Regional Compliance Hub: Electronics (Mon–Sat) & Seasonal HazMat (Apr–Nov) — Howard County, MD

This regional hub is designed to keep communities compliant by directing residents to the correct, County-approved drop-off facility for items that are strictly not allowed in standard trash streams—especially electronics, hazardous household chemicals, and bulk items. Because Howard County’s Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program is seasonal (with limited winter availability) and apartment dumpsters commonly ban electronics and bulk items, the Alpha Ridge Landfill & Residents’ Convenience Center is the County’s critical Compliance Hub. [1][2][3]

Alpha Ridge Landfill & Residents’ Convenience Center (Electronics + Drop-Off Recycling + Bulk)

The “Electronics” Solution: Alpha Ridge is the County’s primary drop-off for common e-waste such as computers, TVs, monitors, and printers. [2][4]

Hours: Monday – Saturday (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM) for the Residents’ Convenience Center (confirm material-specific cutoffs if using the Transfer Station). [1][2]

Fee: Electronics drop-off is generally listed as a resident program; bring proof of Howard County residency per County rules. [2][4]

  • Facility: Alpha Ridge Landfill & Residents’ Convenience Center[1]
  • Address: 2350 Marriottsville Rd, Marriottsville, MD 21104[2]
  • Hours: Mon–Sat, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM[1][2]
  • Electronics (Examples): computers, TVs, monitors, printers, cables/cords[2][4]
  • Single-Stream Recycling: paper, plastic bottles/containers, metal cans, glass bottles & jars (keep items empty; leave lids/caps on)[5]

Styrofoam Recycling: Verify Before You Haul

Important compliance note: Many residents assume “Styrofoam #6” is recyclable, but County guidance and landfill materials lists can change with end-markets. The County’s Alpha Ridge materials guide explicitly warns “No Styrofoam” in key drop-off streams (for example, cardboard and rigid plastics), so do not bring foam unless the County confirms an active, dedicated container for your specific foam type. [5]

Action: Check the County’s accepted-materials list (or ask staff on-site) before you make a foam-only trip. [2][5]

The “Seasonal” HazMat Warning (Apr–Nov): Closed Most of Winter

Crucial rule: Household Hazardous Waste (chemicals, pesticides, solvents, oil-based paint, pool chemicals) is accepted at Alpha Ridge ONLY on Saturdays from April through November (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM). [3][5]

Winter status: The County notes HHW is seasonal and may offer limited special Saturday collections during the off-season—so if it’s January, assume HHW is closed unless a winter date is posted. [3]

Latex Paint: Don’t Wait for HHW Days

Best practice (small amounts): Howard County advises residents to solidify latex paint (for example, mix with kitty litter or shredded paper) and dispose of the solid paint can with regular trash. [5]

Crucial Rights: The “10+ Unit” Recycling Mandate (Apartments & Condos)

Mandate Type: Mandatory Recycling / Mandatory Offer to Recycle (multi-family). [6][7]

Applicability Threshold: Properties with 10 or more units must provide weekly recycling service for residents (and Howard County requires covered properties to submit a Recycling Plan). [6][8]

Your right: If your complex has 10+ units and lacks a blue recycling dumpster / recycling access, property management is out of compliance. [6][7]

Action: Report concerns to the Howard County Bureau of Environmental Services at 410-313-6444. [1][6]

Bulk Trash (The “Apartment Gap”): Curbside Bulk Is Not for Most Apartments

The rule: County bulk trash pickup is limited to residents who receive County collections (curbside service). [9]

Apartment reality: Most apartment residents cannot place sofas or mattresses at the curb under the homeowner curbside system.

Action: Self-haul eligible items to Alpha Ridge (proof of residency required) or use a private junk removal service. [2][5]

Glass Recycling (Single-Stream): Yes — Bottles & Jars Are Accepted

Status: Howard County accepts glass bottles and jars in single-stream recycling (including apartment recycling dumpsters). You do not need to separate them. [5]

Critical rule: Do not bag recyclables—Alpha Ridge explicitly states it no longer accepts recyclables bagged in plastic. Place recyclables loose in the compactor and take any transport bag back home. [2][5]

Food Scraps (Green Bin): “Feed the Green Bin” (No Plastic Bags)

Pilot / program note: Some communities participate in Howard County’s Feed the Green Bin food-scrap collection program. If your building provides a green bin, follow the County’s rules—no plastic bags (paper bags and certified compostable bags are typically allowed). [10][11]

How We Solve This For You (National Doorstep)

Compliance is operational. For 10+ unit communities, we help property management run an inspector-ready recycling program by standardizing bin access, reducing contamination, preventing overflow, and creating resident-facing routines that keep enclosures clean and compliant.

CTA: Request a Free Compliance Audit for your Howard County Property

EEAT Sources: [1] Howard County: Alpha Ridge Landfill (facility overview + hours)  |  [2] Howard County: Residents’ Convenience Center (accepted electronics; no bagged recycling)  |  [3] Howard County: Household Hazardous Waste (Saturdays only Apr–Nov; limited winter dates)  |  [4] Howard County (PDF): Electronics recycling (TVs/monitors/computers list; hours; residency)  |  [5] Howard County (PDF): Alpha Ridge Landfill Guide (single-stream includes glass; no plastic bags; HHW & latex dry-out tip; “No Styrofoam” notes)  |  [6] Howard County: Apartment & Condo Recycling (10+ unit requirement; Recycling Plan)  |  [7] Maryland Environment § 9-1711 (multi-family recycling requirement)  |  [8] Howard County: Trash & Recycling Division (10+ unit apartment/condo recycling program)  |  [9] Howard County: Bulk Trash & Scrap Metal Collection (eligibility tied to County collections)  |  [10] Howard County: Feed the Green Bin (program overview)  |  [11] Howard County (PDF): Feed the Green Bin brochure (no plastic bags; accepted bag types)

 
National Doorstep - The Valet Trash Service Experts

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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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