Recycling Report Outlines Path Forward
Nearly two years ago, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) delivered 190,000 recycling carts to homes across the city, providing equitable access to recycling services for all residents. As a result of the recycling cart distribution, DPW recycling collections have increased by nearly 50 percent. This is good news! Unfortunately, the Department has continued to experience the after-effects the COVID-19 pandemic, staffing shortages and difficulty acquiring equipment. Against all odds, DPW has managed to meet the demand of increased recycling while still providing routine trash collection with temporarily moving to a biweekly schedule.
Move to Bi-Weekly Recycling
Bi-weekly recycling reduces the strain on our workforce while lowering the barriers to environmental stewardship and accommodating all city residents who want to participate in the program. DPW’s temporary decision to move to biweekly recycling maintains the department’s commitment to equity in all we do. By doing so, in calendar year 2022, DPW has maintained a 99.99% route completion target.
Independent Report Issued
DPW remains committed to returning to weekly recycling in a way that is effective and sustainable. Today, DPW is releasing an independent assessment, completed by RUBICONSmartCity’s™, that provides a plan forward. This report provides an analysis of DPW's trash and recycling operations and collection schedule and sets forth recommendations for an optimized trash and recycling collection route structure and sets a path for returning to weekly recycling.
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