Celebrate Earth Day Every Day

We hope you've spent some way celebrating "Earth Day Every Day" throughout the month with family, friends, neighbors, partners and us, your Department of the Environment!  This week, we highlighted sustainability services that promote the protection of our homes and natural resources, such as trees and public spaces, while abating the worst effects of climate change and combatting litter and illegal dumping.

Get social with us by using #PGCEarthDayEveryDay and visit our website for more information at bit.ly/PGCEarthDayEveryDay!

Last Weekend Scavenger Hunt Is Tomorrow, 4/29

Get ready to hunt for sustainability-related Earth Day items this weekend! The list will be posted on our Earth Day webpage and social media pages tomorrow, Friday, 4/29, at noon, and you have until Monday, 5/2, by noon, to post and earn points for the week. 

Find the item(s), take a picture, tag DoE with #PGCEarthDayEveryDay, and earn points.

Facebook: @pgcdoe  
Twitter: @pgcsprout  
Instagram: @pgcsprout

The top three winners will earn a reusable goods swag bag with a BPA-free plastic bottle, steel straw kit (includes cleaning brush and carry pouch), reusable bag, and other eco-friendly items at the end of the month!

Video Series: Is this Trash or Recycling?

In this weekly series of "Is this Trash or Recycling?" in PGC, how to properly discard prescription drugs/medications and their bottles. Click the image below to view our video or visit youtu.be/5Rs6fHt9HYc.

Continue reading below about this weekend's Drug Take Back Day
on April 30!

April 30 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

On April 30, from 10 am to 2 pm, the Prince George’s County Health Department and community partners will host a Prescription Drug Take Back event at Langley Park Community Center. Residents are encouraged to safely drop-off unwanted, unused, or expired medications, and electronic smoking devices.

For additional drop-off locations, visit: https://www.dea.gov/takebackday#collection-locator

Being Dumped Sucks

Prince George's County is a great place to live, work, and play. But, it's not your trash can! Do the right thing and put your trash where it belongs - in the bin.

Litter lowers property values, pollutes our waterways, and tells the world we don't care. Illegal dumping in the County can cost you up to 5 years in prison and a possible $30,000 fine. Do the right thing and call PGC311 to report items you see dumped or to schedule your bulky trash pickup for scrap tires and white goods/appliances.

Remember, residents with County-provided services can place UP TO 2 standard bulky items at the curb, next to your trash cart, for collection on their regular trash day. If your household item is still in good condition, don't let it be destined for the landfill - donate it to a friend, family member, or non-profit organization in need! 

Learn about some of the County organizations that offer drop-off or pick-up services for items still in good condition at bit.ly/reuseinpgc.

To view a list of acceptable items in the County curbside bulky trash collection and how to properly prepare them, visit mypgc.us/clearthecurb.

Beautification Awards Deadline is May 1

Does your property have a quirky art display made out of glass? Have you planted native trees, shrubs, or flowers? Are you proud of the hard work you've put into your yard and garden? Then apply to have your efforts recognized in County beautification!

The Prince George’s County Beautification Committee honors residents and landscape professionals who help beautify and preserve land throughout Prince George's. 

Submit your application online via email or through direct mail by May 1, 2022. Learn more and download the application at www.pgcbeautification.com.

Hurricane Season & Flood Awareness

From June through November, the likelihood of hurricanes and tropical storms impacting the eastern United States is extremely high. While hurricane events in Prince George’s County are quite rare, the possibility of associated tropical storms, intense thunderstorms, and flood events are very real. Learn how to be ready for floods during and after with information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

PGCTV Reports on County Earth Day Events 

Check out this segment, courtesy of PGCTV, on the Mulch Madness and Growing Green with Pride events that were held on April 23, as well as ongoing DoE events such as adoptions and the roll out of organics carts for residents that enrolled in the curbside collection program by February 20, 2022. 

If you would like to participate, but missed opting in, please stay tuned for announcements on the next enrollment period or contact PGC311 with questions by calling 3-1-1, visit online or through the app.

To watch the video click here or the image below. 

Spring 2022 Green Scene Newsletter

The latest edition of the Green Scene newsletter is out! Read about all of the virtual and in-person activities that were held throughout the month in honor of Earth Day on April 22. We also show how easy it is to upcycle household items instead of throwing them away and present the Waste Diversion & Recycling Award winners with their certificates. Read all the articles by clicking here or the image below.

Share your Furry Family "Fotos"

In honor of Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, DoE will showcase the furry, feathery, and scaly pets that have been rescued from a shelter to promote the importance of adopting!

Share your cute or funny picture of your four or two-legged family member on social media with the hashtags #PGCEarthDayEveryDay AND #AdoptDontShop.

Photos will be posted starting April 29 in celebration of Adopt a Shelter Pet Day on April 30!

Earth Month Calendar

There's still time left in April to get involved! Take a look at the some of the remaining activities and all the events that have happened in honor of Earth Day! 

View or download a full-size copy of the calendar below.