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1. I currently don’t have a Recycling Program, how do I set one up?

You may contact the Resource Recovery Division, Recycling Section at recyclingplan@co.pg.md.us to request an appointment to assist you in setting up your program if necessary. 

Alternatively, you can click here to see “10 Tips to Setting up a Successful Recycling Program.”

2. Are all Businesses required to have interior recycling?

No.  If your business does not provide trash containers for customer use, you are not required to provide recycling containers.

3. The law states that the Property Owner is responsible for providing exterior Recycling containers for the tenants; what if I have a contract with tenants for them to provide their own containers?

Exterior Recycling Containers, for designated recyclable materials, are the responsibility of the Property Owner.  Any enforcement issues concerning the exterior would be addressed to the Property Owner.

4. What are the designated recyclable materials?

See Section 21-143.(a)(11) of the Municipal Code for Prince George’s County at https://library.municode.com/md/prince_george’s_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIITI17PULOLAPRGECOMA_SUBTITLE_21RE_DIV4SOWARE_SD1COPR_S21-143DE

5. How much is all of this going to cost me?

The cost for recycling collection is contingent upon the volume of recycled materials, frequency of pickup, # of containers, location and other factors.  Contact your current Trash Hauler to speak with them regarding establishing a recycling collection program at your location.

6. Does the County provide containers and collection services?

No.  Containers and collection services are only provided to residents within the County’s Solid Waste Program.

7. Does the County provide posters or educational material?

No.  The County offers a number of suggestions and models available electronically on our website. Visit our waste and recycling toolkit here. 

8. Why aren’t Businesses that don’t own their land required to complete an Annual Report?

Business entities dispose of the designated Recyclable Materials into the containers provided by the Property Owner.  It would be duplicative to have them submit an Annual Report since the Property Owner provides that information.

9. I’m a Condominium Owner Association and our Condominium Community does not have recycling. How do we set that up?

You may contact the Resource Recovery Division, Recycling Section, recyclingplan@co.pg.md.us to request an appointment to assist you in setting up your program if necessary. 

10. How is the law enforced?

An Inspector from Prince George’s County Resource Recovery Division may visit your facility to conduct a compliance investigation.  A lack of signage or lack of any required recycling containers, failure to submit the required recycling plan or annual report, or other violations may result in a non-compliance citation.  Local municipal enforcement officials may also visit businesses or properties within their jurisdiction to ensure compliance.

11. What are the penalties?

Under Section 21-152 – Penalties:  Any person or entity who violates Section 21-149 or Section 21-149.01 of this Code is deemed to have committed a civil violation and shall pay to the County a civil monetary fine…  Each separate day of violation that remains uncorrected is a distinct civil violation subject to an additional citation and fine.  Fines can range from $100.00 up to $1000.00 daily.

12. Do I have to separate all my recyclables?

No.  Commingled or Single Stream Recycling is allowed if it’s not contaminated with non-recyclable waste.  You may want to designate a staff person as Recycling Coordinator for your office, business or complex, to monitor collection sites and ensure compliance.

13. I still have no idea what any of this means for me. Please Help!

If you need further assistance figuring out your requirements or setting up a recycling program, email recyclingplan@co.pg.md.us  to send a request for assistance to our office.