About
Students, faculty and staff at HCPSS have the opportunity to continue good recycling habits in the cafeteria and classrooms. Recyclables are processed at Waste Management Recycle America in Elkridge and food scraps are processed at the Composting Facility at Alpha Ridge Landfill in Marriottsville.
Recycling Collection
HCPSS offers single stream recycling in the cafeteria and classrooms. Just like at home, items should be clean, empty, dry and free of plastic bags/film before recycling. It's important that only recyclable items are placed in the blue bin.
Collection Information
YES we can accept
Paper
- Books
- Cardboard & paperboard
- Folders
- Milk cartons & juice boxes
- Notebook paper & office paper
- Magazines
- Paper bags (clean)
- Envelopes
- Shredded paper (must be in paper bag)
Metal
- Aluminum cans
- Steel cans
- Aerosol cans (empty)
Glass
- Bottles
- Jars
Plastic
- Applesauce cups
- Reusable containers
- Margarine/butter tubs
- Lunchables
- Peanut butter jars
- Water bottles
- Soda bottles
- Frozen dessert cups
NO we can't accept
Paper
- Binders
- Food-stained paper
- Paper towels & napkins
- Lunch trays
- Laminated paper
- Tissues
Metal
- Scrap metal
- Binders
- Wires & cables
- Electronics
- Batteries
Glass
- Window glass
- Mirrors
- Ceramics
Plastic
- Chip bags
- Candy wrappers
- Food & drink pouches
- Plastic bags & film
- Styrofoam
- Utensils
- Straws
- Yogurt & applesauce lids
Containers & Signs
For successful recycling in schools, it is recommended that all classrooms with a trash bin have a recycling bin placed next to it. This can be a purchased bin or a decorated cardboard box. Recycling bins can be lined, but no plastic bags/film should be emptied into the outdoor recycling toters or dumpsters. Plastic bags and plastic bagged recyclables get wrapped around recycling equipment and jam the screens at the processor. Plastic bags do a lot of damage to the curbside recycling processor equipment.
Signage above trash and recycling bins is highly recommended. Download our posters or create your own!
Large recycling containers for the cafeteria are provided by Custodial Services. If you need additional containers, please contact their office at 410-313-2595.
Food Scrap Collection
Eligible HCPSS schools can participate in food scrap collection in their cafeteria! Food scraps, napkins and compostable trays are sorted in the cafeteria, collected and sent to our Composting Facility at Alpha Ridge Landfill.
Schools that wish to participate can complete our online interest form. Although this does not guarantee participation, the collected data will be used when planning future expansions.
Collection Information
YES we can accept
Food Scraps
- Banana peels
- Apple cores
- Bread crusts
- Leftover food & plate scrapings
- Cheese
- Candy
- Egg shells
- Coffee grounds & tea leaves
- Yogurts
Compostable Items
- Paper lunch trays
- Napkins & paper towels
- Coffee filters
- Tea bags
- Pizza boxes
- Popsicle sticks
- Cut flowers
NO we can't accept
- Liquids
- Fats & grease
- Tissues
- Recyclables
- Styrofoam
- Waxed paper
- Waxed cardboard
Containers & Signs
Food scrap collection can be integrated into existing trash and recycling stations within the cafeteria, kitchen prep area and staff lounge. Howard County Recycling Division provides training, outdoor collection carts, and collection services.
Signage above trash, recycling and food scrap bins is highly recommended. Participating schools can contact the Recycling Division for additional posters or create their own!
Large food scrap containers for the cafeteria are provided by Custodial Services. If you need additional containers, please contact their office at 410-313-2595.
Presentations & Tours
Recycling coordinators can provide in-person and virtual recycling presentations or table your next event! Tours of the Residents' Convenience Center and our state-of-the-art Composting Facility can be scheduled Monday-Friday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Contact us to schedule.
Additional Resources
Contests
Coloring Book Contest
Open to Howard County third, fourth and fifth graders, contestants must draw pictures of how they reduce, reuse and recycle at home or at school. The top 13 drawings will be featured in a coloring book, with the “best in show” appearing on the cover.
"Rethink Recycling" Sculpture Contest
In celebration of America Recycles Day (November 15), Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) holds an annual recycled sculpture contest. This contest is open to all high school students in Maryland. Sculptures must be made from recyclable or reused material. Judges will select an overall winning sculpture along with individual recognition for creativity, workmanship and use of materials.
Next Contest: Friday, November 21, 2025