Recycling

Recycling services for the City of Laurel are handled by the Department of Public Works. Please visit the Recycling page to learn more about recycling in the City of Laurel, including answers to the frequently asked questions below:

  • Recycling SymbolWhen is my collection day?
  • How do I know which items can be recycled?

Place your recycling loose in your blue recycle container. Recycling containers are provided by the city for Free!

      • Paper Materials... The City's program provides a collection of most paper materials, including newspapers, newspaper inserts, corrugated and lightweight cardboard, junk mail, telephone books, computer paper, magazines, and books. 
      • Plastics... Recycle plastic bottles made of clear HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and clear or colored PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) plastics. HDPE is the material used in jugs for milk, water and fruit juices. PET is the plastic used in soda bottles. Plastic manufacturers have adopted a code to help identify these materials. The code is a triangle, usually found molded into the bottom of the container, made of arrows with a number in the middle. Narrow-neck plastic containers with the recycling symbol and the numbers "1", "2", "3", "5", and "7" are acceptable for recycling. The City's program can also accept aseptic/gable-top milk and juice cartons. Please empty and rinse all containers.
      • Aluminum... All food and beverage cans made of metal can be recycled. This includes aluminum, steel and bi-metal cans such as soda cans, soup cans, vegetable cans, pet food cans, etc. All cans must be empty and rinsed. Aerosol cans with less than 5% content is acceptable for recycling. For further information regarding preparing your recyclable materials, please refer to the 2010 Resident Information (page 8) or call the Department of Public Works.
      • Glass Jars and Bottles... Recycle all unbroken food and beverage jars and bottles made of glass that is clear, green or brown. All containers must be empty and rinsed with all lids and caps removed. For the safety of the collection crews, we cannot handle broken glass. Place glass in the bin to protect it from breakage. Please do not include ceramics, window panes, dishes, light bulbs, mirror or any other type of glass.
      • No Plastic Bags... The City no longer accepts plastic grocery store bags, plastic film, shrink wrap, and other forms of plastic bags. This includes the use of plastic trash bags in which you put your recycling. A thin plastic film of any variety can be returned to your local grocery store at their bag collection area. Recycling should be placed loosely in your City-issued recycling container. If you have occasional overfill you may put your extra recycling into cardboard boxes or paper bags (if you use a paper yard debris bag for this purpose please mark them as recycling with a permanent marker). If your container is too small you can request a new container by calling the Department of Public Works. Recycling containers are provided by the city for Free!

    • How do I order a new recycling bin?

        • Call Public Works at 301-725-0088 or email DPW@laurel.md.us.

    • What items are NOT accepted for recycling?
        • Plastic Bags: The City no longer accepts plastic grocery bags, shrink wrap, or any plastic film. These should be returned to your local grocery store’s bag collection area.
        • Styrofoam: Items made from Styrofoam (number "6") are not accepted in the City’s recycling program.

        • Non-recyclable Glass: Ceramics, window panes, dishes, light bulbs, mirrors, and other glass types cannot be recycled.

    • Preparing Your Recyclables

      • Place your recyclables loose in your City-issued blue container. Please do not use plastic bags.
      • Cardboard: Flatten cardboard boxes to ensure they fit in your container.
      • Containers: Always rinse bottles, cans, and cartons to prevent contamination.
      • Overfill: If your bin overflows, you can place extra recyclables in cardboard boxes or paper bags, clearly marked as recycling.