various methods,
to educate and engage the public
• Contests through the County school board potentially including design of a county recycling logo,
recycling program flag, and recycling program motto; development of educational mailers or on-
line recycling program surveys
Implementation Timeline: Short Term to Long Term (0-10 years)
Private Sector Recycling and Partnerships
Private sector waste and recycling ventures within the County provide a strong foundation for
increased recycling activities at the residential and commercial level. Current identified recycling
companies actively operating in the county are identified in Chapter 3 of this Plan. This Plan recommends
that opportunities be made available for the private sector to continue to explore and implement
programs to increase recycling participation within the County. Additionally, public-private sector
partnership opportunities should be investigated whereby the county and selected private companies
develop joint plans and programs which, when implemented, can increase recycling, reuse and waste
diversion within the County. To this end, the County is currently investigating creating a Bikes for the
World drop-off location at the Landfill as a joint partnership with Johnson Controls.
Implementation Timeline: Short Term (0-2 years) – Support existing entities
Long Term (6-10 years) – Develop joint plans
Recycling at County Parks and Community Facilities
Currently no recycling occurs at County Parks unless it falls under the Special Events Recycling
Program legislation or is done by private parties by their own accord. Following a study period to
determine the appropriate location, the County should consider the creation of a pilot recycling program
at a single County park. The pilot program could either be undertaken by the contractor who currently
services the chosen location, or, done by County staff until the program model and costs were ironed out
during the trial period. Receptacles for recycling would be provided at the chosen park in addition those
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currently provided for trash. This would help to divert at least some recyclable materials from being
landfilled. Potential locations for the implementation of such a program could be at Marty Snook Park
(either parkwide or at the swimming pool), Black Rock Golf Course, or Pinesburg Softball Complex. These
locations would offer enough visitor use to provide an accurate cost-benefit analysis of such a pilot
program.
The case study of Harford County could provide a model for the County to investigate. Harford
County first began a pilot program in 2009 to implement single stream recycling at public school stadiums.
The program expanded in 2010 to four additional schools. The program expanded again in 2011 and in
August 2013, the Department expanded to all school sites as part of a County-wide implementation at all
Department parks and facilities.
Later, in 2012 Harford County also started a pilot program at the Churchville Recreation site for
single-stream recycling 2012. This program was partially funded through a Keep America Beautiful grant
that paid for the recycling containers that were placed throughout the park site. During the first year of
this pilot program, approximately 2 tons of recyclable material was collected at the Churchville Recreation
site. As a result of the successful partnership with Harford County Public Schools and the pilot program at
the Churchville Recreation site, the Department of Parks and Recreation fully implemented single stream
recycling at all parks, centers, offices, sports fields, and special events in August 2013. Working in
cooperation with the Harford County Office of Sustainability and the Department of Public Works-Division
of Environmental Services-Recycling Office, Parks and Recreation purchase 400 additional recycling
containers, lids, and signage to implement the “Recycling Just Like at Home” program. During the first
year of the program, the Department of Parks and Recreation collected more than 50 tons of recyclable
material.1
The example of Harford County offers one case study of a model whereby greater capture of
recyclable materials at public community facilities was achieved. The pilot program model proved to be
a good by which to work out the specific requirements needed to make the program successful, before
expansion was attempted. Further investigation of successful pilot programs for recycling at parks or
other community facilities that could be adapted to meet the needs of Washington County is advised
during the period covered by this plan.
As noted previously, some additional capture of existing recyclable materials already collected at
County facilities could also potentially be achieved through education, outreach and technical assistance
to the corresponding institutions. Such efforts would help to address issues that may be present in current
operations that lead to recyclable materials being sent for disposal instead of recycling.
Implementation Timeline: Short Term (0-2 years) – Study
Medium Term (3-5 years) – Pilot program
Management of other COMAR Recycling Waste Streams
Management of bulky/special wastes, scrap tires, scrap metal, electronics, fluorescent and
compact fluorescent lights and waste oil and antifreeze was discussed in Chapters 3 and 4 and will
remain unchanged during the ten-year period.
1 Harford County Solid Waste Management Plan 2015 – 2024, pages IV-6 – IV-7
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Implementation Timeline: Short Term (0-2 years)
3) Waste Utilization and Energy Recovery
Corresponding Goals and Objectives
• Goal # 4
o Collaboratively work across jurisdictional boundaries and with diverse partners to
develop innovative solutions for solid waste management.
Develop joint plans or programs with local jurisdictions or partner
organizations to address waste streams that could be more cost-effectively
managed at a regional scale when opportunities for collaboration exist.
Regularly explore the implementation of new waste management
technologies that preserve finite County landfill space and solve shared
waste management issues.
COMAR Waste Streams Managed
• Residential (household, domestic)
• Commercial
• Institutional (schools, hospitals, government buildings)
Targeted Improvements (Programs, Policies and/or Facilities)
As noted previously in the in the Introduction to this Plan preceding Chapter 1 (Summary of Major
Plan Updates), the County may undertake a host of new technologies to address different aspects of its
integrated solid waste management system. Pelletization, gasification, anerobic digestion, methane gas
recovery and composting are waste diversion or waste-to-energy alternatives that the County intends
explore further either individually or in combination. Many of these technologies were recently studied
by the County’s Environmental Management Advisory Committee who recommended that most be
further reviewed by the Board of Washington County Commissioners for potential implementation once
more financially oriented proposals were obtained from prospective companies. Final action items
pursued under this umbrella will depend on fiscal constraints and the development of markets associated
with end-market materials produced by such operations.
Pelletization
Washington County may explore technology which converts waste material and into alternative
fuels. Recently, the EMAC heard presentations and toured facilities from three companies about taking
waste material and converting it into fuel pellets that would serve as an 8,000 BTU coal substitute. Private
funds would likely be used to cover startup costs. The partner company would then gain its return on
investment through tipping fees and revenues from the sales of end products. The County would gain
revenues once the project became operational. As pelletization is not widely used across the United
States at this point, there were questions about the existing market for such products which could put the
County in a difficult financial position if product revenues did not yield expected returns. An RFP is
currently in the review process to request bids on these waste diversion technologies.
Implementation Timeline: Long Term (6-10 years)
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Anaerobic Digestion
Further study of the use of anaerobic digestion to produce renewable energy and compostable
materials may occur during the planning period. Beneficial uses for landfill gas could through such a
process include, but not are limited to, energy production for sale to the local power utility, energy
production for use at the landfill, energy production to an offsite industrial or manufacturing facility, and
fueling of the County vehicle fleet. All waste diversion measures that preserve landfill space and generate
economic revenue which could be used to finance solid waste operations should be considered in a cost-
benefit analysis evaluating technology of this nature.
Implementation Timeline: Long-Term (6-10 years)
4) Waste Treatment and Disposal
Corresponding Goals and Objectives
• Goal # 1
o Protect the health, safety and welfare of citizens and the environment in all solid
waste and recycling operations.
Comply with all applicable County, State and Federal regulations governing
water, land, and air quality standards to safeguard community quality of
life.
Develop innovative plans for repurposing public lands where solid waste
facilities are no longer active to provide continued community benefits.
Ensure that convenience centers are located and operated in a manner that
is convenient to the public and discourages illegal dumping from occurring.
Provide programs and facilities, as necessary, for the management of special
wastes which must be handled separately from the general residential and
commercial waste stream.
Monitor private waste management facilities to ensure conformance with
the Solid Waste and Recycling Plan and assess their impact on public waste
management facilities and services.
• Goal # 2
o Ensure that planned growth occurs in a manner consistent with the County’s long-
range plans so that solid waste management can be delivered as a cost-effective
public service.
Project waste processing and disposal capacity, as necessary, to provide for
future County needs.
To the extent possible, track, characterize and report on all sources and
types of solid waste generated within Washington County so that accurate
data exists from which to evaluate changes to solid waste programs or
services.
COMAR Waste Streams Managed
• Residential (household, domestic)
• Commercial
• Industrial (non-hazardous) solids, liquids, and sludges
• Institutional (schools, hospitals, government buildings)
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• Land clearing and demolition debris (rubble)
• Controlled hazardous substances
• Dead animals
• Bulky or special wastes (residuals)
• Wastewater treatment plant sludge
• Septage
• Other (asbestos, leachate, etc.)
Current Facilities
• Forty West Landfill, Four Convenience Centers (Dargan, Greensburg, Hancock and
Kaetzel)
Targeted Improvements (Programs, Policies and/or Facilities)
Forty West Landfill Improvements
The majority of solid waste in Washington County is disposed of at the Forty West Landfill, which
has a fifteen-cell capacity and will continue to be used during the 10-year Plan period. The largest solid
waste expenditure in the County’s current Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) (through 2030) pertains to the
design, construction and inspection of a Cell 5 at the Forty West Landfill. In excess of $3 million is
budgeted for FY 2025 for the construction of this cell. Self-supported bond funding is targeted for this
project.
Assuming the current waste volume continues, estimated cell construction during the next 3-year
planning period is: Cells 1-4 will remain active and used as adjacent cell are filled. Cell 6/7 is currently the
active cell. Cell 5 is scheduled for construction in 2025/2026.
Permit number 2019-WMF-0266A expires on December 1, 2024 for this facility. At current rates
of disposal, it is estimated that the Landfill will reach its capacity around 2070. The lifetime cost of
operation at the Landfill was recently estimated by the EMAC to be approximately $315 million. Building
a new landfill through the completion of the first cell was estimated to cost $390 million. The source
reduction and waste diversion methods previously described will be pursued to the maximum extent
possible to extend the operating life of this Landfill. As described in Chapter 3, the City of Hagerstown,
Williamsport, and the County are also operating recycling programs that reduce the waste stream,
extending the landfill life.
Implementation Timeline: Short Term to Medium Term (0-5 years)
Rubble Reclamation Landfill Closure
Another significant expenditure of note in the CIP during this period is the closure and capping of
the Rubble Reclamation Landfill. It was decided in 2019 to not renew the Solid Waste Permit for the
Rubble Landfill. In accordance with the Code of Maryland Regulations, once a landfill is no longer covered
under an active permit, the design for the Closure Cap must begin within 24 months and construction
must be complete within 36 months. $1.9 million is budgeted for construction of the cap in FY 2022. Self-
supported bonds and state grant funding will be used for this project.
C & D materials disposed in 2019 totaled 24,120 tons, which represents a significant waste stream
being directed to the Forty West Landfill. Further, C&D waste made up 24% of the total waste stream at
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the Forty West Landfill, in samples collected at that location, during the 2016 Waste Characterization
Study conducted at various solid waste facilities throughout Maryland.
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.
The County will investigation alternatives to C & D rubble landfilling, including a rubble ban or
diversion and processing. Some or all of the C & D waste could be processed and not landfilled under
various waste diversion or waste-to-energy alternatives that may be pursued during the planning period.
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. Among many other sustainable
practices associated with the LEED rating system that a project must undertake to gain varying levels of
certification, Construction and Demolition Waste Management fall under the Materials and Resources
category. This credit category focuses on minimizing the embodied energy and other impacts associated
with the extraction, processing, transport, maintenance, and disposal of building materials. The
requirements are designed to support a life-cycle approach that improves performance and promotes
resource efficiency. Each requirement identifies a specific action that fits into the larger context of a life-
cycle approach to embodied impact reduction. Construction and Demolition Waste Management
Planning is a prerequisite of this category which aims to reduce construction and demolition waste
disposed of in landfills and incineration facilities by recovering, reusing, and recycling materials.
Table 8: LEED C& D Credits
Source:https://www.usgbc.org/leed
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. At present, the majority of C & D debris from larger demolition projects is being diverted
and recycled.
Implementation Timeline: Short Term (0-2 years) - Rubble Reclamation Landfill closure
Long Term (6-10 years) - C&D waste diversion alternatives
Operational Efficiencies and Landfill Life Extension
Solid waste and recycling programs are operated as an enterprise fund and are reliant on inbound
revenue, materials sales revenue, and cost control to ensure financial stability. Operational efficiency and
landfill life extension related programs recommended for evaluation during this Plan term include the
following:
LEED Construction and Demolition Waste
Management Credits*
Points
Building Design and Construction 2
Interior Design and Construction 2
Homes 2
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• Alternate Daily Cover (ADC’s)
In accordance with Maryland regulations, landfilled wastes exposed at the end of the working day
must be covered with at least 6 inches of soil, or a specified amount of other approved alternate daily
cover (ADC) materials. Utilizing alternative cover materials saves soil, potentially decreases landfill
operating costs, and potentially increases remaining landfill life. Use of a tarp daily cover was
implemented in 2009 and has been successful in reducing the amount of soils used in landfill operation,
thus increasing landfill life. Additional ADC’s should be evaluated to determine their suitability to further
reduce soil use and increase the available facility life.
Implementation Timeline: Short Term (0-2 years)
• Waste Compaction/Landfill Density Improvement
The daily objective of waste placement is generally to compact as much waste as possible into the
smallest space possible, maximizing the in-place density of the compacted waste and cover materials. The
more densely the materials are compacted, the less landfill space is consumed thereby maximizing landfill
life. Landfill waste compactors utilize heavy steel wheels weighing in excess of 7500 pounds each to shred
and compact refuse. Shredding and compaction is accomplished through a combination of the machine
weight, wheel weight, and wheel cleat design. The current compactor wheels are approaching the end of
their useful life.
The wheel on one compactor was rebuilt in 2019, resulting in an increase in compaction rate from
900 #/CY to 1000#/CY between 2019 and 2020. Additional existing compactor wheels may be evaluated
for replacement during the period covered by this Plan.
Implementation Timeline: Short Term (0-2 years)
• Leachate Recirculation
Leachate recirculation has been proven to increase landfill life. Recirculation potential should be
investigated during the term of this Plan to help increase the life of Forty West Landfill. Its implementation
may coincide with various waste-to-energy technologies proposed for exploration during the planning
period, such anaerobic digestion.
Implementation Timeline: Long Term (6-10 years)
• Leachate Treatment Alternatives
Leachate currently collected from the Forty West Landfill, Resh Road Landfill, Old City/County
Landfill and the Rubble Landfill is trucked to the Valicor Industrial pre-treatment facility in Williamsport,
MD. Approximately 19.5 million gallons of leachate was collected and treated during 2020, at an average
cost of $0.064 per gallon. Trucking was found to be the most economical method of dealing with collected
leachate in a study done by the County in 2012. Due to the potential cost increases over time, coupled
with potential cost increases and environmental and safety related impacts of trucking, alternatives to
leachate trucking be investigated periodically in the next ten years.
Implementation Timeline: Long Term (6-10 years)
• Alternative Waste Collection Methods
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As described in Chapter 4 of this plan, alternatives exist to the free enterprise and hauler licensing
solid waste collection system currently in place in the County. These alternatives include contract
collection by district, changes to hauler licensing requirements, public ownership and operation of the
collection system, or the Pay-As-You-Throw model (which would encompasses collection, billing and
financing of the solid waste management system). These alternatives may, individually or in combination,
offer operational or financial improvements if enacted as part of the county’s comprehensive solid waste
management plan. Alternative collection models are unlikely to be undertaken during the next ten years,
however that could change if a waste-to-energy project is pursued by the County.
Implementation Timeline: Long Term (6-10 years)
Reuse of Closed Solid Waste Acceptance Facility Sites
Innovative reuse ideas should be considered as part of developing final use plans for closed landfill
and convenience center properties. In addition to the energy generating projects previously implemented
or considered for such sites, portions of various solid waste properties could be identified as “park lands”
for better utilization of open-space monies and satisfying park space needs, wetland mitigation areas or
forest conservation requirements. Such plan(s) and recommended use(s) must be developed consistent
with all applicable laws, rules and regulations and the County Comprehensive Plan, and in the interests of
public health and safety.
Implementation Timeline: Long Term (6-10 years)
Extended Operating Hours
The County may wish to look into the costs and benefits of expanding hours of operation at the
convenience centers and Forty West Landfill. The current operating schedule (currently 7:30 am to 3:30
pm for the convenience centers Tuesday through Saturday, 7 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Saturday at
the Landfill) may make it difficult for some users to access these facilities, as weekday hours fall within
normal working hours for many people, and they do not operate on Sundays. Longer operational hours,
such as extended hours on Saturdays or seasonally when there are more daylight hours and/or Sunday
service, would provide greater convenience to residents and could potentially increase revenues. Greater
accessibility of these facilities might also help to proactively deter illegal dumping from occurring.
There are, however, limitations on how significantly hours could be changed at some facilities,
particularly the Forty West Landfill. Legal proceedings which occurred at the time of the Landfill’s original
construction limit operating hours to between 6 am and dusk and currently prohibit operation on Sundays.
Therefore, at the Forty West Landfill, hours could likely only be extended seasonally to comply with the
terms of this Legal Agreement.
Both at the Landfill and at the convenience centers, expanded hours would likely require overtime
pay, a significant cost expenditure. Expanded hours would also have to be approved in advance by the
Union for workers at the Landfill. Thus, increased revenues would have to justify the additional
expenditure resulting from increased personnel costs.
For safety reasons, it would be unwise to extend operating hours during seasons in which there
is limited daylight hours. Accidents are more common when daylight is limited, in inclement weather, and
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when haulers may be fatigued at the beginning or end of shifts. Thus, summer would be the optimal time
to consider expanding hours on days when the Landfill or convenience centers currently operate.
During the period covered by this plan, it is recommended that this option be given further study
for potential future implementation. If judged to be feasible, a pilot program at one or more solid waste
facilities could be undertaken to determine whether hours could indeed be expanded, safely and cost-
effectively, to provide this greater convenience to the community.
Implementation Timeline: Short Term (0-2 years) – Study
Medium Term (3-5 years) – Pilot program if judged feasible
Management of other COMAR Waste Streams
Management of industrial, institutional, controlled hazardous substances, dead animals,
wastewater treatment plant sludge, septage and asbestos was discussed in Chapters 3 and 4 and will
remain unchanged during the ten-year period.
5) Financing
Goals and Objectives
• Goal # 3
Strive to make solid waste and recycling programs financially self-sufficient to the
greatest extent possible.
• Maintain a budget structure independent of the General Fund that
provides an accurate measure of the costs and benefits of various solid
waste and recycling programs to provide a basis for long term capital
investments.
• Regularly review fees to ensure that they are competitive with other
regional facilities, to incentive waste diversion and to adequately fund
solid waste programs.
• Identify and pursue efficiencies in operations and management systems
that reduce costs or provide new revenue streams supporting solid waste
programs and facilities.
• Prioritize the maintenance of existing equipment and facilities over their
replacement with new ones, for as long as safety and operational
efficiency allow their retention, to maximize capital investments and
extend the lifespan of existing solid waste management facilities.
The County solid waste management system operates as an enterprise fund. An enterprise fund
establishes a separate accounting and financial reporting mechanism for municipal services for which a
fee is charged in exchange for goods or services. Under enterprise accounting, the revenues and
expenditures of the service are segregated into a separate fund with its own financial statements, rather
than commingled with the revenues and expenses of all other governmental activities. Financial
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transactions are reported using standards similar to private sector accounting. Revenues are recognized
when earned, and expenses are recognized when incurred, under a full accrual basis of accounting.
An enterprise fund provides management and taxpayers with information to:
Measure performance
Analyze the impact of financial decisions
Determine the cost of providing a service
Identify any subsidy from the general fund in providing a service
Enterprise accounting allows a community to demonstrate to the public the portion of total costs
of a service that is recovered through user fees and the portion that is subsidized by other available funds,
if any. User fees are established based on planning, land acquisition, design, permitting, operating,
maintenance, monitoring, and closure requirements for the various facilities and equipment in use.
Operating surplus is retained in the fund. As various modifications, enhancements, changes, or
expansions, etc., of any portion of the solid waste management program are identified, funding is
evaluated and made available as approved by the County Government.
Implementation of the programs and activities identified in this Plan will be funded through
tipping fees or other revenues identified in Chapter 1 which support the County’s Solid Waste Enterprise
Fund. It is important that costs for solid waste management be kept separate from taxes which support
the General Fund, so citizens are made aware of the actual costs of the program. The Table below shows
the County’s intended capital expenditures for solid waste management, which exceed $7.4 million, as
well as funding sources for these projects, through fiscal year 2030.
Table 9: Solid Waste CIP Expenditures
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The self-sufficiency of the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund will likely be challenged by changes in
private sector waste and recycling activities in Washington County. Private sector collection companies
have the option of taking collected material out of county or out of state to nearby private landfills or
recycling centers. Diversion of significant amounts of waste from the Forty West Municipal Landfill will
result in a revenue decline to the solid waste enterprise fund.
The rising operating costs of recycling services will also challenge Enterprise Fund self-sufficiency.
Recycling programs will be evaluated annually to identify opportunities for savings and efficiency. The
County created a separate permit fee for recycling in 2013 to address the sustainability of recycling
programs that were formerly funding by tipping fees and other revenues to the Solid Waste Enterprise
fund. The permit fee was instituted in response to significant decreases in inbound waste tonnage
resulting in a corresponding decrease in revenue to the solid waste enterprise fund.
The county should proactively identify and evaluate potential revenue impacts from waste
exportation by private haulers and, if necessary, develop further operational alternatives to ensure fund
solvency. Accordingly, tipping fees should be monitored to ensure that they are low enough to attract an
adequate amount of waste to cover operations and closure costs. Fees that are too high may also
encourage illegal dumping. Above all, program fees should support the true cost of waste management
services offered to residents. During the succeeding ten-year planning period, Washington County may
wish to perform a true cost analysis to calculate the current costs of waste and recycling programs offered
to County residents.
Additionally, current federal and State of Maryland post-closure monitoring and maintenance
requirements pertaining to municipal sanitary landfills extend 30 years after the landfill ceases accepting
solid waste. The County needs to regularly estimate the projected costs for these State and Federally
mandated future activities, and, where necessary, adjust the fees imposed on system users to collect and
escrow over the operating life of the facility sufficient monies to fund these activities after closure.
Opportunities for generating additional revenue supporting the Solid Waste Enterprise Fund will
be investigated. The County’s installation of solar energy generating systems on closed or inactive landfill
sites is an example of its willingness to investigate other revenue sources. There are currently four solar
fields on three landfill sites (one at Forty West, two at the rubble Landfill and one at the Resh Road landfill),
each of which produce approximately 2.5 Megawatts. Another solar energy generating system may also
be installed at the Resh Road Landfill during the planning period.
Other alternate revenue sources may include other energy initiatives, such as the capture of
methane from anaerobic digestion processes or the installation wind turbines on closed or inactive landfill
sites. Pricing off-sets for recyclables collected through the county’s recycling program offer still another
fiscal alternative.
6) Planning
Corresponding Goals and Objectives
• Goal # 2
o Ensure that planned growth occurs in a manner consistent with the County’s long-
range plans so that solid waste management can be delivered as a cost-effective
public service.
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Regularly review and, if necessary, update County laws and regulations such
as the Solid Waste Licensing Collection Ordinance and Zoning Ordinance to
ensure protection of public welfare and sensitive environmental resources.
Review and update the Solid Waste Management and Recycling Plan on a
triennial basis.
The County will continue to provide a triennial review and update of the ten-year Solid Waste
Management and Recycling Plan (SWMRP). 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. The Solid Waste Department may wish to update the “Comprehensive
Recycling Program Work Plan” that was created for the previous Solid Waste and Recycling Plan to guide
its future efforts towards recycling and other waste diversion strategies. The activities and concepts
described in the prior work plan were directed at improving the quantity and quality of both residential
and non-residential recycling efforts in Washington County. The plan could be updated to include a
broader range of strategies falling within the hierarchy of solid waste management, including source
reduction or energy recovery initiatives.
7) Future Studies, Programs and Initiatives
In 2021, the County intends to complete a study to determine if groundwater flows are influencing
the leachate production at the closed City/County Landfill which is unlined. Groundwater mapping
indicates the flow of groundwater through the site may indeed be influencing leachate production at this
site. The Solid Waste Fund will cover the cost of this study. The study is scheduled to be complete in July
2021.
The County should support and encourage all local municipalities, particularly those which fall
within Urban or Town Growth Areas, to develop their own solid waste management plans. Local
municipalities may have solid waste management needs and capabilities that differ significantly from
those which affect the County (i.e. – serving predominantly urban v. rural environments). Where needed
the County could offer technical assistance to communities in the development of these plans.
8) Plan of Action Summary Matrix
Washington County’s ten-year Plan of Action is summarized below in the Appendix.
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Appendix A
Program Description Implementation Timeline
Source Reduction and Material Reuse
Source Reduction Credits Education, outreach and technical assistance to various stakeholder groups Long Term
Electronic Plan Review Digital submission of plans and permits for agency review and comment Short Term (initial rollout)
Long Term (platform expansion)
Recycled Materials Purchasing requirements for recycled materials in County government operations Long Term
Paper Waste Reduction Implement measures to reduce paper waste in County government operations Short Term (internal operations)
Medium Term (agencies, contractors)
Material Reuse Promote, implement or partner with groups providing outlets for reuse of various products Short Term (existing partnerships)
Long Term (new partnerships)
Recycling
Residential Curbside Recycling: Continue evaluating economic feasibility of expand in areas not currently served Long Term
Collection System: Ensure collection model is cost effective and meets plan goals Long Term
Consider alternative models if major initiatives undertaken (i.e. - Waste to Energy project)
Commercial Material Capture: Provide education, outreach and technical assistance to businesses and instituions to Short to Long Term
increase participation and capture of recyclable materials during collection
Bar/Restaurant Recycling Program: Study feasibility of partnering with local businesses to implement Long Term
pilot collection programs for high volume recyclable commodities
Data Reporting: Consider establishing mandatory thresholds where any business meeting Long Term
waste generation thresholds must report recycling tonnage(s) annually
Incentives: Competitive grants or low interest loans to businesses with innovative waste diversion programs Medium Term
Recycling Markets Composting: Research feasiblity of expanding yard waste composting program to include other organics Long Term
County Projects: Use of recycled materials in County Public Works or Engineering projects Medium Term
Additional Materials: Study feasibility of collecting additional recyclables (rigid plastics) Long Term
Buy-back programs for select materials (i.e. – aluminum)
Solid Waste Collection Review Ordinance for potential amendments to strengthen enforcement mechanisms and reporting requirements Short Term (Ordinance review)
Licensing Ordinance Medium Term (amendments)
Office Building Recycling Implement State legislation requiring collection and recycling of recyclable materials from buildings Short Term (initial implementation)
that have 150,000 square feet or greater of office space Long Term (monitoring, enforcement)
Private Sector Recycling and Partnerships Support existing private recycling entities Short Term
Develop joint plans and programs with private firms to increase recycling, reuse and waste diversion within the County Long Term
County Park Recycling Pilot Program Develop pilot recycling program at a County park to capture materials currently landfilled Short Term (Study)
Success or failure of program will determine whether or not to expand to other County parks or community facilities Medium Term (Pilot Program)
Other COMAR Recycling Waste Streams Management of bulky/special wastes, scrap tires, scrap metal, electronics, fluorescent/CFL lights and waste oil and antifreeze Short Term
Waste Utilization and Energy Recovery
Waste-To-Energy Alternatives Explore WTE alternatives such as pelletization, anaerobic digestion and landfill gas capture to divert recoverable waste from Long Term
being landfilled and to create commodities that provide new revenue streams supporting solid waste programs & facilities
Waste Treatment and Disposal
Forty West Landfill Improvements Cell 5 construction Medium Term
Alternate Daily Cover Use of tarp or other ADC’s to reduce soil use and increase landfill life Short Term
Waste Compaction/Landfill Density Improvement Replace or rebuild waste compaction equipment at end of useful life to maximizie landfill space Long Term
Leachate Recirculation and Treatment Alternatives Continue to identify most cost effective solution to deal with leachate treatment (currently trucking) Long Term
Implementation of alternatives such as recirculation, may coincide with various WTE technologies proposed (see above)
Collection System Model Continue to evaluate feasibility of implementing alternative collection systems Long Term
Switch to alternatives collection models may coincide with implementation of various WTE technologies proposed (see above) Long Term
Reuse of Closed or Inactive SW Facilities Develop innovative plans for reuse of closed or inactive solid waste facilities including energy generating projects, Long Term
parks and open space uses, or for use in meeting other regulatory requirements (i.e. - forest conservation mitigation)
Extended Operating Hours Investigate feasibility of extending operating hours at various solid waste facilities to increase convenience to system users Medium Term
Other COMAR Waste Streams Management of industrial, institutional, controlled hazardous substances, dead animals, wastewater treatment plant sludge, septage and asbestos Short Term
Financing
Solid Waste Enterprise Fund Conduct continuing analysis to ensure program fees support true cost of waste management services offered to system users Long Term
Account for closure and post-closure monitoring costs for closed facilities in financial outlook for Fund solvency Long Term
Investigate opportunities for generating additional revenue supporting the Fund (see above) Long Term
Future Plans, Studies, Programs
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Solid Waste and Recycling Plan Triennial review and update of the ten-year Solid Waste Management and Recycling Plan Medium Term
Groundwater Study Study to determine if groundwater flows are influencing the leachate production at the closed City/County Landfill Short Term
Local Solid Waste Plans Support and encourage local municipalities to develop their own solid waste management plans to meet specialized waste management needs Long Term
103
Appendix B
Federal and State Solid Waste
Laws and Regulations
104
LIST OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS AFFECTING SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Non-Hazardous Waste
Part 240: Guidelines for the Thermal Processing of Solid Wastes
Part 241: Solid Wastes Used as Fuels or Ingredients in Combustion Units
Part 243: Guidelines for the Storage and Collection of Residential, Commercial and Institutional Solid Waste
Part 246: Source Separation for Materials Recovery Guidelines
Part 247: Comprehensive Procurement Guideline for Products Containing Recovered Materials
Part 254: Prior Notice of Citizen Suits
Part 255: Identification of Regions and Agencies for Solid Waste Management
Part 256: Guidelines for Development and Implementation of State Solid Waste Management Plans
Hazardous Waste
Part 260: Hazardous Waste Management System: General
Part 261: Identification and Listing of Hazardous Waste
Part 262: Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste
Part 263: Standards Applicable to Transporters of Hazardous Waste
Part 264: Standards for Owners and Operators of Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities
Part 265: Interim Status Standards for Owners and Operators of Hazardous Waste Treatment, Storage and Disposal
Facilities
Part 266: Standards for the Management of Specific Hazardous Wastes and Specific Types of Hazardous Waste
Management Facilities
Part 267: Standards for Owners and Operators of Hazardous Waste Facilities Operating Under A Standardized Permit
Part 268: Land Disposal Restrictions
Part 270: EPA Administered Permit Programs: The Hazardous Waste Permit Program
Part 271: Requirements for Authorization of State Hazardous Waste Programs
Part 272: Approved State Hazardous Waste Management Programs
Part 273: Standards for Universal Waste Management
Other RCRA Regulations
Part 279: Standards for the Management of Used Oil
Part 280 – Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements for Owners and Operators of Underground Storage
Tanks (UST)
Part 281 – Approval of State Underground Storage Tank Programs
Part 282 – Approved Underground Storage Tank Programs
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SUMMARY OF MARYLAND LAWS AFFECTING SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Maryland State Implementation Plan (Ongoing)
Limits emissions from specific pollutant sources to prevent air quality from falling below National
Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
Non-Tidal Wetland Regulations (1990)
Prevents net loss of non-tidal wetlands by establishing a stringent permitting process
Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Protection Program (1984)
Controls human intervention in the Bay area
Maryland Recycling Act (1988)
Establishes a requirement for Maryland counties to plan and implement a recycling system by 1994 to
reduce a county’s waste stream by 15% or 20% based upon that county’s population.
Asbestos Control – Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (1990)
Deals with asbestos controls and requires completion of a teaming program by those who do asbestos
related work within schools
Land Clearing Debris Landfills – Amount of Security (1990)
Addresses the amount of security required for each acre of land clearing debris landfills
Newsprint Recycled Content Act (1991)
Regulates newsprint recycling by imposing specified recycling content percentage requirements on the
Maryland newspaper industry
Telephone Directory Recycling Act (1991)
Regulates telephone directory publishers to meet specified recycling content percentage requirements
for telephone directories
Plastic Material Code (1991)
Rigid plastic containers or bottles may not be distributed for sale in the state unless appropriately
labeled indicating the plastic resin used to produce them
Composting Act (1992)
Includes composting in the definition of recycling
Requires that county recycling plans address composting issues and bans yard waste from landfills
effective in 1994
Mercury Oxide Battery Act (1992)
Makes battery manufacturers responsible for collection, transportation and recycling or disposal of
batteries sold or offered for promotional purposes in the state
Recycling Rate and Waste Diversion – Statewide Goals Act (2012)
An act revision the 1988 Maryland Recycling Act (MRA), requiring a county plan to address a reduction
through recycling of at least 35% or 20%, by population greater or less than 150,000, of the county’s solid waste
stream by July 1, 2014. The plan must be fully implemented by December 31, 2015
Sewage Sludge Application (1993)
Land application procedures are strictly regulated to maintain the public health
Medical Waste Legislation (1988)
Regulates identification, recordkeeping, treatment, transport, and disposal of special medical wastes;
infectious wastes are prohibited in solid waste landfills in the state
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SUMMARY OF MARYLAND LAWS AFFECTING SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Nickel Cadmium (NICD) Battery Act (1995):
Regulates the storage, transportation and destination of nickel-cadmium batteries.
Public School Recycling Plans (2010):
Requires a County recycling plan to address the collection, processing, marketing and disposition of recyclable materials
from County public schools.
Fluorescent and Compact Fluorescent Light Recycling (2011):
Requires a county to develop a strategy for the collection and recycling of fluorescent and compact fluorescent lights that
contain mercury.
Recycling – Apartment Buildings and Condominiums Act (2012):
Establishes a requirement for Maryland counties to address the collection and recycling of certain materials by certain
property owners, managers and councils of apartment buildings and condominiums in their recycling plan, as well as a
method of implementing reporting requirement. This Act also requires owners, managers and councils with ten (10) or
more dwelling units to provide for recycling for residents on or before October 1, 2014.
Recycling Rates and Waste Diversion – Statewide Goal Act (2012):
An Act revising the 1988 Maryland Recycling Act (MRA) requiring a county Plan to address a reduction through recycling of
at least 35 percent for a county with a population of greater than 150,000 and 20 percent for a county with a population
of less than 150,000 of the county’s solid waste stream by July 1, 2014. The plan must be fully implemented by December
31, 2015.
Recycling – Special Events Act (2014):
Establishes a requirement for Maryland counties to address the collection and recycling of certain materials by organizers
of certain special events in their recycling plan. This Act also requires organizers of special events meeting certain criteria
to provide a recycling receptacle adjacent to each trash receptacle, ensure recycling receptacles are clearly distinguished
from trash receptacles, and ensure that recyclable materials are collected for recycling on or before October 1, 2015.
Recycling – Composting Facilities Act (2013):
Provides that a person may operate a composting facility only in accordance with specified requirements, regulations,
orders, and permits and requires the Department of the Environment to adopt regulations to establish a permit system for
composting facilities.
Recycling - Office Buildings (2019)
Requires Counties to address the collection and recycling of recyclable materials from buildings that are 150,000 square
feet or greater of office space. Office building owners must provide recycling receptacles for the collection of recyclable
materials and for the removal of certain materials for further recycling by October 1, 2021.
Recycling Rates and Waste Diversion – Statewide Voluntary Goals (2020)
The State of Maryland implemented a voluntary waste diversion goal of 60% and a voluntary recycling rate of 55% by
2020.
107
ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND – ENVIRONMENT ARTICLE
Title 4 – Water Management
Title 6 – Toxic, Carcinogenic and Flammable Substances
Title 7 – Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Substances
Title 9 –Regulates the location, design and operation of sanitary landfills through refuse
disposal permits issued and enforced under authority of the following sections:
Subtitle 5 – County Water and Sewerage Plans
Subtitle 17 – Office of Recycling, Created MDE’s Recycling Program and
defined and mandated county recycling goals
Section 204 – Installing, Altering or Extending Water Supply Systems, Sewerage Systems
or Refuse Disposal Systems
Section 204.1 – Installing, Altering or Extending Incinerators
Section 204.2 – Installing, Altering or Extending Landfill Systems
Section 209 – Landfill Systems – Hearings
Section 210 – Landfill Systems – Prerequisites for Issuance of Permit
Section 211 – Landfills, Incinerators and Transfer Stations; Requirements for Security
Section 212 – Landfill Systems – Options to Purchase
Section 212.1 – Landfill Systems – Denial of Permit to Nongovernment Person
Section 213 – Landfill Systems – Term of Permit (5 Years)
Section 214 – Landfill Systems – Revoking or Refusal to Renew a Permit
Section 215 – Landfill Systems – Closing and Covering When Operations End
Section 225 – Landfills Near Hospitals Prohibited (1/2 Mile Radius)
Section 226 – Certificate of Public Necessity Required for Hazardous Waste Landfill
System
Section 227 – Infectious Waste in Landfill System Prohibited
Section 228 – Scrap Tire – Storage, Recycling and Disposal
108
SUMMARY OF MARYLAND REGULATIONS AFFECTING
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
COMAR REGULATIONS
Under Title 08 (Department of Natural Resources), the following sections must be considered
in the siting of solid waste management facilities:
Subtitle 3, Chapter 8, Threatened and Endangered Species
Subtitle 9, Chapters 1-6, Forest Conservation
Title 26, Subtitle 3, Water Supply, Sewerage, Solid Waste and Pollution Control Planning and
Funding, Chapter 3, Development of County Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Plans
Requires that each county maintain a current solid waste management plan
and establishes the format for these plans
Title 26, Subtitle 3, Chapter 10, Financial Assistance for the Constructing of Solid Waste
Processing and Disposal Facilities
Stipulates the requirements, priority listing criteria and ranking system for
counties to receive financial assistance from the state
Title 26, Subtitle 4, Regulation of Water Supply, Sewage Disposal and solid Waste, Chapter
7 Solid Waste Management
Regulations for permitting, designing, construction, operating and closing
municipal land clearing debris, rubble and industrial waste landfills, processing facilities,
transfer stations and incinerators
Other regulations under Title 26 that are important to solid waste management include:
Subtitle 4, Chapter 6, Sewage Sludge Management
Subtitle 4, Chapter 8, Scrap Tire Regulations
Subtitle 4, Chapter 9, Natural Wood Waste Recycling Facilities
Subtitle 8, Water Pollution
Subtitle 9, Chapter 1, Erosion and Sediment Control
Subtitle 9, Chapter 2, Stormwater Management
Subtitle 11, Air Quality
Subtitle 13, Disposal of Controlled Hazardous Substances
Title 26, Subtitle 5
Chapter 3, Construction on Non-Tidal Waters and Floodplains
Chapter 4, Non-tidal Wetlands
Chapter 7, Wetlands Regulations
109
Appendix C
Solid Waste Collection Licensing Ordinance
110
AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION LICENSING IN
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND
Adopted June 22, 1995, effective July 1, 1995.
Revision 1, adopted June 21, 2005, effective July 1, 2005.
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION LICENSING ORDINANCE
111
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION LICENSING ORDINANCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1.0 DEFINITIONS .......................................................................................................... 2
SECTION 2.0 LICENSING REQUIREMENTS .............................................................................. 7
SECTION 3.0 SOLID WASTE ACCEPTANCE POLICIES....................................................... 10
SECTION 4.0 SOLID WASTE ACCEPTANCE FACILITIES .................................................. 16
SECTION 5.0 FEES ....................................................................................................................... 17
SECTION 6.0 BILLING AND PAYMENT OF FEES ............................................................... 18
SECTION 7.0 OPERATING AND SAFETY RULES FOR COUNTY FACILITIES ................. 20
SECTION 8.0 LIABILITY ............................................................................................................ 21
SECTION 9.0 VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES........................................................................ 21
SECTION 10.0 SEVERABILITY ................................................................................................. 23
SECTION 11.0 SECTION HEADINGS, TITLES ........................................................................ 23
SECTION 12.0 EXISTING LIABILITIES ................................................................................... 23
SECTION 13.0 OFFICIAL COMMENTS .................................................................................... 23
SECTION 14.0 EFFECTIVE DATE ............................................................................................. 23
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION LICENSING ORDINANCE
112
AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR SOLID
WASTE COLLECTION LICENSING IN WASHINGTON
COUNTY, MARYLAND
SECTION 1.0 DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this ordinance, the following definitions describe the meaning of the terms
used.
Asbestos means any of the naturally occurring mineral fibers of the serpentine and amphibole series
including actinolite, amosite, anthophyllite, chrysolite, crocidolite, and tremolite.
Bulky waste means large items of solid waste which because of their size or weight require handling
other than normally used for solid waste. Bulky waste includes, but is not necessarily limited to,
such items as tree trunks and stumps, appliances, and furniture.
Clean fill means an uncontaminated non-water-soluble, non-decomposable, inert solid such as rock,
soil materials, and gravel.
Collection means the act of picking up solid waste at its point of generation or storage and placing
it in a vehicle.
Construction/Demolition Waste does not include the following if they are separated from other
waste and used as clean fill:
(a) Uncontaminated soil, rock, stone, gravel, unused brick, and block and
concrete.
(b) Waste from land clearing, grubbing, and excavation including trees, brush,
and vegetative material.
Container means any portable device in which a material is stored, transported, treated, disposed
of, or otherwise handled.
Contaminated soil means a portion of solid waste consisting of hydrocarbon contaminated earth or
fill, typically generated due to a spill or leak. Contaminated Soil is a Special Handling Waste.
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION LICENSING ORDINANCE
113
Convenience Center means a solid waste acceptance facility owned or operated by or on behalf of
Washington County where containers are available for household waste and household recyclables.
County means the County Commissioners of Washington County, a body politic and corporate of
the State of Maryland and where appropriate to the context means the area located within the
geographic boundaries of Washington County, Maryland, including the municipalities located
therein. The Director of Public Works and the Director of Solid Waste are authorized representatives
of the County Commissioners in all matters of solid waste.
Director of Finance shall mean the Finance Director for Washington County, Maryland.
Disposal means the storage, treatment, utilization, processing or final disposition of solid waste,
specifically including the discharge, deposit, injection, dumping, spilling, leaking, or placing of any
solid waste or hazardous waste into or on any land or water so that such solid waste or hazardous waste
or any constituent thereof may enter the environment or be emitted into the air or discharged into any
waters, including groundwater.
Disposal facility means a waste management facility used for the final disposal of residual materials
not currently reusable for either technological or economic reasons.
Environmentally unsound means any persistent or continuous condition resulting from the methods
of operation or design that impairs the quality of the environment when compared to the surrounding
background environment or violates any federal, state, county or municipal standard.
Free liquids means liquids which readily separate or can be reasonably expected to separate from the
solid portion of a waste under ambient temperature and pressure when tested with paint filter test or
other means.
Friable asbestos material means any material that contains more than one percent asbestos by weight
and that can be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder, when dry, by hand pressure or otherwise
could become airborne.
Generator means any person who produces any waste materials regulated by this Ordinance.
Haulage vehicle means a vehicle designed for and used to transport solid waste.
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION LICENSING ORDINANCE
114
Hauler means a person engaged in the act of collection of solid waste and/or transporting such
waste.
Hazardous waste means any refuse, sludge, or other waste material or combination of refuse,
sludge, or other waste materials in solid, semi-solid, liquid or gaseous form, which, because of its
quantity, concentrations, or chemical, physical or infectious characteristics, as defined in 40 CFR 261,
may pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when
improperly treated, stored, transported, or disposed of, or otherwise managed. Categories of
hazardous waste materials include, but are not limited to, explosives, flammable, oxidizers, and
reactive wastes, poisons, irritants, and corrosives.
Household Hazardous Waste means hazardous waste, as defined above, generated in a residential
household, which is exempt from the regulations, governing the storage, transport, and disposal of
hazardous waste, due to the relatively small volume of generation by a single generator or household.
Infectious Waste means any waste that comes from a hospital, clinic, or laboratory and that is known
or suspected to be contaminated with organisms capable of producing disease or infection in
humans. Infectious waste includes: (a) Disposable equipment, instruments, and utensils; (b)
Contaminated needles, scalpels, and razor blades; (c) Human tissue and organs that result from
surgery, obstetrics, or autopsy; (d) Feces, urine, vomitus, and suctioning’s; (e) Live vaccines for human
use; (f) Blood and blood products; and (g) Laboratory specimens, such as tissues, blood elements,
excreta, and secretions.
MDE means the Maryland Department of the Environment.
Materials designated for recycling means those recyclable materials that the County identifies as
reasonable to recycle when collection costs, processing costs, markets, and beneficial effects of
reducing waste are considered. Materials designated for recycling include 1 & 2 plastic bottles -
HDPE/PET, newspapers, glass bottles and jars, food and beverage cans, office paper, corrugated
cardboard and other materials which may be determined to be practical by the County.
Materials recovery facility (MRF) means a central processing area that consists of a combination
of equipment and handpicking to process materials designated for recycling to market specifications.
Municipal solid waste (hereinafter sometimes designated “MSW”) means garbage, refuse,
rubbish, trash, and other solid waste from residential, commercial, industrial, and community
generators which is collected in aggregate, but does not include special handling wastes, recyclables,
residual waste, auto hulks, ash, construction and demolition debris,
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION LICENSING ORDINANCE
115
mining wastes, sludge, agricultural wastes, tires, and other materials collected, processed, and
disposed of as separate waste streams.
Open burning means the combustion of any material without any of the following characteristics:
1. Control of combustion air to maintain adequate
temperature for efficient combustion;
2. Containment of the combustion reaction in an
enclosed device to provide sufficient residence time
and mixing for complete combustion;
3. Control of emission of the gaseous combustion
products.
Person means an individual, trust, firm, joint stock company, federal agency, corporation (including
a government corporation), corporate official, partnership, association, state, municipality,
commission, political subdivision of a state, or any interstate body.
Recyclables (also recyclable materials) means those materials that when kept separate from the waste
stream and processed, can be used to produce a product.
Recyclable White Goods consist of large appliances (i.e., generally weighing more than fifty
pounds) including, but not necessarily limited to the following: air conditioners, clothes washing and
drying machines, hot water heaters, refrigerators and freezers, or stoves and ovens.
Recycling or reclamation means any lawful method, technique, or process used to collect, store,
separate, process, modify, convert, treat, or otherwise prepare recyclable materials.
Residue means any material that remains after completion of manual, thermal, mechanical or chemical
processing.
Salvaging means the controlled removal of any solid waste from a solid waste disposal facility for
reuse.
Sanitary and/or Rubble Landfill means a facility at which solid waste is deposited on or into the
land as fill for the purpose of permanent disposal and which has received all necessary permits.
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION LICENSING ORDINANCE
116
Scavenge or Scavenging means removal of recyclables or other items from the waste stream without
the prior approval of the generator or, if removed by the generator and placed for delivery to a hauler
or committed to a hauler, without the prior permission of the hauler; or removal in a manner not
authorized in this Ordinance. It does not include separation or segregation of waste for purposes of
implementing the County's recycling program.
Sludge means any solid, semi-solid, or liquid residue consisting of solids combined with water and
dissolved materials in varying amounts generated from a municipal, commercial, or industrial water
or wastewater treatment plant or process or flue gas scrubber.
Small business means any business that has fewer than five full-time employees. The business may
be constituted under any legal form.
Solid waste means garbage, refuse, residue, sludge, and other non-liquid discarded materials resulting
from personal, residential, community, mining, agricultural, industrial, or commercial activity,
including recyclables. Solid waste does not include any hazardous waste.
Solid waste acceptance facility means any sanitary and/or rubble landfill, combustion plant (i.e.
incinerator), transfer station, resource recovery facility or materials recovery facility (MRF), which
has a primary purpose to dispose of, treat, or process solid wastes.
Solid waste management means the systematic and integrated administration of activities involving
the collection, separation, storage, transportation, transfer, re-use of disposal of solid wastes
considering adequate measures for environmental protection, sound engineering, and efficient
economics.
Special handling wastes means a portion of municipal solid waste which consists of sludge, ash
residue, contaminated soil, high volume/low weight waste, asbestos waste, and others that may
apply.
Transfer station means an intermediate waste facility at which mixed municipal solid waste, or
other materials are temporarily deposited before being transported to a processing facility or final
disposal site.
Treatment means any method, technique, or process, including neutralization, designed to change
the physical, chemical, or biological character or composition of any hazardous waste, or so as to
recover energy or material resources from the waste, or so to render such waste non-hazardous, or
less hazardous, safer to transport, store, or dispose of; or amenable for recovery, amendable for
storage, or reduced in volume.
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION LICENSING ORDINANCE
117
Waste stream means all MSW, industrial waste, hazardous waste, medical waste, construction
waste, recyclables and sludge in any form, i.e., solid, liquid, or gaseous, that is disposed of by the
generator.
Yard waste means any materials normally generated in the maintenance of gardens, yards, lawns, or
landscaped areas, whether residential, commercial or public, including leaves, grass clippings,
plants, shrubs, prunings and trimmings less than 4 feet in length and 2 inches in diameter. Yard waste
does not include other tree waste, land clearing debris, waste pavement, or soil.
SECTION 2.0 LICENSING REQUIREMENTS
Section 2.1 LICENSE REQUIRED
2.1.1 No person whose business is solid waste collection shall engage or continue to
engage in the collection, haulage or disposal of solid wastes, including the collection or purchase of
recyclables, within Washington County without first filing for and obtaining a license from the
County. Any person hauling for another party on a regular basis (i.e., average 3 times weekly) must
obtain a license.
2.1.2 No licensee shall collect or transport any Washington County solid wastes to or from
any solid waste acceptance facility with any vehicle that has not been licensed by the County for that
use and displays a commercial permit sticker. Licensed haulers must furnish a list of all vehicles
operated in Washington County and must obtain a sticker for each vehicle listed.
2.1.3 Licenses issued hereunder may not be assigned to any other person without the prior
consent of the County, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld. Vehicle licenses issued
hereunder shall be in the form of a sticker. Stickers shall only be affixed to vehicles for which they
are issued and may not be transferred to any other vehicles. Licenses issued hereunder shall be and
remain the property of the County. Stickers shall be firmly affixed in a prominent location on the
left front (driver's side) of the vehicle so that it can be readily visible.
2.1.4 Licenses shall be issued for one year on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30).
There will be no proration of fees for licenses issued during the course of the fiscal year.
2.1.5 A licensee shall notify the County within thirty (30) days of any change of
information supplied in its application for a license.
2.1.6 The failure to provide the information required by subsection 2.1.5 hereof shall be
grounds and sufficient cause to revoke summarily the license.
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION LICENSING ORDINANCE
118
2.1.7 The County may bar vehicles or containers from County Facilities if in the County's
opinion the vehicle or container may cause a nuisance or an unsafe condition.
Section 2.2 APPLICATION FOR LICENSE
2.2.1 Applications for licenses issued hereunder shall be made on forms supplied by the
County Commissioners for Washington County, Maryland, and shall contain all information
requested by the County. An application will not be accepted or processed unless it is complete.
That information shall include, but is not limited to, the following:
(1) Name of the applicant
(2) Applicant's mailing address
(3) List of the vehicles and equipment owned and leased by the applicant which
are to be permitted hereunder
(4) Name, address, and telephone number of the primary contact acting as
representative for the applicant
(5) The appropriate fee based on the fee schedule supplied by the Director of
Solid Waste for Washington County
(6) A description of the hauler's plan for the collection and disposal of solid
waste including recyclables. The plan as a minimum must take into
consideration materials designated for recycling including the following
materials: commercial corrugated cardboard and office paper products,
residential materials including newspapers, glass bottles and jars, food and
beverage cans, and HDPE/PET plastic bottles.
OFFICIAL COMMENT
A person who is in the business of collecting or purchasing Washington County generated
recyclables must acquire a license. The primary purpose of this requirement is to identify the person
as someone from whom a report of collection is required. As contemplated at the time of adoption
of this Ordinance, licensing is primarily an identification tool, but in the event of violation, it provides
a measure of security for implementation of the County's plan to reach its recycling goals.
Nevertheless, in the event of violations, particularly failure to report or illegal dumping, a license
may be suspended or revoked, and other penalties sought.
2.2.2 Initial applications must be filed no later than June 20 for licenses to be effective on
July 1.
2.2.3 Within thirty (30) days of filing the application for license the applicant will be
notified by the Director of Solid Waste whether or not the application is approved.
8
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION LICENSING ORDINANCE
119
2.2.4 As licenses are issued for periods of one year running from July 1 through June 30,
applications for license renewals must also be filed with the Director of Solid Waste no later than
May 30 of each year. Short form renewals are available from the Washington County Solid Waste
Department if the data listed under 2.2.1 has not changed. If the information has changed a modified
full application must be filed.
2.2.5 A licensee shall notify the Director of Solid Waste within thirty (30) days of any
change of information supplied on its application for a license.
2.2.6 Failure to provide any information required in connection with any license
application or renewal or failure to inform the County of any change in information previously
supplied in connection with any application or renewal shall be grounds and sufficient cause to
either deny any pending application or to revoke or suspend any active license of a solid waste
hauler.
Section 2.3 WASTE HANDLING REQUIREMENTS (General)
Any person, regardless of whether they are required to be licensed, who collects, hauls, or
disposes of solid waste, shall comply with the following requirements:
2.3.1 No person shall deposit solid waste except in approved solid waste acceptance
facilities in accordance with Section 3.0 of this Ordinance and all applicable federal, state, and local
laws, ordinances, and regulations.
2.3.2 No person shall cause solid waste, except recyclables, to remain or to be stored in any
collection or haulage vehicle. In case of inclement weather, acts of God or an emergency such as
equipment breakdown or accident, no solid waste shall be allowed to remain or to be stored in any
collection or haulage vehicle in excess of 24 hours. If an emergency arises or inclement weather
occurs, the hauler is responsible for having the material removed to its intended destination in a
timely manner.
2.3.3 No person shall cause a vehicle to be used for the collection or haulage of solid waste
if the design of the vehicle is such that any material will be allowed to spill onto any roadway.
2.3.4 No person shall cause a vehicle used for hauling solid waste to be used beyond its
design capabilities or in such a manner that littering, or spillage of the materials could occur.
2.3.5 All work or collection crews operating solid waste collection systems shall take
reasonable care to protect the property of customers being served. Any damage or spillage of
materials, occurring as a result of the collector's actions shall be the collector's responsibility.
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION LICENSING ORDINANCE
120
2.3.6 No person shall collect, transport or deliver any solid waste in Washington County in
such manner as to allow for littering, spillage, or the creation of a nuisance in any other manner.
All loads shall be secured and covered, if necessary.
2.3.7 No person shall collect, transport or deliver to any designated County facility any
material that is or shows evidence of smoking, smoldering, or burning.
2.3.8 In the event a person must dump materials in transit in an emergency due to smoking,
smoldering or burning, that person shall be responsible for immediately notifying the Department of
Public Works and the police and fire departments having jurisdiction and shall be responsible for
cleanup of materials dumped during the emergency. Clean-up shall be accomplished promptly, but
in no event later than 24 hours after dumping and the material shall then be properly disposed of.
2.3.9 No person shall manage or dispose of a part or fraction of the waste stream except in
accordance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations and this Ordinance.
2.3.10 No person shall use open burning as a means of solid waste management in
Washington County unless permitted by the appropriate state or local regulatory authority. The
Washington County Health Department is the permitting agency for any proposed burning.
2.3.11 No person shall manage or dispose of any part of the waste stream within Washington
County in any manner which results in violation of local, state, or federal laws.
SECTION 3.0 SOLID WASTE ACCEPTANCE POLICIES
3.1 Only solid waste generated in Washington County may be delivered to or disposed of
at County-operated facilities. If the solid waste is a special handling waste, it may not be delivered
to a County facility unless prior approval has been issued allowing the delivery and then, only in
strict compliance with the terms thereof.
3.2 Any person delivering unacceptable waste, including waste generated outside
Washington County, to a County facility will be responsible for the payment of any fine that may be
assessed for the removal of the unacceptable waste from the site, clean-up and remediation of any
damages resulting from such delivery, and reimbursement of all costs and damages incurred by the
County as a result of such delivery in addition to payment of the applicable solid waste management
fee.
3.3 The following are considered unacceptable wastes and no person shall deposit or
cause to be deposited any of the following materials in any County sanitary landfill.
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION LICENSING ORDINANCE
121
(1) Hot ashes or any material that shows evidence of smoking, smoldering or
burning;
(2) Guns, rifles, pistols, firearms or ammunition of any kind, except weapons as
destroyed by law enforcement;
(3) Explosive materials or other lethal wastes;
(4) Gasoline, oil products, petroleum product waste and sludge or any
combustible material;
(5) Pipe measuring over four (4) feet in length or four (4) inches in diameter;
(6) Special handling waste without a permit for same.
(7) Motor vehicles, boats, campers, mobile homes without first being dismantled.
(8) Hazardous wastes;
(9) Sealed drums, closed large containers, and tanks of any size or type;
(10) Liquids or wastes containing free liquids;
(11) Intact bulky wastes;
(12) Toxic wastes;
(13) Pathological/Infectious or other medical wastes;
(14) Radioactive wastes
(15) Any substance prohibited by any other statue, rule, or regulation;
(16) Dead animals
(17) Wet paint
(18) Pesticides
(19) Chemicals that are hazardous waste
3.4 Delivery of special handling wastes to any County-operated solid waste acceptance
facility without prior approval by the County is prohibited. All special handling wastes shall be
segregated from other categories of waste from the point of generation and must meet all applicable
federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations.
3.4.1 A person wishing to dispose of special handling wastes shall apply for approval from
the County for that purpose and in the manner prescribed by the County giving sufficient time for
the application to be reviewed and processed prior to the date of intended delivery. Application for a
permit to dispose of special handling wastes must include a complete description of the waste in
question and the required fee. The County may require the submission of additional data, including
the results of County-specified laboratory analyses, prior to a consideration of permit issuance. The
County reserves the right to deny acceptance of any waste.
3.4.2 A fraction of any category of special handling wastes found in a load of any other
waste category delivered to any County facility shall be grounds for the County to designate the
entire load, including other loads from which the waste originated, as unacceptable waste.
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION LICENSING ORDINANCE
122
3.4.3 SLUDGE
No sludge will be accepted at County facilities unless the following conditions have
been met:
(a) A properly completed Request for Approval to Dispose of Sludge has been
approved by both MDE and the County and a permit has been issued by
MDE authorizing the disposal in the manner indicated in the permit.
(b) Each load of sludge shall be delivered to the County landfill in a dewatered
state, with a solids content consistent with the requirements of thelandfill's
Refuse Disposal Permit, with a cake-like texture. The sludge shall exhibit no
liquid phase separation in a test which consists of either the EPA Gravity
Test (as described in the Federal Register, Volume 47, No. 38, Page 8311,
Thursday, February 25, 1982) or the EPA Plate Test (as described in the
Federal Register, Volume 45, No. 98, Page 33214, Monday, May 19, 1980).
Results of these tests shall be submitted to the County and a copy presented
to the Landfill Official upon delivery for disposal.
(c) County may require laboratory test results for each load from a laboratory
and in a form acceptable to County.
Pursuant to the provisions of this section, sludge may be accepted at the appropriate County facility
or may be disposed of pursuant to a permit issued by MDE. Sludge shall not be mixed with any other
waste when delivered to a County facility.
3.4.4 ASH RESIDUE
Non-hazardous ash residue from the combustion of fossil fuels, municipal solid waste or special
medical waste may be accepted only at the County facility and only after County approval of
applicable laboratory analyses. Ash residue shall not be mixed with any other waste when
discharged into a County facility without prior County approval.
3.4.5 CONTAMINATED SOIL
No contaminated soil will be accepted at County facilities unless the County has received relevant
test data and approved of the disposal. Contaminated soil if approved for disposal may be accepted
at the County facility only by appointment. Contaminated soil shall not be mixed with any other waste
when discharged into a County facility unless approved first by the Washington County Solid Waste
Department.
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION LICENSING ORDINANCE
123
3.4.6 ASBESTOS
Asbestos disposal must meet current federal and state regulations. Asbestos and materials
containing asbestos (defined as “any material that contains more than 1% asbestos by weight and
that can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder when dry, by hand pressure”) may be
disposed of at County facilities only under the following conditions:
(a) The asbestos or material containing asbestos must be generated or originate
in Washington County; and must have license remover number, job
identification and must be dated on each container.
(b) Asbestos or materials containing asbestos shall be packaged in impermeable
bags with a minimum thickness of six (6) mils. The containers shall be
prominently labeled (in at least 16 point type) as:
CAUTION, CONTAINS ASBESTOS LICENSE #
AVOID OPENING OR BREAKING JOB DESCRIPTION
CONTAINER
BREATHING ASBESTOS IS DATE
HAZARDOUS TO YOUR HEALTH
(c) Any container which does not meet the criteria enumerated above or which
has not been adequately packaged, in the judgment of the County, shall not
be accepted; and
(d) The County shall be notified at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the
disposal of any asbestos or material containing asbestos.
(e) Large structural components containing asbestos that cannot be packaged as
described in this Ordinance, will only be accepted for disposal if the
component in question is itself acceptable for disposal and the asbestos is
adequately wetted, encapsulated and handled in accordance with the
provisions of 40 C.R.F (Code of Federal Regulations), Part 61, 1981 edition
and C.O.M.A.R. 10.18.15 and 10.18.23, as those provisions may be amended
from time to time.
(f) Any person hauling asbestos or materials containing asbestos to County
facilities shall unload at the location designated by County's personnel.
Asbestos or materials containing asbestos shall be unloaded in a manner
which protects the containers from damage. No dumping of containers from
vehicles is allowed and all asbestos must be unloaded manually.
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(g) Any truck or other vehicle hauling asbestos or materials containing asbestos
to County facilities shall have available on it protective equipment to be used
in the event that accidental damage to containers of asbestos or materials
containing asbestos occurs.
(h) High volume/low weight - any waste which when compacted with standard
equipment cannot be expected to be greater than 660 lbs per cubic yard.
(i) Special waste requires prior approval before delivery.
3.5 RECYCLABLE MATERIALS
A hauler who collects municipal solid waste must also collect or provide for the collection of
recyclables separated from all other forms of solid waste. It is the responsibility of:
a. a hauler who transports recyclables;
b. a generator who transports recyclables; or
c. a purchaser of recyclables
to furnish the County with annual reports on tonnages of recyclable materials hauled, generated, or
purchased, their source and their destination. Information provided therein, concerning the source
and destination of recyclable materials, is considered proprietary or confidential at the time a report is
made. Upon clear designation that information contained in a report is proprietary and should
remain confidential, the County will deny access to the information pursuant to State Government
Article, Section 10-617(d), notify the provider of the information of any action filed to gain access to
the information and the County will not disseminate the information beyond County staff or other
government employees who agree to maintain the confidentiality of the information and who
demonstrate a need to have the information to perform their duties. Failure to provide reports
required by the County shall be sufficient grounds to suspend, revoke or deny a license issued
hereunder and shall be a violation of this Ordinance. Haulers delivering solid waste to a County
Facility shall segregate solid waste separately into any category as may be required by the County.
Upon the passage of ninety (90) days from the County Commissioners' adoption of a resolution
declaring that recycling is mandatory, haulers shall, at a minimum, provide a plan for
implementation within ninety (90) additional days shall have the service implemented. Haulers shall
be responsible for having all recyclables, at the time of delivery, segregated from all other waste.
Plans will be reviewed and approved or rejected by the designee of the County Commissioners.
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SOLID WASTE COLLECTION LICENSING ORDINANCE
3.5.1 YARD WASTE
No person shall dispose of yard waste by commingling it with other solid waste. If yard waste is to
be disposed of at a County Facility, it may be disposed of at wood waste processing areas or sites as
may hereafter be designated by the County Commissioners, but only in the location designated by
the County.
3.5.2 TIRES
Any individual desiring to dispose of four (4) or fewer tires within one (1) year may take the tires to
any County landfill. Any non-commercial load containing more than four (4) tires or any
commercial load may be delivered to the designated County facility. No more than 500 tires will be
accepted from any generator or hauler in any one week. All tires must be removed from the rims
and unloaded in designated tire unloading areas and segregated from other solid waste prior to
delivery to the County facility. Tire haulers must be licensed by MDE and/or meet all requirements
as stated in COMAR 26.04.08 concerning collection, storage, transferring, hauling, recycling and
processing of scrap tires.
3.5.3 RECYCLABLE WHITE GOODS
Recyclable white goods, if delivered to a County Facility, shall be unloaded in the designated White
Goods unloading area and may not be disposed of in a Sanitary Landfill, except pursuant to an
approval of the Director of Solid Waste or designee.
3.5.4 WOOD
A generator shall separate tree branches, limbs and wood chips from the rest of the generator's waste
and may make provision for collection and disposal at any designated area of a County sanitary
landfill for processing. Treated wood shall not be considered clean wood waste for purposes of this
Section. If separated from other waste, clean wood waste may be disposed of at a County facility in
a designated area and in a designated manner; provided, however, clean wood waste shall not be
delivered to a County facility unless it is separated from all other forms of solid waste.
3.6 Upon the request of the County, a hauler, purchaser of recyclables, or a commercial
generator hauling its own solid waste shall provide the County with accurate and verifiable
documentation of the types, quantities, and disposition of any solid waste which the hauler,
generator, or purchaser has transported, or had transported, to any location. Information provided
therein, concerning the source and destination of recyclable materials, to be considered proprietary
or confidential, MUST be clearly designated as proprietary or confidential at the time a report
is made. Upon clear designation that information contained in a report is proprietary and should
remain confidential, County will deny access to the information pursuant to State Government
Article, Section 10-617(d), notify the provider of the information of any action filed to gain access to
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the information, and the County will not disseminate the information beyond County staff or other
government employees who agree to maintain the confidentiality of the information and who
demonstrate a need to have the information to perform their duties.
SECTION 4.0 SOLID WASTE ACCEPTANCE FACILITIES
4.1 All municipal solid waste shall be transported directly from the point of collection
and delivered in accordance with this Ordinance to a solid waste acceptance facility (either a County
facility or any other lawfully permitted facility), without any intervening transfer, unloading,
processing, sorting, salvaging, scavenging, or reuse; except as may be allowed under the terms of the
license issued hereunder.
OFFICIAL COMMENT
The intent of this provision is to provide for licensing of intervening processing as part of the license
required in Section 2.0 of this Ordinance. Again, the licensing isprimarilyfor informational purposes,
but in appropriate circumstances may take on enforcement characteristics. For example, if a hauler
identified intervening processing, the County would use this information to determine proper zoning
and to determine the type of information that may be required of the hauler for reporting purposes.
It is not intended by this requirement that the County be unduly intrusive in the business of the hauler,
but simply to ensure that the County gain sufficient information about its waste stream to provide
necessary public services for its citizens over time.
4.2 Special handling wastes shall be transported from the point of collection and
delivered in accordance with this Ordinance to a facility authorized by law to accept it.
4.3 Upon reasonable advance notice to the hauler, the County may designate or change
the site designation for disposal of any waste or recyclable material.
4.4 No person shall use any County facility without a valid license as may be required by
this Ordinance and which has been obtained from the County or use any County facility in violation
of this Ordinance. A license issued pursuant to this Ordinance may be revoked at any time for any
cause determined sufficient by the County after reasonable notice and an opportunity for the licensee
to be heard.
4.5 No person shall possess or consume any alcoholic beverage or beverages at any
County facility.
4.6 No person shall operate a motor vehicle in a reckless or unsafe manner at a County
facility.
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4.7 No person shall trespass on County Facility property. Only persons with valid
permits shall be allowed on County Facility property and they shall be allowed only during
operating hours.
4.8. Except in the course of law enforcement, no person shall discharge a firearm or other weapon
such that it projects any object over or onto property of a County facility.
SECTION 5.0 FEES
5.1 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT FEES
5.1.1 AUTHORIZED FEES
The County Commissioners are hereby authorized in their executive capacity to establish fees and
penalties for the receipt of any solid waste or unacceptable waste at a County Facility. Fees or penalties
established hereunder may be changed whenever the Commissioners deem it necessary or expedient
to do so. The County Commissioners may authorize the Director of Finance to adjust fees to recover
the actual cost of the operation of all solid waste management services provided by Washington
County. If this authorization is given, the Director of Finance shall establish as the Solid Waste
Management Fee a charge that is the result of his/her determination of the projected actual cost of
solid waste services projected for the next fiscal year. [Actual cost is comprised of the proposed
budgets of those agencies of County government whose duties are solely related to providing solid
waste services, that portion of the budgets of agencies of County government that may be
attributable to the provision of solid waste management services, any surplus or deficit,
depreciation, annualized cost of future development and closing, annualized cost of future facilities,
and if not previously accounted for herein the cost of hazardous waste disposal, composting, and
recycling.] In addition, solid waste management fees may be calculated and established on any
portion of the waste stream by providing different fees for different categories of waste. If separate
fees are established for different categories of solid waste, the anticipated revenue from these fees
shall be used by the Director of Finance in establishing the solid waste management fee. In addition,
the Director of Finance, if authorized to adjust the solid waste management fee pursuant to this
Section, may adjust any fee established hereunder and establish new fees.
5.1.2 SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT FEES
5.1.2.1 Solid Waste Management Fee.
Solid Waste will be assessed a management fee when delivered to the County Landfill. This fee is in
addition to any permit or license fee.
5.1.2.2 Special Handling wastes.
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Special handling wastes will be assessed a management fee when delivered to the County Landfill.
This fee is in addition to any solid waste management fee, permit or license fee.
5.1.2.3 MRF Residue/Recyling Plant
Residue from the processing of an MRF or other manufacturing recycling business shall be subject
to a solid waste management fee established by the County Commissioners of Washington County.
The fee shall be established pursuant to 5.1.1 hereof. Any residue in excess of 20% of tonnage
processed will not be accepted at any County facility.
5.1.2.4 Mixed Loads
The fee for any load containing more than one category of waste shall be equal to the fee that would be
required for disposal of the load requiring the highest fee. County may reduce or waive this
surcharge if the hauler demonstrates to the reasonable satisfaction of County that the mixing of waste
was not due to the fault or negligence of the hauler and that the hauler has made best efforts to prevent
such mixing in the future.
5.1.2.5 Additional fees
An additional fee of $100.00 per hour may be assessed to the hauler of any load of waste which
requires any assistance.
5.2 Customer Notice
A hauler shall include on each invoice to a residential customer a specific statement that informs
the customer of the amount of the County's solid waste management fee. For example, if the fee is
$50.00 per ton the notice must read: “The fee charged by the County for each ton of solid waste we
dispose of is $50.00. It is estimated that each household generates one (1) to one and one-half (1
1/2) tons of solid waste per year without recycling.”
SECTION 6.0 BILLING AND PAYMENT OF FEES
6.1 Solid Waste Management Fee
6.1.1 A solid waste management fee shall be charged on each load of solid waste delivered
to a County facility and payment shall be due prior to disposal of the waste. Categories of solid
waste may be charged different fees, or the County may determine not to charge a fee for categories
of solid waste. A hauler may enter into a written agreement with County to establish an account
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with County. County may require a hauler to provide security for the future payment of the fee in a
form and amount satisfactory to County upon the establishment of a credit account and County may
charge an administrative fee if a credit account is requested. All solid waste management fees shall
be established by the County Commissioners of Washington County by resolution.
6.1.2 A municipality within Washington County that engages to collect all solid waste
within its jurisdiction may elect to pay solid waste management fees upon a monthly basis pursuant
to a schedule developed by the Director of Finance or that municipality may elect to have its hauler
pay solid waste management fees pursuant to Section 6.1.1 hereof. In the event a municipality elects
to pay its solid waste management fee, the municipality shall make arrangements with its hauler for
providing County with a manifest identifying the source of the solid waste and the municipality's
responsibility for payment of the fee. The hauler will be charged for all loads that are not properly
identified as the responsibility of the municipality.
6.1.3. If a hauler has established an account with County, or if a municipality elects to pay its solid
waste management fee to County directly, the hauler or the municipality, as the case may be, will
be billed monthly and payment shall be due before the first of the following month of the date of
the bill. County shall charge interest on unpaid balances and assess penalties for accounts that are
past due.
6.1.4 Accounts not paid by the next billing period (1st of month following 60 days
arrearage) after the statement date will be classified as delinquent and in addition to interest and
penalties being assessed, credit will be suspended until full payment is made. (No dumping will be
allowed.)
6.1.5 If an account becomes sixty (60) days delinquent a second time within 12 months, the
person who has the account will lose the credit privilege for six months.
6.1.6 A person who has a credit account must charge at least $200.00 per year to maintain a
credit account.
6.1.7 All additional fees will be billed separately and will be due before the first of the
following month from the date of the statement and shall be subject to penalties for late payment and
interest as determined by the Director of Finance.
6.1.8 The County Commissioners shall have the right to waive solid waste management
fees for non-profit organizations.
6.1.9 The County Commissioners shall have the right to initiate a residential coupon
system or permit system for payment of solid waste management fees.
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SECTION 7.0 OPERATING AND SAFETY RULES FOR COUNTY FACILITIES
7.1 Any users of County Facilities shall unload in designated areas and immediately
thereafter leave the site.
7.2 All persons other than those actually participating in the unloading must remain in
vehicles as a matter of safety. Children under age 13 and pets must also be kept in vehicles.
7.3 Salvaging and scavenging are prohibited at County Facilities except with the prior
written approval of the County.
7.4 No fires or open burning are permitted in County Facilities.
7.5 No firearm, weapon of any type or hunting is permitted at a County Facility.
7.6 No person may dump solid waste, recyclables, special handling waste or other waste
regulated hereunder in other than an area designated for the disposal of that waste or dump solid
waste, recyclables, bulky waste, or special handling wastes without a permit if required by this
Ordinance to have one.
7.7 Loitering and solicitation are prohibited at County Facilities.
7.8 Boxes or other containers will be allowed to be dropped from vehicles only in areas
expressly designated as untarping or unloading areas.
7.9 Vehicles and containers may not be left at County Facilities without prior County
approval.
7.10 Haulers must unload Solid Waste off the rear of the vehicle in designated tipping
areas. Unloading of vehicles off the sides is prohibited.
7.11 Passengers shall be in the cab of the vehicle upon arrival at the scale. Riding on the
bed or tailgate between the scale and tipping areas or during unloading is prohibited.
7.12 Operators of vehicles are required to leave a minimum of six feet between vehicles
during unloading at the Landfill.
7.13 Licensed vehicles, containers and the contents of vehicles and containers are subject
to inspection at any time by County.
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7.14 All persons unloading vehicles shall be appropriately dressed to prevent injury and
shall be wearing shoes.
7.15 Owners and operators of licensed vehicles and containers shall be responsible to
ensure that their vehicles are water tight, readily emptied, cleaned with sufficient frequency to
prevent insect breeding or odors or other nuisances and shall be maintained in good repair and a safe
condition; and all waste must be secured to the vehicle or container and enclosed or covered with
secured tarpaulins to prevent leakage, spillage, dusting or litter. Such enclosures and tarpaulins must
remain in place until arrival at the designated unloading or uncovering areas at the County Facility.
After discharging a load of waste, the driver or operator of the vehicle is responsible for inspecting
the vehicle and the container to ensure that all the waste from the vehicle and container has been
discharged properly. In the event that all the waste has not been discharged, the driver or operator
must remove all remaining waste or secure the remaining waste by tarping or enclosing the vehicle
or container. In the event, a vehicle or container leaks, spills, dusts or litters on any County Facility,
public road or private property, the Person hauling the waste will be responsible for all clean up and
for paying any costs incurred or damages sustained by County in connection with performing or
monitoring such clean up.
SECTION 8.0 LIABILITY
The County will not be liable for any actions, errors or omissions of any (i) contractors of County,
(ii) Persons authorized to use or enter County Facilities or (iii) trespassers at County Facilities. All
Persons proceeding onto County Facilities do so at their own risk.
SECTION 9.0 VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES
9.1 Any person who violates any provision of this Ordinance by acting in a manner
prohibited hereby or by failing to act as required hereby shall be liable, upon a finding by a court of
competent jurisdiction that such violation has occurred, for a civil fine of up to one thousand dollars
($1,000.00) for the first violation and up to five thousand dollars ($5,000.00) for each subsequent
violation.
9.2 In addition to and not in substitution for any other action authorized hereby, the
County may revoke or suspend any person's permit or license upon a determination by the Director
of Solid Waste that said person has violated any provision of this Ordinance or has otherwise
engaged in conduct which is or may be detrimental to the solid waste acceptance facility, or to the
health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Washington County.
9.3 In addition to and not in substitution for any other penalty imposed hereunder, any
person who violates any provision of this Ordinance by acting in a manner prohibited hereby or by
failing to act as required hereby shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon being found guilty by a
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court of competent jurisdiction may be fined up to one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) or imprisoned
for up to six (6) months in the Washington County Detention Center, or both fined and imprisoned.
9.3.1 The civil and criminal provisions of this ordinance shall be enforced by those persons
or agencies designated by the County Commissioners of Washington County. It shall be a violation
of this ordinance to interfere with a County employee or official in the performance of duties
assigned hereunder.
9.4 In the discretion of a County employee or official to whom responsibility for
enforcement of this Ordinance has been delegated by the County Commissioners, a notice of
violation may be issued to any person in violation of this ordinance, or any rules and regulations
adopted pursuant hereto. Such notice shall impose upon the person a penalty, pursuant to Section
9.1 hereof, as indicated by the County employee or official, which may be paid to any agency
designated by the County Commissioners within thirty (30) days in full satisfaction of the violations
or which may be appealed to the Director of Public Works pursuant to Section 9.3.3 hereof. In the
event that the penalty is not paid within the time prescribed and no appeal is taken, the person to
whom the notice of violation was issued shall be liable to the County for the full amount of the
penalty established in the notice of violation and the County may institute suit in the appropriate
court of this State to recover the penalty sum.
9.4.1 A person who receives a notice of violation may appeal by filing a written notice of
appeal with the Director of Public Works within thirty (30) days of the date of the notice of
violation.
9.4.2 The Director of Public Works shall conduct an informal hearing on the appeal in a
timely manner and issue a written decision affirming, reversing or modifying the notice of violation.
The decision shall be made and issued within thirty (30) days of the hearing.
9.4.3 A person aggrieved by the decision of the Director of Public Works may appeal the
decision to the County Commissioners of Washington County within ten (10) days from the date of
the decision of the Director. The County Commissioners shall conduct a hearing on any such appeal
as soon as practical thereafter and issue a decision in writing on such appeal within thirty (30) days
after the hearing thereof. A person aggrieved by the decision of the County Commissioners may
appeal the decision to the Circuit Court pursuant to the Maryland Rules of Procedure within thirty
(30) days of the date the decision was issued. Unless stayed by a court of competent jurisdiction, the
decision of the Director of Solid Waste to suspend or revoke a license issued hereunder continues in
effect until reversed or modified.
9.4 The Generator, the Person licensed, and the Person operating any vehicle shall be responsible
and accountable for any non-compliance with this Ordinance, including reimbursing
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County for all fees and any and all costs and damages incurred by County as a result of such
violation, including reasonable attorney's fees.
SECTION 10.0 SEVERABILITY
Should any provision, section, paragraph or subparagraph of this Ordinance, including any code
or text adopted hereby, be declared null and void, illegal, unconstitutional, or otherwise
determined to be unenforceable by a court having jurisdiction; the same shall not affect the validity,
legality, or enforceability of any other provision, section, paragraph or subparagraph hereof,
including any code or text adopted hereby. Each such provision, section, paragraph or subparagraph
is expressly declared to be and is deemed severable.
SECTION 11.0 SECTION HEADINGS, TITLES
Section headings, titles, etc., are for the purpose of description or ease of use and do not form a part
of the text of this Ordinance or any Code or text adopted hereby.
SECTION 12.0 EXISTING LIABILITIES
This Ordinance shall not discharge, impair or release any contract, obligation, duty, liability or
penalty whatever existing on the date of its enactment. All suits and actions, both civil and
criminal, pending or which may hereafter be instituted for causes of action now existing or offenses
already committed against any law or ordinance affected by the adoption of this Ordinance shall
be instituted, proceeded with and prosecuted to final determination and judgment as if this
Ordinance had not become effective.
SECTION 13.0 OFFICIAL COMMENTS
Where there appear “Official Comments” to portions of this Ordinance, those comments are
included to reflect the intent of the drafters and the County Commissioners in the event it is
necessary to construe that intent. These comments may be used for purposes of construction and
interpretation only.
SECTION 14.0 EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance shall become effective on July 1, 1995, provided it is filed with the Clerk of the
Court prior to that day and provided further that a fair summary of the contents of this Ordinance is
published as required by Article 25, Section 4, of the Annotated Code prior to that date. Should
there be a failure so to file or so to publish prior to July 1, 1995, then this Ordinance shall become
effective immediately upon the happening of the latter of the filing or publishing.
Washington County, MD Solid Waste Management & Recycling Plan
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Appendix D
Rural Business Zoning District
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ARTICLE 5E – "RB " RURAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
Section 5E.0 Purpose
The “RB-N” Rural Business 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.
Section 5E.1 Principal Permitted Uses and Accessory Uses
See the Table of Land Uses [Section 3.3, Table No. 3.3(1) for identification of principal and accessory uses
permitted in the RB District.
Section 5E.2 Special Exceptions
There are no special exception uses in the RB District that may be granted by the Board of Zoning Appeals.
The RB District itself is analogous to a special exception and is granted through the review process
described in this Article.
Section 5E.3 Non-Conforming Uses
Existing businesses not listed on the Table of Land Uses [Table No. 3.3(1)] may continue as “Non-
Conforming Uses” in accordance with the Non-Conforming Use provisions of this Ordinance.
Section 5E.4 Criteria
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.
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Section 5F.4 Lot Size and Bulk Regulations:
(a) Businesses in the rural area existing at the time of adoption of these regulations and which are listed
on the Table of Land Uses [Table No.3.3(1)] shall be designated on the Washington County Zoning Map as
a Rural Business (RB) Floating Zone. Businesses with this description need not take any action to continue
operation. Such existing uses are viewed as compatible with the character of the rural area and their
continued operation is deemed consistent with the policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
(b) The RB Floating Zone District may be newly established at a particular location if the following criteria
are met. Parking and access aisles are permitted in the front yard setback area. Parking and access aisles
are permitted in the side and rear yard setback areas only when abutting a property with a non-residential
land use.
1. The proposed RB District is not within any designated growth area identified in the Washington
County Comprehensive Plan;
2. The proposed RB 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;
3. Onsite issues relating to sewage disposal, water supply, stormwater management, floodplains,
etc. can be adequately addressed; and
4. The location of an RB District would not be incompatible with existing land uses, cultural or
historic resources, or agricultural preservation efforts in the vicinity of the proposed district.
Section 5E.5 Bulk Regulations
(a) Lot Size: Minimum 40,000 Sq. Ft.
(b) Front Yard Building Setback:
40 Feet from a Minor Collector or Local Public Road Right of Way
50 feet from a Major Collector or Arterial Public Road Right of Way
(c) Side and Rear Yard Building Setbacks:
50 Feet from a property zoned for or occupied by a Residential Land Use;
25 Feet from a property zoned for or occupied by a Non-Residential Land Use.
(d) Structure Height: 35 Feet
(e) Lot Coverage: Maximum 65 %
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(f) Parking.
1. Off-street parking facilities shall be provided in accordance with Article 22, Division I of this
Ordinance.
2. Parking and access aisles are permitted in the front yard setback area. Parking and access
aisles are permitted in the side and rear yard setback areas only when the lot abuts a property
with a nonresidential land use.
(g) Signage.
Signage shall conform to the requirements set forth in Section 22.23 of this Ordinance; however, in no
case shall the total cumulative area of signage for freestanding and building mounted signage in this
district exceed two hundred (200) square feet. No off-premises signs shall be approved through this
rezoning process.
(h) Lighting.
Lighting shall be provided for all nighttime uses. All building mounted or freestanding lighting shall be
constructed so that light and glare are directed toward the ground.
(i) Outside storage of materials is limited to those areas on a site plan designated for such storage.
Additional screening may be required when outside storage is proposed.
(j) Screening.
1. Trash, refuse, or recycling receptacles shall be screened from public view through the use of fencing or
landscaping.
2. Additional buffering, screening, or landscaping or other like elements may be required when the
proposed RB District abuts a Historic Preservation Overlay Area or is located along a designated scenic
highway.
3. Screening between a residential land use and a proposed RB district shall consist of three species that
shall be a minimum of eight (8) feet overall in height and two (2) inch caliber at the time of planting. Trees
shall be placed at maximum 10-foot intervals along the perimeter of the boundary to be screened except
for areas that would restrict sight distance from the access points to the site. Shrubs may be required to
supplement tree plantings to create an opaque screen. Shrubs may be used in place of trees if they can
be shown to create the same overall screening effect. Perimeter screening in the form of a solid fence or
a combination of a solid fence and vegetation may be used to meet the screening requirement.
Section 5E.6 Procedure for Creation of an RB Floating Zone District
(a) The owner of an interest in a tract of land in Washington County may apply to the Board of County
Commissioners to designate the property with a “RB” Rural Business floating zone designation. The
application shall include:
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1. A Rezoning Application Form with a location map.
2. A location map and boundary identification of the property covered by the application. If only a portion
of the property is requested to be rezoned, a detailed map including a metes and bounds description shall
be submitted with the application so as to determine the limits of the portion of property to be rezoned.
3. A Preliminary Site Plan Showing:
a. Information identifying: the owners of the property and contract purchaser if appropriate, current
zoning designation, proposed use(s) for the site, the estimated number of employees, hours of operation,
anticipated trip generation to/from the site, and land uses within 1,000 feet of the site.
b. Identification of: existing topography, 100-year floodplain areas, forested areas, wetlands, endangered
species areas, and historical or culturally significant features on or abutting the site.
c. The general location of proposed points of ingress and egress to the site.
d. The location of any existing or proposed buildings on the site and the location of building setback lines.
e. The general location of any existing or proposed well and septic system areas or public water and/or
sewer lines if available.
f. The general areas to be dedicated for parking including the number of spaces to be provided.
g. The general location of landscaped areas including proposed screen plantings and any proposed on-site
forest mitigation areas.
h. The general location of stormwater management facilities and an estimate of the amount of impervious
area for the site.
i. The general location of proposed signage and lighting.
j. A sketch or rendering of any proposed new structures with information on scale, exterior finished and
signage.
(b) The application shall be reviewed at rezoning public meeting of the Planning Commission. The Planning
Staff will provide a staff report on the proposed rezoning request and the applicant will have an
opportunity to present his case. Public comment will be taken at the public meeting.
(c) After the public meeting, the Planning Commission shall make a recommendation to the Board of
County Commissioners based on the following:
1. The proposed district will accomplish the purpose of the RB District;
2. The proposed site development meets criteria identified in Section 5E.4 of this Article;
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3. The roads providing access to the site are appropriate for serving the business-related traffic generated
by the proposed RB land use;
4. Adequate sight distance along roads can be provided at proposed points of access to the site;
5. The proposed landscaped areas can provide adequate buffering of the proposed RB land use from
existing land uses in the vicinity.
6. The proposed land use is not of a scale, intensity or character that would be incompatible with adjacent
land uses or structures.
(d) Upon receipt of the Planning Commission’s recommendation, the Board of County Commissioners
shall schedule a public hearing.
(e) Based on the recommendation of the Planning Commission, staff report and testimony provided at the
public hearing, the Board of County Commissioners will either approve or deny the application request.
The Board of County Commissioners may approve the application with stipulation of conditions to be
addressed at the time of final site plan approval. Approval of the RB District shall only be for the use(s)
identified on the application and preliminary site plan. Approval of the application to create an RB District
shall cover only that portion of a parcel or lot identified in the application.
(f) After approval by the Board of County Commissioners, a final site plan prepared in accordance with
Article 4, Section 4.11 shall be submitted for approval by the Planning Commission or Planning Staff if so
designated. Minor modifications to approved use(s) or an accessory use(s) or to the preliminary approved
site plan may be approved by the Planning Commission.
(g) Approval of a site plan by the Planning Commission shall entitle the applicant to apply for a building
permit in accordance with the rules and regulations for issuance of a building permit.
Section 5E.7 Changes in Land Use
Changes of land use in approved RB floating districts shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission.
Applicants may present information to the Planning Commission delineating how the change of land use
may or may not be consistent with the approved site plan for the property. Only land uses permitted in
the RB District described in Section 3.3 Land Use Chart of this Ordinance will be considered by the Planning
Commission. It will be the determination of the Planning Commission as to whether or not there has been
a significant change in the use and intensity of the property that could result in the need for a new public
hearing to approve the changed use.
Section 5E.8 Removal of the Floating Zone
(a) Full Termination. An individual property owner may submit a written request to the Planning
Commission to remove the entire RB floating zone district from their property at any time. The Planning
Commission shall review such a request during one of their regular meetings and make a recommendation
to the Board of County Commissioners as to whether or not to grant the request. The Board of County
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Commissioners may then approve or deny the request without a public hearing. Should the Board of
County Commissioners approve the property owner’s request to remove the RB floating zone district, the
land will be restored to its underlying zoning district.
(b) Partial Termination. An individual property owner may submit a written request to the Planning
Commission to remove a portion of the RB floating zone district from their property at any time. The
written request must be accompanied by a detailed drawing showing surveyed metes and bounds of the
requested change so as to determine the limits of the RB floating zone district. The Planning Commission
shall review such a request at one of their regular meetings and make a recommendation to the Board of
County Commissioners. The Board of County Commissioners may then approve or deny the request
without a public hearing. Should the Board of County Commissioners approve the property owner’s
request to remove the RB floating zone district, the land will be restored to its underlying zoning district.
Washington County, MD Solid Waste Management & Recycling Plan
141
Appendix E
Public School Recycling Plan
Washington County, MD Solid Waste Management & Recycling Plan
142
I. 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."
A. It is the responsibility of the Washington County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to insure
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 Environmental Management, Division of Solid Waste to develop
recycling plans and implement recycling programs for the respective schools.
B. Washington County Public School Recycling Plan
Washington County Board of Education recycling plans must be completed no later than October 1, 2010 and
BOE school recycling programs must be operating no later than October 1, 2010. 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 August 1st of each year, to the Maintenance Department
Director the amount and type of recyclables collected for the previous fiscal year.
d. The recycling contractor is responsible for supplying centralized recycling containers for each county
public school.
Washington County, MD Solid Waste Management & Recycling Plan
143
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 August 15, on the amount and types of recyclable materials
collected the previous fiscal 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.
● 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 school’s 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 August 1st, on the amount and types of recyclable
materials collected each fiscal 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.
Washington County, MD Solid Waste Management & Recycling Plan
144
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 8.1.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 listed below into compliance with the WCBOE trash and recycling plan.
Washington County, MD Solid Waste Management & Recycling Plan
145
Washington County, MD Solid Waste Management & Recycling Plan
146
Washington County, MD Solid Waste Management & Recycling Plan
147
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. 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 Maintenance Department Director 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 15th. 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 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 August 1st of each year, to the Maintenance Department
Director the amount and type of recyclables collected for the previous calendar year.
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)
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 15 on the amount and types of recyclable\
materials collected each calendar year.
● Each college/campus shall collect all of the materials specified in the HCCBOT 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.
Washington County, MD Solid Waste Management & Recycling Plan
148
● 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.).
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.
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Appendix F
Apartment Building and Condominium
Recycling Program
150
APARTMENT BUILDING AND CONDOMINIUM RECYCLING PROGRAM
In 2012, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation that requires recycling in all apartment
buildings and condominiums that contain 10 or more dwelling units. To date through the cooperation of
the Washington County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling, owners and managers of apartment
complexes or councils of unit owners of condominiums and other stakeholders involved in the
implementation of this law, the County has identified sixty-one (61) apartment complexes and five (5)
condominiums that fall under the scope of the new law. The Washington County Department of Solid
Waste and Recycling has notified the apartment and condominium officials and discussed the
requirements of the law including identifying the materials that must be recycled as plastic, metal, glass
containers and paper.
Apartment and condominium officials will identify how the materials will be collected, stored and
the arrangements with reputable firms for the pickup and transportation of the recyclable materials off-
site. It will be the responsibility of the apartment and condominium officials to report to the County on
an annual basis the details of the required recycling activities. Other program requirements include:
1. Recyclable materials included in the program are plastic, metal, glass containers and paper.
2. Collection of Materials - Apartment and condominium officials will be responsible for providing
all containers, labor and equipment necessary to fulfill recycling requirements throughout their
buildings. Distinctive colors and/or markings of recycling containers may be provided to avoid
cross contamination. The apartment and condominium officials will ensure pick up and
transportation off-site of recyclable materials through arrangements with reputable recycling
firms. Residents will be responsible for placing recyclables in building recycling bins prior to their
removal on the scheduled pick up day.
3. Marketing of Materials - Marketing of the recyclable materials collected will be the purview of
the firms removing the materials from the site. Apartment and condominium officials are
responsible for reporting the volumes of their recyclables and waste through annual reports to
Washington County.
A. Stakeholders
Stakeholders that will be involved in implementing the law are:
1. Owners or managers of the apartment buildings or councils of unit owners of the condominium
are responsible for providing recycling to the residents of each apartment or condominium unit
by October 1, 2014. They must secure and manage recycling contracts with a contractor for
providing material collection and recycling services from the building locations. They will perform
record keeping and shall report to the County on an annual basis.
2. The Board of County Commissioners is responsible for adopting the MDE approved language of
the Apartment Building and Condominium Recycling Program (ABCR) in a Solid Waste
Management and Recycling Plan amendment.
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3. The Washington County Department of Planning and Zoning is responsible for preparing and
shepherding to approval an amendment to include the ABCR Program in the Solid Waste
Management and Recycling Plan.
4. The Washington County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling will be responsible for
communicating the requirements of the law to the apartment and condominium officials. The
Washington County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling will assist the apartment and
condominium officials with development of a recycling program and its requirements with input
from the officials. The Washington County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling will also
develop a recycling reporting survey to be used by the apartment and condominium officials in
reporting recycling activities and monitor the progress and performance of the ACBR Program.
5. The Washington County Division of Environmental Management will be responsible for oversight
of the Washington County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling to assure that all apartment
complexes and condominiums that are governed by the ACBR program are included.
B. Participating Apartment Complexes or Condominiums in the ABCR Program
A list of apartment complexes and condominiums that have been identified as required to
participate in the ABCR Program at the time of the inclusion of this section in the Solid Waste Management
and Recycling Plan is included in an attached appendix. The Washington County Department of Solid
Waste and Recycling will maintain an up to date list of participants in the ABCR Program available for
inspection upon request. New apartment complexes or condominium developments that fall under the
requirements of the law will begin participating in the ABCR Program within 3 months of receipt of the
Use and Occupancy permit.
C. Schedule for Implementation of the ABCR Program
The ABCR program will be implemented according to the following schedule:
1. December 31, 2013 - The County will distribute MDE approved language of the ABCR Program to
the apartment and condominium officials.
2. March 1, 2014 -Apartment and condominium officials will begin to educate the residents about
the ABCR Program and discuss the requirements of the law.
3. May 1, 2014 - Apartment and condominium officials will provide assistance to the residents and
advise them when residents can start collecting the materials.
4. July 1, 2014 - Apartment and condominium officials finalize and secure recycling services contracts
with private contractors.
5. On or before October 1, 2014 residents start collecting and recycling the materials at the
participating apartment complexes and condominiums.
D. Program Monitoring
The Washington County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling will oversee the progress and
performance of the ABCR Program. However, the apartment and condominium officials will conduct
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inspections, review service levels, investigate reported or unreported pick-up and disposal complaints,
meet with residents or recycling contractors to educate or review practices and review contractor
compliance with the recycling contract. Any issues that arise that are deemed deficiencies on the part of
the residents or recycling contractor will be detailed in writing and reported to the violator. The apartment
and condominium official will initiate actions to correct all deficiencies within 60 days of being notified.
The apartment and condominium officials will be responsible to keep residents up to date on new
regulations, laws, mandates, practices or procedures affecting recycling including new materials that can
or must be recycled.
E. Program Enforcement
The Washington County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling will ensure that the recycling
at apartment complexes and condominiums will be implemented in accordance with applicable portions
of the Environment article of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Prior to the effective date of October 1,
2014 and with public input, Washington County will determine the methods it will use to implement and
enforce the ABCR Program requirements including a decision on deferring penalties to the Maryland
Department of the Environment.
Apartments and Condominiums Subject to ABCR Recycling Program
Name of Development Type Location
The Bradford A Manor Drive, Hagerstown
Brandywine/Woodbridge I A Woodbridge Drive, Hagerstown
Brandywine/Woodbridge II A Woodbridge Drive, Hagerstown
Brandywine/Woodbridge III A Woodbridge Drive, Hagerstown
Brightwood Garden A N. Edgewood Drive, Hagerstown
Brookmeade A Brookmeade Circle, Williamsport
C. William Brooks Mid-Rise C W. Baltimore Street, Hagerstown
Colonial Apartments A Langley Drive, Hagerstown
Colonial Robinwood A Langley Drive, Hagerstown
Cortland Manor A Little Elliott Drive, Hagerstown
Country Village A Orchard Manor Drive, Boonsboro
The Dagmar A Summit Avenue, Hagerstown
The Darby C E. Antietam St., Hagerstown
Eagle's Nest A Kings Crest Blvd, Hagerstown
Edgewood Apartments A Edgewood Hill Circle, Hagerstown
Edgewood Hill Condos C Edgewood Hill Circle, Hagerstown
Edgewood Place Condos C Edgewood Hill Circle, Hagerstown
Elizabeth Court A E Washington Street, Hagerstown
Fountainview A Mesa Terrace, Hagerstown
Francis Murphy A Rosebank Way, Hagerstown
Frederick Manor A Frederick Street, Hagerstown
Funkstown Apartments A Funkstown
The Grand A W. Washington Street, Hagerstown
Greenside I A Village Mill Drive, Maugansville
Greenside II A Village Mill Drive, Maugansville
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Name of Development Type Location
Greenside III A Village Mill Drive, Maugansville
Greenside IV A Village Mill Drive, Maugansville
Highfield House A Cascade
Hopewell Manor A Hopewell Road, Hagerstown
Hopewell Station A Hopewell Road, Hagerstown
Hunter Hill A Long Meadow Road, Hagerstown
Hyde Park A Kensington Drive, Hagerstown
Kenley Square A Kenley Square, Hagerstown
Londontowne A Queen Annes Court, Hagerstown
Meadows A Langley Drive, Hagerstown
Milestone Garden A Milestone Terrace, Williamsport
Moller A Surrey Ave, Hagerstown
Monterey House A W. Main Street, Hancock
Monticello A Jefferson Boulevard, Hagerstown
Mountain View A Orchard Manor Drive, Boonsboro
Noland Village A Noland Drive, Hagerstown
Oak Hill Avenue A Oak Hill Avenue, Hagerstown
Oak Ridge A Garden Lane, Hagerstown
Pangborn Heights A Security Road, Hagerstown
Park Plaza A Highland Avenue, Hagerstown
Parkview Place A Security Road, Hagerstown
The Point at Smithsburg A Washington Court, Smithsburg
Potomac Ridge A Landis Road, Hagerstown
Potomac Towers A W. Baltimore Street, Hagerstown
Quaker Creek A Quaker Creek Drive, Hancock
Reserve at Collegiate Acres A Buckeye Circle, Hagerstown
Residence at Potomac A Hagerstown
Residence at The Terrace A Hagerstown
Richmond Terrace A Richmond Street, Hagerstown
Robinwood Court A Robinwood Court, Hagerstown
Seneca Ridge A Ashley Drive, Hagerstown
Springfield Farms A Baker Hill Lane, Williamsport
St. Claire Terrace A St. Claire Street, Hagerstown
St. Paul Street A St. Paul Street, Boonsboro
Stone Ridge A Haven Road, Hagerstown
Stonecroft A Stonecroft Court, Hagerstown
Walnut Towers A W. Washington Street, Hagerstown
Washington Garden A Security Road, Hagerstown
Woodcrest Village C Brinker Drive, Hagerstown
Olomega LLC (owner) A 908 Hamilton Blvd.
Unknown A 1106 Prospect Street
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Appendix G
Special Events Recycling Program
155
SPECIAL EVENTS RECYCLING PROGRAM (SERP)
A. Special Events Subject to the Special Events Recycling Program:
Environment Article 9-1712, Annotated Code of Maryland, requires special events organizers to
provide for recycling at special events that meet the following three criteria:
1. Includes temporary or periodic use of a public street, publicly owned site or facility, or public
park;
2. Serves food or drink; and
3. Is expected to have 200 or more persons in attendance.
Projected attendance may be estimated based on past attendance, number registered to attend,
the venue’s seating capacity, or other similar methods.
In consultation with municipalities, the County has identified the public sites listed in Appendix F-
1 within the County that host or may host special events meeting the above criteria. In addition to the
sites listed individually, special events taking place on any local, state or federally owned street are also
included in the Special Events Recycling Program. See Appendix F-1 for this list.
B. Materials and Obligations
Special Events Organizers are responsible for:
1. Providing and placing recycling receptacles adjacent to each trash receptacle at the event (except
where already existing on the site);
2. Ensuring that recycling receptacles are clearly distinguished from trash receptacles by color or
signage;
3. Providing any other labor and equipment necessary to carry out recycling at the event;
4. Ensuring that materials placed in recycling receptacles are collected and delivered for recycling;
and
5. Paying any costs associated with recycling at the special event;
Special Events Organizers may fulfill the requirement to ensure materials are processed
appropriately (collected and delivered) for recycling through one or more of the following methods:
1. Contracting with a recycling hauler to collect the materials and deliver them for recycling; or
2. Receiving prior agreement from the site owner to use an existing recycling collection system
available at the site.
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The Special Events Recycling Program must include collection of at least plastic containers, metal
containers, glass containers and paper. The special event organizer must assess the availability of food
scraps recycling services for the event. As of July 1, 2015, no food scrap recycling facility operated in
Washington County. If services become available, the special events organizer must provide for food
scraps recycling, including provision of separate containers for organic and non-organic recyclables.
Recycling at a state-owned site must follow the state agency’s recycling plan, if available.
Recycling at a federally owned site must follow any applicable federal recycling plan. If no state or federal
recycling program is available for the site, the Special Event Organizer must set up a recycling program in
accordance with Washington County’s Special Events Recycling Program. Recycling at municipally owned
sites must follow any additional regulations established by the municipality.
C. Stakeholders
The following stakeholders will be involved in the Special Events Recycling Program:
1. The Washington County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling will be responsible for
overseeing the County’s Recycling Activities. It will work with applicable municipalities and public
schools to identify all properties that potentially host events falling under the recycling mandate
in the Environment Article, 9-1712 and list them in the SERP.
2. The Washington County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling, the Washington County
Division of Public Works, municipalities and public schools within the County are responsible for
communicating the requirements of the law to prospective Special Events Organizers and
owners/operators of publicly owned sites in the County.
3. Special Events Organizers will be responsible for providing recycling bins and ensuring collection
for recycling in accordance with the requirements in 9-1712 B, beginning October 1, 2015.
D. Program Monitoring
The Washington County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling and special events organizers
will monitor progress and performance of the SERP.
Recycling at events subject to the SERP will be ensured as follows:
1. A fact sheet outlining the requirements of the SERP will be distributed with any lease and/or rental
agreement issued by the County for use of County properties.
2. Municipalities and public schools will be responsible for establishing a method of communicating
these requirements to special event organizers using their properties.
The Special Event Organizer is responsible for monitoring the implementation of recycling at the
special event. Special Event Organizers must oversee placement and labeling of recycling receptacles and
collection as well as collection and recycling of recyclables. Performance of any recycling contractor
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engaged for compliance with the SERP must be monitored by the Special Event Organizer. The Special
Event Organizer must promptly take action to correct any deficiencies in the contractor’s performance.
E. Program Enforcement
The Washington County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling or the equivalent office of the
municipality in which the event is located may conduct inspections of the event to ensure compliance
with the SERP. If a violation of the SERP is detected, the County or Municipality may pursue an
enforcement action against the special event organizer. A person that violates the SERP is subject to a
civil penalty not exceeding $50 for each day the violation exists. Any penalties collected for violations of
the SERP must be paid to the County, municipality or other Local government that brought the
enforcement action.
Appendix F-1
Washington County and Municipal Sites That May Host Special Events That Require Recycling
158
Municipal Facilities
City of Hagerstown street Address City State Zip Phone N.Jmber
Bloom Park 346 N Potomac Street Hagerstown MD 21740
Brandenburg Memorial Park 285 Mill Street Hagerstown MD 21740
City Park 501 Wginia Avenue Hagerstown MD 21740
Cultural Trail Various Loe ation s Hagerstown MD 21740
Elgin Park 40 Elgin Blvd Hagerstown MD 21740
Fairgrounds 351 N Cleveland Avenue Hagerstown MD 21740
Funkhouser Park 570 Jefferson Street Hagerstown MD 21740
Georgia Avenue Playground Hagerstown MD
Greenawalt Park 101 East Alenue Hagerstown MD 21740
Hager Park 501 Wginia Avenue Hagerstown MD 21740
Hagerstown Edgemont Reservoir None Hagerstown MD 21740
Hagerstown Greens at Hamilton Run 2S Cleveland Ave Hagerstown MD 21740
Hamilton Playground 1144 Fairview Road Hagerstown MD 21740
Hellane Park 156 Park Alenue Hagerstown MD 21740
Kiwanis Park 371 Dynasty Drive Hagerstown MD 21740
Memorial Park 561 South Potomac Street Hagerstown MD 21740
Mills Park 519 Northern Avenue Hagerstown MD 21740
Municipal Stadium 274-292 E Memorial Blvd Hagerstown MD 21740
National Road Park 806 West Washington Street Hagerstown MD 21740
Noland Drive Playground Hagerstown MD
Oswald Park 211 Prospect Alenue Hagerstown MD 21740
Pangborn Park 591 Pangborn Boulevard Hagerstown MD 21740
Ridge Avenue Playground 348 Ridge Avenue Hagerstown MD 21740
Rockwillow Playground Hagerstown MD
Rotary Club of Longmeadow 325 Northern Avenue Hagerstown MD 21740
Staley Park 726 Frederick Street Hagerstown MD 21740
Terrapin Park 18257 Hurricane Court Hagerstown MD 21740
Thomas Kennedy Park 50 E Baltimore Street Hagerstown MD 21740
University Plaza 50 W Washington Street Hagerstown MD 21740
Wheaton Park 449 Sum ans Avenue Hagerstown MD 21740
Contact Mark Haddock, Parks & Rec Manager
Boonsboro
351 N Cleveland Ave Hagerstown MD
MD
21740 301- 739-8577
Kinsey Heights Rec. Jlrea Kinsey Heights Boonsboro MD 21713
Shafer Park 241 Potomac Street Boonsboro MD 21713
Contact Greg Huntsberry, Jr, Public Works
Funkstown
21 North Main Street Boonsboro MD
MD
21713 301-432-5141
IFunkstown Community Park IRobert Kline Way I Funkstown IMO i 2173 I
Contact Brenda Haynes, Town Manager 30 East Baltimore St.
Funkstown MD TN 301- 791-0948
159
Hancock MD
Breathed Park 23 W Main Street
Joseph Hancock Junior Park 167 W Main Street
Kirkwood Park Kirk Farm Road
W dm eyer Park - Park Road - Contact: Joe Gilbert, Town Manager - 126 West High Street - Keedysville
Keedysville Sia-Pitch Field None
Taj or Park Park Lane
Contact: Richard L. Bishop, Administrator 19 South Main Street
Sharpsburg - Community Park W. High Street
Sharpsburg Town Pond E. High Street --
Contact: Russ Weaver, Mayor 106 East Main Street
Smithsburg
Smithsburg Lions Com munityPark 12835 Bikle Road
Veteran's Park 68 W \Nater Street
Contact: Debra Smith, Town Manager 21 W \Nater Street -- Williamsport ---
W D Byron Park 11 Park Road
Springfield Farm 2 Springfield Lane
River Bottom Park 124 W. SalisburyStreet
Bill Doub Park American Legion Drive
Contact: Donald Stotelmyer, Town Manage rf:2 N. Conococheague Street
Hancock MD 21750
Hancock MD 21750
Hancock MD 21750
Hancock MD 21750
Hancock MD 21750 301-678-5622
Keedysville MD 21756
Keedysville MD 21756
Keedysville MD 21756 301-432-5795
MD
Sharpsburg MD 21782
Sharpsburg MD 21782
Sharpsburg MD 21782 301-432-4428
Smithsburg MD 21783
Smithsburg MD 21783
Smithsburg MD 21783 301-824-7234
MD
Wlliamsport MD 21795
Wlliamsport MD 21795
Wlliamsport MD 21795
Wlliamsport MD 21795
I W lliam sp ort MD r 21796 301-223-7711
Federal Street Address City State Zip Phone Number
Harpers FerryNational Historic Park - )£:.0 . Box 65
PO Box 158
W Potomac Street
6602 Foxville Road JP O Box 50
- l_ti arpers Ferr Yi_VW l] 5425 Q 04-535-60 29
.Antietam Battlefield Sharpsburg MD 21782 301-432-5124
C & O Canal National Historic Park Wlliamsport MD 21795 301-739-4200
Catoctin Mountain Park
.Appalachian Trail Corridor
Thurmont MD IHarpers Ferry VW
21788 301-663-9388
125425 304-535-6278
State Street Address City State Zip Phone Number
lndi an Sprinqs \/1,MA 14038 Blairs VallevRoad Clear Sprinq MD 21722 301-842-2702
Fort Frederick 11100 Fort Frederick Road Biq Pool MD 21711 301-842-2155
FortTonolowayState Park C&O Canal Mi le Marker 124.4 Hancock MD 21750
\Nashington Monument State Park 6620 Zittlestown Road Middletown MD 21769 301-791-4767
South Mountain State Park 21843 National Pike Boonsboro MD 21713 301-791-4767
Gathland State Park 900 .Arnoldtown Road Jefferson MD 21755 301-791-4767
Greenbrier State Park 21843 National Pike Boonsboro MD 21713 301-791-4767
Brownsville Pond MD-671Rohersville Road Brownsville MD 21715
J\Jbert Powell Hatchery 20901 Fish Hatchery Road Hagerstown MD 21740 301-791-4736
WevertonlRoxburyRail Corridor MD
Western Maryland Rail Trail 11100 Fort Frederick Road Big Pool MD 21711 301-842-2155
\/\,bodmont NRMA 11761 \/\,bodmontRoad Hancock MD 21750 301-842-2155
Sideling Hill \/1,MA Woodmont Road Hancock MD 21750 301-842-2702
160
I
Contact Mark Mills, Facilities Supervisor 10435 Downsville Pike Hagerstown MD 21740 301- 766-2978
Washington County Public Schools Street Address aty State Zip Phone N.Jmber
Bester Elementarv 30 E. Memorial Boulevard Haaerstown MD 21740 301- 766-8001
Boonsboro El em entarv 5 Campus Avenue Boonsboro MD 21713 301- 766-8013
Cascade Elementarv 14519 Pennersville Road Cascade MD 21719 301- 766-8066
Clear Spring Elementary 1262 7 Broadfordi ng Road Clear Spring MD 21722 301- 766-8074
Eastern Elementary 1320 Yale Drive Hagerstown MD 21742 301- 766-8329
Emma K. Doub Elementarv 1221 South Potomac Street Haaerstown MD 21740 301- 766-8130
Fountain Rock Elementary 17145 Lappans Road Haqerstown MD 21740 301- 766-8146
Fountaindale Elementary 901 Northern Avenue Hagerstown MD 21742 301- 766-8156
Funkstown (Pre-K) 23 Funkstown Road Hagerstown MD 21740 301- 766-8162
Greenbrier El em entarv 21222 San Mar Road Boonsboro MD 21713 301- 766-8170
Hancock El em entary 290 West Main Street Hancock MD 21750 301- 766-8178
Hickory Elementary 1101 Hickory School Road Williamsport MD 21795 301- 766-8198
Lincolnshire Elementary 17545 Lincolnshire Road Hagerstown MD 21740 301- 766-8206
Mauaansville Elementarv 18023 Mauaans Avenue Mau aansvill e MD 21767 301- 766-8230
Old Forqe Elementary 21615 Old Forqe Road Haqerstown MD 21742 301- 766-8273
Pangborn Elementary 195 Pangborn Boulevard Hagerstown MD 21740 301- 766-8282
Paramount El em enta ry 1941O Longmeadow Road Hagerstown MD 21742 301- 766-8289
Pleasant Vallev Elementarv 1707 Roh rers vii le Road Knoxville MD 21758 301- 766-8297
Potomac Heiahts Elementarv 301 E. Maanolia Avenue Haaerstown MD 21742 301- 766-8305
Rockland Woods Elementary 18201 Rockland Drive Hagerstown MD 21740 301- 766-8485
Ruth Ann Monroe El em entary 1311 Yale Drive Hagerstown MD 21742 301- 766-8668
Salem Avenue Elementarv 1323 Salem Avenue Ext Haaerstown MD 21740 301- 766-8313
Sharpsbura Elementarv 17525 Shepherdstown Pike Sharpsbura MD 21782 301- 766-8321
Smithsburg Elementary 67 North Main Street Smithsburg MD 21783 301- 766-8329
Williamsport Elementary 1 South Clifton Drive Williamsport MD 21795 301- 766-8415
Boonsboro Middle 1 J-H Wade Drive Boonsboro MD 21713 301- 766-8038
Clear Sprina Middle 12628 Broadfordina Road Clear Sprina MD 21722 301- 766-8094
E. Russell Hicks Middle 1321 South Potomac Street Hagerstown MD 21740 301- 766-8110
Northern Middle 701 Northern Avenue Hagerstown MD 21740 301- 766-8528
Smithsbura Middle 68 North Main Street Smithsbura MD 21783 301- 766-8353
Sprin qfi eld Middle 334 Sunset Avenue Williamsport MD 21795 301- 766-8389
Western Heights Middle 1300 Marshall Street Hagerstown MD 21740 301- 766-8403
Barbara Ingram School for the Arts 7 Sou th Potomac Street Hagerstown MD 21740 301- 766-8840
Boonsboro High 10 Campus Avenue Boonsboro MD 21713 301- 766-8022
Clear Sprinq Hiah 12630 Broadfordina Road Clear Sprina MD 21722 301- 766-8082
Hancock Middle/High 289 West Main Street Hancock MD 21750 301- 766-8186
North Hagerstown High 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue Hagerstown MD 21740 301- 766-8238
Smithsburg High 66 North Main Street Smithsburg MD 21783 301- 766-8337
South Haaerstown Hi ah 1101 South Potomac Street Haaerstown MD 21740 301- 766-8369
Washington CountyTechnical High 50 West Oak Ridge Drive Hagerstown MD 21740 301- 766-8050
Williamsport High 5 South Clifton Drive Williamsport MD 21795 301- 766-8423
Antietam Academy 1300 Marshall Street Haqerstown MD 21740 301- 766-844 7
Claud E. Kitchens Outdoor School at Fairview 12808 Draper Road Clear Sprina MD 21722 301- 766-8138
Marshall Street/Job Development Program 1350 Marshall Street Hagerstown MD 21740 301- 766-8214
Washington County Public Schools Main Office 10435 Downsville Pike Hagerstown MD 21740 301- 766-2800
161
Appendix H
Office Building Recycling Program
162
Office Building Recycling Plan
A. Collection and Marketing
In accordance with Section 9-1714 of the Annotated Code of Maryland passed in 2019 by the
Maryland State Legislature, office building owners will be responsible for providing all containers
necessary to fulfill recycling requirements throughout their buildings, as well as determining the collection
schedule directly with the collection contractor. Each owner of the participating office building must
provide recycling receptacles for the collection of paper and cardboard, metals, and plastic materials and
for the removal for further recycling of recyclable materials deposited into the recycling receptacles.
Distinctive colors and/or markings of recycling containers should be provided to avoid cross
contamination. Office building owners must ensure collection and transportation of recyclable materials
from office building locations to markets or tipping as commercial recycling at a processing and transfer
station at the prevailing tipping fee rate. Owners and/or tenants will be responsible for placing recyclables
in building recycling bins prior to their removal on the scheduled pick up day.
B. Stakeholders
Stakeholders include the owners and tenants of applicable office buildings, and Washington County,
Maryland.
C. Required Participants
At the time of the implementation of this requirement, the following properties were identified through
SDAT records that met the 150,000 square-foot or greater area of office space:
➢ Citibank Complex; 14625 Citicorp Drive, Hagerstown; approx. 441,000 sq. ft.
➢ First Data; 1 Western Maryland Parkway, Hagerstown; approx. 248,000 sq. ft.
➢ Robinwood Medical Campus; 11110 Medical Campus Road, Hagerstown; approx. 294,000 sq. ft.
D. Schedule of Implementation
By October 1, 2021:
➢ Washington County will post literature about the office building recycling program on the County
webpage. Office building owners will begin to educate workers/tenants (as applicable) about the
program and the requirements of the law).
➢ Office building owners will coordinate with tenants (as applicable) to reach agreements as to
which entity will be responsible for carrying out the office building recycling program.
➢ Office building owners will provide recycling receptacles for the collection of recyclable materials.
163
➢ On or before October 1, 2021, office building owners meeting the required participant level, must
have recycling services in place and operational in order to meet the requirements of the office
building recycling program. Owners of all size office buildings are encouraged to voluntarily
participate in this recycling effort.
E. Program Monitoring
Monitoring of recyclable materials bins will be carried out by office building owners and/or tenants.
Washington County may require the office building owner and/or tenant to report to the County, metrics
associated with the office building recycling program.
F. Enforcement
The County is not required to manage or enforce the recycling activities of an office building located within
the boundaries of one if its municipalities; however, an enforcement agent of the County or municipality
may conduct inspections in order to enforce this program.
The Department of Solid Waste and Recycling will notify the office building owners of the implementation
requirements in accordance with Sections 9-1703 and 9-1711 of the Environment Article, Annotated Code
of Maryland. The County Attorney's Office will determine if a County should enforce the law and what
level of enforcement actions should be used.