Dear Beyond Recycling Readers,
We named this newsletter Beyond Recycling because there’s much more to reducing waste than what we put in the recycling bin. Preventing waste, reusing and repairing what we already have, and keeping materials in use for as long as possible are all part of the bigger picture.
This month, we are introducing the Zero Waste Hierarchy, a framework that brings these ideas together and helps us see how our everyday choices can reduce waste and keep materials in use for as long as possible.
The Zero Waste Hierarchy helps us prioritize the ways we can manage the things we use. From preventing waste in the first place to reusing, repairing, recycling, composting, and, as a last resort, disposal.
Think of it as a roadmap for moving beyond recycling to reduce waste. Not every action will be possible in every situation, but the hierarchy can help us think about what options are available and which ones have the greatest potential to reduce waste and conserve resources.
Have a look at the hierarchy, does the order surprise you? You may notice that recycling, while important, is not at the top. Before we get there, there are a few opportunities to prevent waste, reuse what we already have, and rethink what we really need. Take a moment to think about the things you already do, and where you might have an opportunity to try something new.
Over the next several issues, we’ll take a closer look at steps, what they mean, and what it can look like in our everyday lives.
The Office of Waste Diversion
Baltimore City Department of Public Works
 Food Waste Prevention Week: Make Every Bite Count
September 28 - October 4 is Food Waste Prevention Week, a national movement that brings communities together to raise awareness about food waste and find ways to keep good food in use. This year’s theme, “Food Heroes in Your Neighborhood,” highlights the people and organizations making a difference in their communities.
Small actions can make a difference. During Food Waste Prevention Week, you can:
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Plan meals before you shop and buy only what you need.
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Find creative ways to use leftovers and food that needs to be eaten soon.
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Learn how to store food properly so it lasts longer.
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Share food-saving tips with friends, family, and neighbors.
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Participate in Food Waste Prevention Week webinars, events, and activities.
Schools, businesses, nonprofits, community groups, faith organizations, restaurants, and other organizations can also get involved by hosting an event or sharing food waste prevention information with their employees, students, and communities. Food Waste Prevention Week also offers free communication and educational resources to help organizations spread the word.Learn more and find ways to participate in Food Waste Prevention Week
What about the food scraps you can't prevent?
Even with good planning, some food scraps are unavoidable. Baltimore City residents can bring accepted food scraps to any of the City's residential food scrap drop-off locations at no charge.
Help Shape Food Waste Prevention Efforts
The Office of Waste Diversion wants to hear from you! We are looking for community input to better understand how Baltimore households shop for, store, prepare, and use food.
Your feedback will help us develop future education and outreach programs, identify ways to help residents save food and reduce waste, and support future funding opportunities. The survey only takes about 5 minutes to complete, and your responses will be kept confidential. We appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences and ideas.
Zero Waste Coalition - Virtual Learning Series
Join the Baltimore Zero Waste Coalition’s Virtual Learning Series, a recurring virtual webinar series connecting residents with local waste reduction resources, community-led solutions, and organizations working to build a more sustainable Baltimore.
Our first session, "Fast Fashion & Textile Recycling," will be presented by Helpsy on Saturday, September 26 at 11:00 a.m. Learn about the impacts of fast fashion, textile recycling, and what you can do to keep textiles out of the waste stream. Secure your spot today by registering on Eventbrite!
 August Shred Event Recap
Despite the rainy weather, we had a great turnout at our August 22 Shred Event! Together, Baltimore City residents helped keep 12,280 pounds of paper out of the landfill, along with 900 pounds of electronics recycled through PCs for People and 260 pounds of textiles recycled through Helpsy.
A big thank you to our site partner, Coppin State University, and to everyone who came out to participate. We look forward to seeing you at our next Shred Event on Saturday, 3 from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Vanguard Collegiate Middle School.
Fall Workshops with DPW's GROW Center
Looking to learn something new this fall? The GROW Center has several workshops coming up this October, with opportunities to learn about gardening, food preservation, and conservation landscaping.
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Cover Crop Workshop (Virtual) — Thursday, October 15
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Canning Workshop: Grow It, Eat It, Preserve It! Jelly? - Thursday, October 22
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Conservation Landscaping Workshop with Bmore Beautiful - Saturday, October 24
More information about these workshops, including registration details, will be posted soon. Keep an eye on the GROW Center webpage and DPW social media channels for updates and additional information.
Help Build Baltimore City's Reuse Directory
The Office of Waste Diversion is developing a Reuse Directory to connect residents with local businesses and organizations that support reuse, repair, donation, secondhand shopping, borrowing, and exchanging.
As we build the directory, we are looking for recommendations from the community. Do you know a business or organization in Baltimore City that gives usable items a second life? We want to hear from you.
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 Make Your Clothing Purchase One That Lasts
One of the best ways to reduce textile waste is to keep the clothes you already own in use for as long as possible. Repair a favorite piece, shop secondhand, swap with a friend, or find a new way to use something you no longer wear.
When you do need something new, think about where you’re buying from and how the item was made. Look for well-made pieces that are designed to last rather than inexpensive, short-lived items that may quickly end up in the trash. Buying fewer, better-quality items can help reduce the amount of clothing we go through over time.
And when a textile truly reaches the end of its useful life, recycle it instead of putting it in the trash.
 Can I recycle textiles?
Before dropping them off, make sure textiles are clean and dry. Place items in a bag to help keep them clean and dry during transport.
Have textiles that are still in good condition? Consider donating or reusing them before recycling.
 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
Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, September 19
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. *doors close at 2:00 p.m.; first come, first served
Location: Station North Tool Library – 417 E Oliver St.
Date: Saturday, October 3
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Date: Thursday, October 15
Location: Community Forklift Reuse Warehouse – 4671 Tanglewood Drive, Hyattsville, MD 20781
Date: Saturday, October 24
Time: 4:00 p.m. festival, 7:00 p.m. parade
Location: Patterson Park – Pulaski Monument
Jobs
Job Opportunities with the Department of Public Works
Job Opportunities with Baltimore City Recreation and Parks
Job Opportunities with the State of Maryland
 Closures
Indigenous Peoples Day, Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, 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 residential trash or recycling collection day.
For all inquiries, residents should call 311.
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