News & Information from the Department of Public Works
Recycling
Batteries and electronics do not belong in the recycling cart. These can start fires at recycling facilities and in trucks.
For more information on where to recycle these go to https://www.collegeparkmd.gov/recycling#reuse
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Styrofoam Recycling
A drop-off container is at the entrance to Public Works for block Styrofoam recycling. Only block Styrofoam is accepted. No peanuts, cups, plates, or egg cartons are accepted.
Items Available for Purchase
The following items are on display and are available to purchase and pick up Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at Davis Hall - 9217 51st Avenue, College Park. For more information call 301-487-3590 or email publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov. Click below for more information:
- Rain Barrels - $81.25
- Yard Waste Carts - $30 for City residents
- Backyard Compost Bins - $20 for City residents and $40 for non-residents
- Smartleaf Compost is SOLD OUT! We hope to have more in late September, call for availability!
- Wood Mulch may be picked up as supplies last. Hours for picking up product: Mon.-Fri. between 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Delivery is available for an additional fee, click here to schedule a delivery. Material can be loaded into open-bed pickup trucks or trailers. Don't have a truck? Bring a shovel and your own containers (bins, buckets, bags, etc.), and be prepared to load your containers yourself. We sell in 1/4 cubic yard increments. For more information on compost click here, or wood mulch click here. For further questions call 240-487-3593.
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Litter & Waste
Litter can be DEADLY for our animal friends! They get entangled in 6-pack holders, ingest harmful plastic bags, and even choke on cigarette butts. Be part of the solution! Cut 6-pack holders before tossing them in the trash, and pick up litter when you see it.
Yard Waste Preparation
Not sure how to properly sort soft and woody yard waste? Learn what the two types of yard waste are, plus when they are collected and how to schedule an appointment by visiting www.collegeparkmd.gov/yardwaste.
Curbside Food Scrap Collection
This new voluntary program will divert organic materials, that are not waste, out of our landfill and will reduce harmful greenhouse gases emitted from organic decomposition in landfills, which contributes to climate change. If your household currently receives curbside trash and recycling collection within the City of College Park, then you are eligible to participate in the new program; residential collections only.
Ongoing registrations accepted. Sign up online at www.collegeparkmd.gov/CurbsideCollectionApp
Bulk Trash & Special Collections
To learn more about Bulk Trash and Special Collections, including accepted or prohibited items, requirements, fees (if applicable), and more, please visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/specialcollections.
The new fiscal year began July 1, resetting the count for everyone.
To schedule a pick-up, please call the Department of Public Works at 240-487-3590 or email publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov.
City Tree Programs
Trees provide many benefits such as reduction of cooling and heating costs, interception of rainwater, increasing property values and improving air quality. The City offers a few ways to help including tree planting programs, reimbursement for owners via the Tree Canopy Enhancement Program, and more.
Visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/trees for details on these programs, along with lots of tips to maintain your trees and other City tree requirements!
Grass Clippings
As you take care of your lawn this season, do not sweep or blow grass and leaves into the street. Lawn clippings and debris that are left in the street wash into storm drain systems, potentially clogging them, which may result in flooding. Debris that washes into storm drains is transported through local waterways and eventually to the Chesapeake Bay, threatening aquatic life and drinking water quality.
Instead, you can leave the grass clippings on the lawn to recycle the nutrients or start a compost pile in your backyard (click here for a brochure from the Maryland Department of Agriculture.) You may also place clippings in paper bags or reusable containers for weekly curbside pickup on the same day as your trash and recycling collection.