Montgomery County property owners and community managers (including Gaithersburg): simplify apartment recycling compliance while boosting resident satisfaction. National Doorstep’s valet trash & recycling program aligns with the Montgomery County Code, County recycling regulations (COMCOR), and Executive Regulations to reduce contamination and lift NOI — all with a turnkey service.
Across Montgomery County — including municipalities that adopt County recycling regulations (e.g., Gaithersburg) and unincorporated communities like Bethesda, Silver Spring, Wheaton, Germantown, Aspen Hill, North Bethesda, Rockville (county-enforced sectors per plan), Potomac, Olney, Chevy Chase, Damascus, Montgomery Village, Glenmont, Kensington — apartment/condo properties must provide recycling, and properties with 7+ units must file an annual recycling report.
- 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 mandate under Montgomery County Code Ch. 48, Art. V (e.g., §48-47), implemented via Executive Regulation 1-15 and COMCOR 48.00.03.
- Local & State Alignment: Consistent with Md. Env. §9-1711 (multifamily recycling authority); Gaithersburg recognizes County implementation for multifamily sectors.
At a Glance: Montgomery County, MD (incl. Gaithersburg)
- Jurisdiction: Montgomery County; Gaithersburg relies on County program/enforcement for multifamily recycling.
- Mandate Type: Mandatory Recycling for apartments/condos (County Code & regs; enabled by state law).
- Applicability Thresholds:
- Recycling Program: All multifamily properties must provide on-site recycling service (same convenience as trash).
- Annual Reporting: 7+ dwelling units — file the County Annual Multi-Family Recycling & Waste Reduction Report (due Feb 1).
- Required Minimum Materials: Collect at least mixed paper/cardboard, commingled containers (glass, metal, plastics per County spec), yard trim, Christmas trees, scrap metal (per County forms/guidance).
- Plan & Operations: Maintain a written Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan; use County-licensed collectors; provide clear signage/education.
- Enforcement: County enforcement under Code §48-49 and COMCOR 48.00.03.05; state civil penalty authority up to $50/day for certain violations of §9-1711.
- References: County TRRAC (Multi-Family) Program · ER 1-15 (Residential & Commercial Recycling) · COMCOR 48.00.03 · County Code §§48-45–51 · Annual Report Notice (deadline) · Md. Env. §9-1711
Property Manager Compliance Checklist
| Task | Action / Requirement | Resources / Links |
|---|---|---|
| ☑ Provide Recycling (County Mandate) | All multifamily properties must provide on-site recycling with convenience comparable to trash; use County-licensed collectors. | TRRAC Program · COMCOR 48.00.03 |
| ☑ Maintain a Written Recycling Plan | Create/maintain a Waste Reduction & Recycling Plan covering storage areas, container counts, education, and contracted services. | ER 1-15 |
| ☑ Collect Required Materials & Post Signage | Collect the County’s required categories (mixed paper/cardboard, commingled containers, yard trim, scrap metal, Christmas trees) and post clear labels/education. | TRRAC Guidance |
| ☑ File Annual Report (7+ Units) | Submit the Multi-Family Recycling & Waste Reduction Report by Feb 1; retain hauler weight tickets/invoices for tonnage support. | County Notice (Deadline) |
| ☑ Understand Enforcement & Penalties | County enforcement under Code §48-49 / COMCOR 48.00.03.05; state statute authorizes civil penalties up to $50/day for certain violations. | Code §§48-45–51 · Md. Env. §9-1711 |
Montgomery County Multifamily — Compliance Summary
- ☑ Jurisdiction Type: County-run multifamily recycling; Gaithersburg follows County program/enforcement.
- ☑ Mandate Type: Mandatory Recycling — all multifamily must provide service.
- ☑ Applicability Thresholds: Reporting required for 7+ units (annual report due Feb 1).
- ☑ Local Framework: County Code Ch. 48 (Art. V) + ER 1-15 + COMCOR 48.00.03; TRRAC program materials/forms operationalize compliance.
- ☑ Best Practices: Co-located, clearly labeled containers; resident/staff education; contamination checks; documented audits & right-sizing.
- ☑ Local References: TRRAC; Executive Regulation; COMCOR; Code; State statute & penalty provision.
Sources verified: Montgomery County Code Ch. 48 (esp. §48-47 to §48-49); COMCOR 48.00.03; Executive Regulation 1-15; County TRRAC program & annual reporting; Md. Env. §9-1711 (authority & civil penalty).
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