As we approach National Reuse Day on October 20th, it’s the perfect time to embrace zero-waste shopping for fall and the start of the holiday season. When businesses tempt us with the latest seasonal items, take a moment to consider what you already own and how those items can be repurposed, repaired, or swapped to meet your needs. By rethinking your shopping habits, you can enjoy the fall season while minimizing waste and supporting a more sustainable lifestyle. 

• Swap with Friends and Family: Organize a clothing or décor swap with friends, family, or your community. It's a fun way to refresh your wardrobe or home for the season without spending money or contributing to waste. 

• Shop Secondhand First: Before heading to the store to shop for new fall clothes or décor, check out local thrift shops, consignment stores, or online marketplaces. You'll find unique, gently used items that are just as stylish and functional as new ones, often at a fraction of the price. 

• Invest in Timeless, Quality Pieces: When you need to buy something new, opt for high-quality, durable items that will last for years. Choose classic styles that won’t go out of fashion quickly, reducing the need for frequent replacements. 

• Prioritize Multi-Purpose Items: Mason jars are incredibly versatile. They can be used for food storage, as drinking glasses, for homemade candles, or as flower vases. They can also be used to store bulk items, pack lunches, or as containers for DIY gifts. 

• Repair and Upcycle: Before buying something new, see if you can repair or upcycle what you already have. A torn sweater can be mended or repurposed into mittens, and old furniture can be refreshed with a new coat of paint. 

• Borrow or Rent: If you need something temporarily, like a specific tool for a fall project or special decorations for an event, consider borrowing from friends or renting from the Station North Tool Library or The Toolbank instead of buying new. 

Incorporating these zero-waste tips into your routine helps reduce environmental impact and allows you to enjoy fall in a more mindful and resourceful way. Happy fall and remember—every small change adds up! 

With Gratitude,  

The Office of Waste Diversion  

Baltimore City Department of Public Works  

The next DPW Shred Event will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 8:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m. at Edmondson Westside High School. The address is 501 N. Athol Ave, Baltimore, MD 21229.  Residents may bring up to two-32-gallon bags of paper documents. Only paper will be accepted. No cardboard, plastic, or trash of any kind is allowed. So far, this year’s DPW shred events have hauled in a whopping 13,540 lbs. of paper. Let's see how much we can add to that total!    

We are also partnering with BGE to recycle small appliances. Residents can bring old, working room A/C units, dehumidifiers, or mini- fridges. There is a limit of 4 units per residential household. You can find more information, and other appliance recycling event dates here.  

As the leaves start to fall, it’s the perfect time to embrace sustainable practices that benefit your yard and the environment. Consider using leaves to nourish your soil by adding to your compost, and to protect your garden as mulch. By taking simple steps to manage your leaves sustainably, you can turn what might seem like a chore into an opportunity to give back to the earth. 

• Mulch with a Mower: Use your mower to chop leaves into small pieces, leaving them on your lawn as natural mulch. This method helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and returns valuable nutrients to the soil. 

• Add to Garden Beds: Spread whole or shredded leaves in your garden beds to protect plants and improve soil health. Over time, the leaves will break down, enriching the soil and reducing the need for additional fertilizers. 

• Composting: Incorporate fallen leaves as the "brown" or carbon-rich material in your compost pile. Combined with green materials like kitchen scraps, they help create nutrient-rich compost that’s perfect for your garden. 

• Leave on Your Yard: Let leaves naturally decompose in your yard, providing essential nutrients to the soil. This method not only saves time but also improves soil structure and promotes a healthier yard. 

• DPW Collection: As a last resort, set out up to 5 bags and DPW will collect them on your regular trash collection day. 

Spooky Crafts with Scrap B-More: Tuesday, October 1st, 4 p.m. at the Enoch Pratt Pennsylvania Ave. Branch.  

Chesapeake Arts Center’s Arts in the Park Free Community Festival: Saturday, October 5th, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. in front of CAC’s Hammonds Lane Theatre at 194 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park, MD 21225. Event information can be found here.  

Household Hazardous Waste Collection: Friday & Saturday, October 4th & 5th, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Sission St. Residential Drop-Off Center.      

Urban Garden Design 101: Monday. October 7th, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Station North Tool Library.  

Project ENCORE Compassion Clothing Closet: Thursday, October 10th, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., at the Central Library Creative Arts Room.   

BGE Energy Assistance: Wednesday, October 16th, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., Enoch Pratt Free Library – Pennsylvania Ave. Branch.   

Shred Event: Saturday Oct. 19th, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Edmondson Westside High School.  

The Great Halloween Lantern Parade & Festival: Saturday, October 26th, 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. in Patterson Park.  

Job Opportunities with Civic Works 

Job Opportunities with the Maryland Food Bank 

Indigenous Peoples Day, Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, is a City holiday. DPW offices and sanitation yards will be CLOSED. 

Trash and recycling collections are NOT impacted by the Indigenous Peoples Day closure. Monday is not a scheduled curbside trash or recycling collection day. 

Tell us your thoughts!: Recycling@baltimorecity.gov   

For all inquiries, residents should call 311.