Recycling Center Ban Bill Pulled Before Vote

A bill that sought to punish people who don't separate their trash for recycling was pulled before a vote on Monday by the Anne Arundel County Council.

The bill's sponsor, Councilman John Grasso (R-2nd District) of Glen Burnie, said the function of the bill was to give waste management employees a method of action if they discover residents aren't obeying the rules.

Bill 79-12 would have banned individuals from recycling centers who were found to be mixing trash with recycling materials. 

"We have some individuals who come into our recycling [centers] and think they're too good to separate their trash," Grasso said.

But on Monday night, Grasso pulled the legislation, saying he wants to try a different approach first.

"We're going to attempt to educate and not legislate," Grasso said.

He said he plans to work with the county in erecting signs at recycling facilities, reminding residents that they are required to separate their trash from their recyclables. After that, Grasso said he would wait a few months, then interview employees to see if the signs had any effect.

If the signs aren't effective, Grasso said he would return with the bill and hopes his fellow Council members would support it.