Dear Beyond Recycling Readers,
Another summer has flown by, and back-to-school season is upon us. The start of a new school year usually comes with shopping for essentials. The Office of Waste Diversion is here with tips to help students, families, and school employees kick off the school year sustainably.
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Inventory Check: Before buying new school supplies, check what you already have at home and use those items first.
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Join a “Buy Nothing” Group: Local, community-based “buy nothing” groups are fantastic for sourcing school supplies, clothes, and other essentials. Search for “Buy Nothing” groups on social media or visit BuyNothingProject.org.
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Pack a Zero-Waste Lunch: Ditch single-use plastics and pack your lunch in reusable containers.
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Refurbished Devices: Purchase refurbished electronics to reduce e-waste. Any old electronics can be recycled at one of our Residential Drop-Off Centers.
By starting off with zero waste in mind, it is our hope that it will be easier to maintain sustainable practices throughout the school year. Small actions like these can add up and make a big difference. Thank you for your commitment to sustainability. Here’s to a successful and eco-friendly school year ahead!
The Office of Waste Diversion
Baltimore City Department of Public Works
Zero Waste Week: September 2-8
Zero Waste Week is an annual global campaign held during the first full week of September, and is dedicated to reducing landfill waste. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the environmental impact landfills have on our planet and encourage people to reduce, reuse, and repurpose whenever possible.
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Start Conversations: Use this week as an opportunity to talk about zero waste at home, work, or social events. Share what zero waste means to you and discuss ways people can make a difference.
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Set Personal Goals: Challenge yourself to minimize food waste for a couple of days, repair a piece of furniture or clothing instead of discarding it, or avoid any single-use item for the entire week.
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Share Your Journey: Post about your zero waste efforts on social media using #zerowasteweek. Inspire others and get inspired by sharing your experiences and ideas.
Practicing zero waste is a journey that begins with becoming aware of your consumption. This week is a perfect time to notice what you are sending to the landfill and consider small steps to reduce those items in your life.
Baltimore Furniture Bank
Last month, the Office of Waste Diversion had the privilege of visiting the Baltimore Furniture Bank to witness their incredible impact on the community. The Baltimore Furniture Bank collects gently used furniture from universities, businesses, and the public to distribute to those in need. Serving as a vital hub, they connect individuals with over 30 non-profit community partners. Their small, dedicated team carefully selects items to furnish homes with dignity, ensuring everyone has access to a comfortable living environment.
The Baltimore Furniture Bank has also made a significant environmental impact by diverting 35 tons of furniture from landfills. Their efforts not only support individuals and families but also promote sustainability in our community. For more information, including ways to donate and volunteer, visit their website: Baltimore Furniture Bank. We would also like to note that since our visit, the Furniture Bank’s founder, Damien Haussling, unexpectedly passed away. We offer our sincerest condolences to the Furniture Bank team and the community it supports in their time of grief and send our best wishes for peace and healing.
Shop Second-Hand for Back-to-School Clothes! Before buying new clothes for the school year, check out local thrift stores or online second-hand platforms. You can find high-quality, stylish clothing at a fraction of the cost, all while reducing your environmental footprint. |
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We all enjoy receiving packages, but properly disposing of the packaging can be challenging. Bubble-lined paper or plastic mailers are not accepted in our curbside recycling. You can either repurpose for packing material or something similar, take to a store drop-off program, or throw them in the trash. To learn more about the store drop-off label, and to find where to recycle near you, visit How2Recycle.
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Do you have an upcoming sustainable event that you'd like to showcase? Share the details with us at recycling@baltimorecity.gov, and we'll feature it in our newsletter!
Events
Baltimore Bookfest: Saturday & Sunday, September 28 & 29, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., in and around Waverly Main Street.
Jobs
Job Opportunities with the Department of Public Works
Job Opportunities with Baltimore City Recreation and Parks
Job Opportunities with the State of Maryland
Job Opportunities with Civic Works
Job Opportunities with Green and Healthy Homes Initiative
Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2024, is a city holiday. DPW offices and sanitation yards will be CLOSED.
The Labor Day closure does NOT impact trash and recycling collections. Monday is not a scheduled curbside trash or recycling collection day.
For Trash Collection Inquiries: 410.396.3367 or 410.396.9950
For Graffiti Removal or Rat Abatement: 410.396.1023
For Household Hazardous Waste: 410.396.7250
For Recycling Collection: 410.396.5671
For Street Sweeping: 410.396.1300
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