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Maryland Statewide Rule

Maryland Recycling Act County Mandates

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Maryland (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
Environment Article 9-1701
Large County Target
35% recycling
Small County Target
20% recycling
Apartment Mandate
10+ units required
Yard Waste
Landfill ban
Last verified: August 20, 2026Source: Maryland General Assembly

Summary

The Maryland Recycling Act of 1988 requires every county and Baltimore City to recycle a minimum percentage of solid waste. Larger jurisdictions must recycle 35%, smaller counties 20%, with mandatory office paper, yard waste, and refillable container provisions statewide.

(1) On or before October 1, 2014, each property owner or manager of an apartment building or a council of unit owners of a condominium shall provide for recycling for the residents of the dwelling units, including: (i) The collection of recyclable materials from residents of the dwelling units; and (ii) The removal for further recycling of recyclable materials collected from residents of the dwelling units.

Source: Maryland General AssemblyView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Environment Article Sections 9-1701 through 9-1730, every Maryland county and Baltimore City must adopt and implement a recycling plan approved by the Maryland Department of the Environment. Counties with populations over 150,000 must achieve a 35% recycling rate, and smaller counties must reach 20%. The state also mandates yard waste diversion from landfills, recycling at office buildings with 100 or more employees, and the Maryland Statewide Electronics Recycling Program. Apartment buildings with 10 or more units must provide recycling collection. Counties may exceed these minimums but cannot opt out. Annual reporting to MDE is required.

Violations & Penalties

Counties failing to meet targets face MDE enforcement and corrective action orders. Businesses subject to mandatory recycling face fines up to $50 per day per violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Maryland apartments have to provide recycling?
Yes. Multifamily properties with 10 or more dwelling units must provide recycling collection to residents under the Maryland Recycling Act.
Can I throw yard waste in the trash in Maryland?
No. State law bans yard waste from landfills statewide. Counties provide separate yard waste collection or designated drop-off facilities.

Sources

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