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Waste Management System Benefit Change (Environment)

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1. What is the System Benefit Charge (SBC)?

The SBC is a fee paid by all non-residential property owners in Prince George's County that will help provide funding for building and maintaining waste disposal systems. The SBC is a service charge and not a tax, and therefore also applies to establishments located on tax-exempt land. Please call 301-952-7635 for more information.

2. What is the background of the SBC?

In November 2000, the voters of Prince George's County approved County Council Bill 61-2000 authorizing the SBC.

3. What costs are covered by the SBC?

There are 3 categories for determining which costs are covered by the SBC.

4. My property is residential. Why is it being assessed a SBC?

There are exceptions but residences should be charged the residential solid waste charges rather than the SBC. To initiate an investigation, please either contact Customer Service at 301-952-7635, or submit a Reconsideration Form (PDF).

5. When do I pay my SBC?

The SBC charge should be paid at the same time as your County Tax Bill. Please call 301-952-7635 for more information.

6. When does the SBC take effect?

The SBC became effective July 1, 2001. So non-residential property owners, including those that are tax-exempt, can expect to see this charge on their annual County Tax Bill (PDF).

7. Why did I receive a new or revised Tax Bill with an SBC during the fiscal year?

You may have received a new or revised Tax Bill during the fiscal year for 1 of 2 reasons:

1. You requested reconsideration and it was approved
2. The State Department of Assessments and Taxation certified new or updated property account information to the DoE that affected your SBC

Please call 301-952-7635 for more information.

8. What can I do if I disagree with my Building Type or Enclosed Area?

If you are an owner of a non-residential property and you believe that the Enclosed Area assigned by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation or the Building Type is incorrect, reconsideration can be requested.

9. If I receive a Tax Bill at the beginning of the fiscal year, how long do I have to request reconsideration?

Your request must be received on or before August 31. Please call 301-952-7635 for more information.

10. If I receive a Tax Bill during the fiscal year with an SBC, how long do I have to request reconsideration?

The reconsideration period for new Tax Bills closes on August 31st. Use the Reconsideration Form provided by the Department of the Environment (DoE). You may also request a copy of the Reconsideration Form by calling the Customer Service left at 301-952-7635. Alternatively, you can pick one up at the DoE Office:

1801 McCormick Drive
Suite 500
Largo, MD 20774

Please note that once reconsideration is requested, it cannot be withdrawn. To get started, download a

Reconsideration Form (PDF).

11. When will my reconsideration request be reviewed?

DoE Staff members have been specifically assigned to the task of evaluating and responding to requests for reconsideration. They will be processed in the order in which they are received. Unfortunately, at this time, the total volume of reconsideration requests varies and therefore, an estimate of the processing time cannot be determined. Please call 301-952-7635 for more information.

12. If I have requested reconsideration, am I still required to pay the solid waste charge shown on my County Tax Bill?

Yes. Your reconsideration request will be processed, and should it be successful, you will receive a refund of any overpayment. Please be aware that should you not pay the SBC, interest will accrue beginning October 1. Please call 301-952-7635 for more information.

13. How much is the interest rate?

Interest is charged at the rate of about 20% per annum. Please call 301-952-7635 for more information.

14. How long would it take to receive a refund?

You should receive a refund after a 6 - 8 week period following the reconsideration determination. Please call 301-952-7635 for more information.

15. How can I find out about the status of my reconsideration?

Any property owner or authorized agent filing for reconsideration will receive a written confirmation of its receipt with a reconsideration number. Your 7-digit account number can be used to track the status of the reconsideration by calling the Customer Service left at 301-952-7635.

16. My property doesn't generate that much waste. Why am I being charged at the High (or Medium) rate?

The SBC has been established to fund the costs of providing a solid waste disposal system, which is required by Maryland law. The SBC does not cover the cost of actual disposal of waste. SBC revenues are used to make disposal facilities available. The county has conducted studies of actual waste generation from non-residential properties, and has classified them according to their potential for waste generation.

Although your business or activity may not currently generate as much waste as other may, it has the potential to do so. It is the most equitable method of distributing the costs of providing the solid waste system. Please call 301-952-7635 for more information.

17. What if my property cannot be occupied because it has been declared unfit or unsafe to occupy?

The SBC can be suspended for properties that cannot be occupied because of a governmental order. Please submit a copy of the order, along with a Reconsideration Form (PDF).

18. What if I have questions about other parts of the County Tax Bill?

Questions about other parts of the County Tax Bill should be directed to the list of telephone numbers on the back of the County Tax Bill (PDF).

19. If I pay my SBC will the county collect my garbage?

No. You are still responsible for contracting for private waste service if your account is non-residential. Please call 301-952-7635 for more information.

20. Do I have to pay my SBC if I contract for garbage service that disposes of my waste outside of the county?

Yes. The SBC is applied to buildings that can "generate waste" in the county. Therefore, you must pay your SBC even if your waste is disposed of outside of the county. Please call 301-952-7635 for more information.