Baltimore County property owners and community managers: simplify apartment recycling compliance while boosting resident satisfaction. National Doorstep’s valet trash & recycling program aligns with Maryland Environment Article requirements and Baltimore County’s implementation framework to reduce contamination and lift NOI — all with a turnkey service.
In Baltimore County’s communities — including Catonsville, Nottingham, Gwynn Oak, Towson, Dundalk, Essex, Parkville, Randallstown, Pikesville (and all other unincorporated areas) — apartment/condo properties with 10+ dwelling units must provide recycling under Maryland law. The County implements this via its Multifamily Single-Stream Recycling Program and collection regulations.
- NOI & Property Value Lift: Increase ancillary income and retention with a visible sustainability amenity.
- Resident Convenience & Cleanliness: Doorstep recycling reduces overflow and contamination.
- Code-Backed Program: County authority to adopt recycling regulations (Baltimore County Code §13-4-213), plus County collection regulations and guides.
- Local & State Alignment: Compatible with Md. Env. §9-1711 (10+ units) and Md. Env. §9-1703 (county recycling plans), plus the County’s Multifamily Program.
At a Glance: Baltimore County, MD
- Jurisdiction: Baltimore County (surrounds but does not include Baltimore City; no incorporated municipalities—communities are unincorporated/CDPs).
- Mandate Type: Mandatory Recycling for apartments/condos (state law).
- Applicability Threshold:
- Recycling: 10+ dwelling units — owner/manager must provide recycling service (Md. Env. §9-1711).
- County Implementation: County program assists properties in complying with state law; operational rules via County regulations.
- Accepted (typical): Paper, cardboard, metals, plastics (confirm locally); County is single-stream.
- Not Accepted: Plastic bags/film, Styrofoam, HHW, e-waste, bulky items (special handling).
- References: Md. Env. §9-1711 (10+ units) · Md. Env. §9-1703 · Baltimore County — Multifamily Program · County Code §13-4-213 (Recycling of Wastes) · Residential Trash & Recycling Collection Regulations (PDF) · County — Recycling Collection · MDE Statewide Multifamily Recycling (PDF)
Property Manager Compliance Checklist
| Task | Action / Requirement | Resources / Links |
|---|---|---|
| ☑ Provide Recycling (State Mandate) | If your property has 10+ dwelling units, you must provide recycling service (collection & removal for further recycling). | Md. Env. §9-1711 |
| ☑ Align with County Program | Coordinate containers, set-out, enclosure location/access, and resident education to match County single-stream practices. | County — Multifamily Program |
| ☑ Follow Local Regulations | Ensure set-out rules, access, and scavenging prohibitions are met; document your schedule and vendor information. | Collection Regulations (PDF) · Code §13-4-213 |
| ☑ Accepted Materials & Signage | Use single-stream-compatible lists and clear signage; avoid bags/film and contamination; keep lids closed. | Recycling Collection |
| ☑ Monitor & Document | Audit fullness/contamination monthly; right-size service; keep photo logs and hauler invoices to demonstrate compliance. | MDE Statewide Multifamily (PDF) |
Baltimore County Multifamily — Compliance Summary
- ☑ Jurisdiction Type: County (no incorporated municipalities; communities are unincorporated/CDPs).
- ☑ Mandate Type: Mandatory Recycling — apartments/condos must provide recycling (state law).
- ☑ Applicability Thresholds: MF/condo 10+ units (Md. Env. §9-1711).
- ☑ Local Framework: County Code authority (§13-4-213) + County collection regulations and multifamily program.
- ☑ Best Practices: Co-located, clearly labeled containers; resident education; contamination controls; documented audits.
- ☑ Local References: County Multifamily Program; Collection Regulations (PDF); Recycling Collection page.
Sources verified: Md. Env. §9-1711 (10+ units) & §9-1703; Baltimore County Code §13-4-213; Baltimore County Multifamily Single-Stream Recycling Program; Baltimore County Residential Trash & Recycling Collection Regulations (PDF); Baltimore County Recycling Collection page; MDE Statewide Multifamily Recycling Needs Assessment (PDF).
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