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Solid Waste & Recycling

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Source Reduction

Washington County residents and businesses can help our community by eliminating waste that would need to be collected, and then recycled or landfilled. Listed below are some tips for reducing waste.

A) Watch what you buy.

  • Buy items that are durable instead of disposable or cheaply made.
  • Avoid excess packaging and buy concentrated products.
  • Buy only what you need and avoid impulse buying.

B) Look for ways to reduce waste.

  • Use your computer to reduce paper waste.
  • Reduce the margins
  • Design memos, letters, etc., to save paper.
  • Don’t print unless necessary and reuse back side of paper when possible.
  • Get newsletters/subscriptions on line when possible.
  • Reuse materials or give them to someone that can reuse them.
  • In the solid waste management hierarchy, reuse ranks above recycling.  Do you have items you no longer need or want, which still have life in them?  HAGERSTOWN FREECYCLERS try to find new homes for these items.  Go to: https://www.facebook.com/groups/740255199430551
  • Don’t collect grass clippings and apply fertilizer only when needed.
  • Use on site composting for yard debris and vegetable scraps.
  • C) Communicate to others the importance of source reduction.
  • Share your ideas.
  • Call toll free numbers to thank companies for smart packaging or to suggest better packaging.
  • Express appreciation to local establishments when they make an effort to reduce waste and recycle.

Source Reduction Links:

Forty West Landfill

12630 Earth Care Road
Hagerstown, MD 21740

  • Landfill Hours: Monday – Saturday 7:00am –  3:30pm (Scales close at 3:00pm)
  • Convenience Center Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 7:30am –  3:30pm
  • Landfill Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:00am –  4:00pm (Phones are not attended outside of these hours)
  • Permit Sales
    • Landfill: Monday – Saturday, 8:00am – 2:30pm
    • Convenience Centers: Tuesday – Saturday, 8:00am – 2:30pm

Phone: 240-313-2790
Fax: 301-582-3412

TTY users may call any government office through the Maryland Relay Service 1-800-735-2258

Liberal Leave is in effective for Washington County Government

LIBERAL LEAVE IS IN EFFECT FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY GOVERNMENT

Liberal leave is in effect for all non-essential personal on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, until noon. Essential personnel are expected to fulfill their duties as usual.

The starting time for today’s Board of County Commissioners meeting will be reevaluated at 9:00 am.

For those required to travel, exercise caution on the roadways. If driving is necessary, ensure your vehicle is completely cleared, drive at a reduced speed, practice caution, and avoid crowding or passing plows.
 
We’ll keep the public informed of any changes. Stay updated by monitoring Washington County Government’s website and social media channels for the latest information. Your safety is our priority!