Do you have old tax documents, bank statements, or other sensitive papers piling up? Bring them to this community drop-off event for secure, on-site shredding and eco-friendly recycling at no additional cost. It’s a great way to protect your personal information and help the planet!
Paper shredding and recycling guidelines:
- Limit: Five paper bags or small boxes per vehicle of personal and confidential papers for shredding such as financial and legal documents, receipts, tax and medical records.
- Papers with staples or paper clips and envelopes with plastic windows are acceptable.
- Paper will be shredded on-site and then recycled. Please stay in your vehicle for safety and traffic flow. Watching the shredding is not permitted.
The shredding event will end at 2 p.m. or when the trucks are full, whichever comes first. The event will be canceled in the event of inclement weather. For more information or updates visit for the website.
We’ve started in-person outreach to local businesses about Montgomery County’s new Bring Your Own Bag Law, going into effect January 1, 2026.
Here’s what the law changes (and how we’re helping):
- Plastic carryout bags will be prohibited (though some municipalities are exempt).
- The bag tax will increase to 10 cents per bag (retailers will retain 5 cents).
- Retailers must collect and remit the bag tax quarterly, and report how many taxable and exempt bags they distributed.
Our team is now visiting businesses across the County to share this information in person, answer questions, and drop off resource packets to help retailers meet the requirements.
Together, we’re proving that Change Is In the Bag—reducing waste, protecting our waterways, and building a more sustainable Montgomery County. Want to learn more about the bag law? Visit the website.
As the crisp November air settles in and the leaves crunch beneath our feet, it’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is just three weeks away.
Thanksgiving is more than just a meal. It’s a moment to gather around the table, share stories, laugh over old memories, and create new ones. As you prepare your Thanksgiving meals, keep in mind an estimated 124,000 tons of food scraps are disposed in the trash annually in the County.
Don't trash your leftovers, compost them!
DEP operates three Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Offs at local farmers markets:
- Bethesda Central Farmers Market – Sundays, 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (7600 Arlington Road)
- Downtown Silver Spring Market – Saturdays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (1 Veterans Plaza)
- Olney Farmers and Artists Market – Sundays, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (MD 108 & Prince Philip Drive)
Click here for farmers markets updates and changes.
The City of Gaithersburg was honored with the prestigious Sustainable Maryland Certified Silver Award and named the 2025 “Sustainability Champion” for earning the highest score, an impressive 715 points, among all certified municipalities. The award was presented at the Maryland Municipal League’s Fall Conference by the Environmental Finance Center at the University of Maryland.
Gaithersburg, a certified Sustainable Maryland community since 2013, was recognized for its continued leadership in environmental stewardship, including the recent expansion of its municipal composting program. Mayor Jud Ashman highlighted the city’s commitment to sustainability and community collaboration. The Sustainable Maryland program supports municipalities in adopting best practices to build more resilient, equitable and environmentally responsible communities.
Do you notice flowing water, erosion, or standing water on your property when it rains? A RainScape could be the solution! The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection’s RainScapes Program offers cash rebates to help cover a portion of the cost of practices that manage stormwater runoff and improve the quality of water reaching our local streams.
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Permeable pavement retrofits
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Rain barrels and cisterns
Homeowners can receive up to $7,500, while HOAs, condos, private schools, congregations, and other institutions may qualify for up to $20,000 in rebates.
To qualify for a rebate, you must receive pre-approval. Submit your application and speak with a RainScapes professional before starting your project. Now accepting new applications! Learn more and apply online to transform your property into a beautiful, sustainable RainScape.
There will be no county-provided recycling or trash collections on Tuesday, November 11. After the holiday, pickups will slide one day, with the last pickup on November 15.
There will be no county-provided recycling or trash collections on Thursday, November 27. After the holiday, pickups will slide one day, with the last pickup on November 29.
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Sunday, November 9: White Oak Community Cleanup, 2-4 p.m.
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Monday, November 10: White Oak Library Recycling Presentation, 1-3 p.m.
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Monday, November 10: Water Quality Advisory Group (Virtual) 7-8 p.m.
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Wednesday, November 12: Wheaton Senior Center Recycling Presentation, 1-2 p.m.
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Saturday, November 15: Creek Critters @ Rockville Science Center, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
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Saturday, November 15: America Recycles Day, Paper Shredding and Recycling Event, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
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Wednesday, November 19: Hidden Dollars in Your Building, How Energy Audits Unlock Savings, (Virtual) 2-3 p.m.
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Food Scraps Recycling Drop-Off at County Farmers Markets
- Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Sundays, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Check out our calendar for more details about upcoming events.
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