Howard County property owners and community managers: simplify apartment recycling compliance while boosting resident satisfaction. National Doorstep’s valet trash & recycling program aligns with the Maryland Environment Article requirements and Howard County’s plan-and-review framework to reduce contamination and lift NOI — all with a turnkey service.
Across Howard County — including unincorporated communities like Columbia, Ellicott City, Elkridge, Jessup, Savage, North Laurel, Clarksville, Fulton, Scaggsville, Highland, Glenelg, Glenwood, West Friendship, Dayton, Ilchester, Hanover (part), Marriottsville (part), Woodstock (part) — apartment/condo properties with 10+ dwelling units must provide recycling under Maryland law.
- 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: State mandate for multifamily recycling (Md. Env. §9-1711) implemented locally via County recycling plan submission and review.
- Local & State Alignment: Compatible with Md. Env. §9-1711 (10+ units) and the County’s Apartment & Condo Recycling guidance; plan submission referenced in Ho. Co. Code §18.611.
At a Glance: Howard County, MD
- Jurisdiction: Howard County — no incorporated municipalities; the County provides all local services (Ellicott City and Columbia are unincorporated communities).
- Mandate Type: Mandatory Recycling for apartments/condos (state law).
- Applicability Threshold:
- Recycling: 10+ dwelling units — owner/manager must provide recycling service (collection & removal) per Md. Env. §9-1711.
- County Implementation: Submit a Recycling Plan to Howard County’s Recycling Division for review/approval (Ho. Co. Code §18.611; County ABCR page).
- Required Minimum Materials: County guidance requires programs that collect at least paper, cardboard, plastic bottles/containers, metal/aluminum cans, and glass.
- Reporting: State law authorizes counties to require reporting by covered properties; Howard County requires plan submission and may request activity reporting “in a manner determined by the County.”
- Penalties: Violations of §9-1711(b) or (c) are subject to a civil penalty up to $50 per day (state statute).
- References: Howard County — Apartment & Condo Recycling · Ho. Co. Code §18.611 (Plan Requirement) · Md. Env. §9-1711 (Multifamily Recycling) · §9-1711 — Civil Penalty ($50/day) · County note: no municipalities
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 |
| ☑ Submit Recycling Plan | Complete and file your property’s Recycling Plan with the County’s Recycling Division; maintain records and update as needed. | County ABCR Guidance · Ho. Co. Code §18.611 |
| ☑ Confirm Materials & Signage | Collect at minimum: paper, cardboard, plastic bottles/containers, metal cans, and glass. Provide clear labels and resident education. | County ABCR Guidance |
| ☑ Monitor, Report (if requested) & Document | Audit fullness/contamination monthly; right-size service; retain photo logs/hauler invoices. Provide activity reports if/when County requests. | §9-1711 — Reporting Authority & Penalties |
| ☑ Understand Penalties | Noncompliance with §9-1711(b)/(c) may incur a civil penalty up to $50/day (state statute). | Penalty Reference |
Howard County Multifamily — Compliance Summary
- ☑ Jurisdiction Type: County with no incorporated municipalities; all listed communities are unincorporated.
- ☑ Mandate Type: Mandatory Recycling — apartments/condos must provide recycling (state law).
- ☑ Applicability Thresholds: MF/condo 10+ units (Md. Env. §9-1711).
- ☑ Local Framework: County ABCR guidance + Recycling Plan submission per Ho. Co. Code §18.611; County may require activity reporting.
- ☑ Best Practices: Co-located, clearly labeled containers; resident education; contamination controls; documented audits.
- ☑ Local References: County ABCR Guidance; Ho. Co. Code §18.611; State statute & penalty provision.
Sources verified: Md. Env. §9-1711 (10+ units & $50/day penalty); Howard County ABCR guidance & plan submission; Ho. Co. Code §18.611; County note confirming no municipalities.
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