County Now Requires Proof of Residency to Get Recycling Containers

The county hoped that offering free containers would make recycling more appealing. Last week, the Bureau of Waste Management Services implemented a new policy requiring proof of Anne Arundel County residency before they will distribute recycling containers. In addition, recipients of the containers must acknowledge in writing that they will use the container solely for the intended purpose of recycling and only within the county.

"We have seen evidence of people from other jurisdictions taking advantage of our free containers at the expense of our residents," County Executive Leopold said in a release. "This is counterproductive to our successful efforts to increase curbside recycling, protect the environment, decrease operating costs and extend the life of our landfill."

Leopold kicked off a 50/50 Recycling Challenge and RecycleMoreOften campaign in 2008 and challenged residents to recycle half of what they throw away, according to a release that also boasts an increase in recycling from 31 percent in 2008 to the current rate of 39 percent.

In area 10 of the county's recycling map (which includes Cape St. Claire, Round Bay, Whispering Woods, Bay Hills and Revell Downs), the rate of recycling is 45 percent. To see the map, go to the RecycleMoreOften website and click on "Recycling Report."

For more information, call the Recycling Division at 410-222-7951.