Refuse/Recycling FAQ's

The City of Greenbelt is proud of its recycling efforts and citizen participation. Below are some frequently asked questions. Other information is covered in the links to the left under Refuse and Recycling. The City has also produced a booklet "Refuse and Recycling the Greenbelt Way" which contains important information. This booklet may be downloaded by following the link above or the General Information link under Refuse and Recycling to the left.

 

 

How can I get twice a week collection?

The current cost for once a week residential refuse and recycling is $200/year-$50/qtr.

If you prefer to have a permanent twice per week refuse collection, the cost to residents is an extra $112 ($312.00 total per year.) This will be billed at $28 per quarter.

A second option is to pay for and receive a one-time extra pick-up. This service costs $15 dollars, and may be arranged by calling Public Works at (301) 474-8004 at least 24 hours prior to the desired pickup. We request that the $15 extra payment be sent to the Finance Office in advance at 25 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, Maryland. However, if this is not possible, the finance office will bill you.

CLICK HERE FOR AN APPLICATION FOR TWICE A
WEEK COLLECTION.

What goes in my recycling bin?

Yes!!! 

No!!!

PLASTIC  Narrow Neck #1 and #2  

**Empty and rinse

Examples:  Beverage bottles, milk jugs, ketchup bottles, salad dressing bottles, detergent bottles and shampoo bottles.

 

METAL/ALUMINUM Food and Beverage cans
**Empty and rinse

Examples:  Beverage, soup, tuna, vegetable and pet food cans.

GLASS food and beverage containers

**Empty and rinse

Examples:  Beverage bottles, baby food and mayonnaise/relish jars.

PAPER
Examples:  Newspapers and inserts (plastic bags removed), computer and office paper, telephone books, junk mail, magazines, catalogs, cereal and food product boxes, corrugated cardboard packing boxes. 

  • Yogurt containers and margarine tubs
  • PLASTIC BAGS (Grocery stores accept bags for recycling)
  • Salad bar containers
  • Bottles that once held hazardous products such as automotive and garden products
  • Caps and lids
    Scrap metal
  • Pots and pans
  • Aluminum foil or pie plates
  • Mirror or window glass
  • Drinking glasses
  • Cookware
  • Pottery and ceramics
  • Caps and lids
  • Wax or plastic coated boxes such as frozen food boxes
  • Paper milk or juice cartons
  • Plastic inner liners of food product boxes
  • Paper towels, napkins or tissues
  • Styrofoam


How is special trash and yard debris collected?

SPECIAL TRASH

Special trash items are ccollected with regular refuse collections.
GHI HOMES: Call 301-474-8004 by 12 noon the day before your collection day to request a pickup. Place special trash items in your yard on the service side by 7 a.m. on you collection day. When calling, please clearly state you address ("1B as in boy" or "12 V as in Victor.") and describe the items which are to be collected.

GHI residents may also request a special pick up by
emailing Public Works.

Non-GHI Homes: Place special trash items at the curb by 7 a.m. on your collection day. You do not need to call for a pickup.

All special trash must be bagged, boxed or bundled and no item weighing more than 50 pounds will be collected. All items must be broken down and bundled in less than four foot lengths. Furniture that is put out for collection can be kept intact.

 

YARD WASTE

Yard waste in paper bags and bins is collected every Friday, except during holiday weeks. Bins must be marked or labeled as YARD WASTE. Free labels are available at the Public Works Office.
GHI Homes:Call 301-474-8004 by 12 noon on Thursday to schedule a Friday collection. Place yard waste in your yard on the service side by 7 a.m. Friday for collection.


GHI residents may also request a special pick up by
emailing Public Works.

Non-GHI Homes: Place yard wste at the curb by 7 a.m. on Friday. You do not need to call for a pickup.

 

Where do I get paper yard waste bags?

The Finance Office, at 25 Crescent Road, sells paper yard waste bags 10 for $4.00 during business hours. Local grocery and hardware stores also carry the bags.

GHI Homes: Since GHI Homes do not receive leaf vacuum collection, they may pick up 10 free bags each fall at the GHI Maintenance Facility.
 


May I tke items directly to the landfill?

Prince George's County offers residents the opportunity to dispose of refuse and special trash at the Brown Station Road Landfill in Upper Marlboro at no charge on Sundays from 7:30a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics for recycling may also be taken here. You must be able to show proof of residency in Prince George's County. For further information, call the Brown Station Landfill at 301-952-7610 or visit the website.

Note: Different hours/fees apply to commercial customers. You will be considered a commercial customer if you use a company work truck to haul your residential debris.

Do my refuse containers need to have lids?

Residents are reminded that all trash containers must be equipped with a tightly fitting lid. All trash must also be in a tied bag before being placed in a trash can (City Code Sec. 17-42,43).

 

 

What can I recycle in Greenbelt?
Mixed Paper
Newspaper
Magazines
Phone Books
Cardboard
Paperboard
Envelopes
Junk Mail
White and Colored Paper
Flattened Cardboard
Paperboard (cereal boxes, cracker boxes, etc.)
Put mixed paper in a paper bag or a labeled permanent container and set it next to your recycling bin on collection day. Pizza boxes, napkins or other "dirty" paper should not be included.

Cans and Bottles
Aluminum Cans
Steel Food Cans
Glass Bottles and Jars (please put lids in the trash)
Plastic Bottles (shampoo, detergent and soda bottles)
Please rinse bottles and cans. Plastics like deli sandwich "clamshell" containers, butter and margarine tubs, yogurt containers and microwave trays should not be included.
 

Can I get a new recycling bin?

Each house is provided one recycling bin for recycling. Call (301) 474-8308 if you need a new one. Free "Mixed paper" stickers are available if you have a seperate bin for papers.

 

What time should I have my refuse and recyclables out?

The collectors begin their routes at 7:00 am each morning. Make sure you have your bin and all your mixed paper set out for collection before 7:00 am.

 

Where are the 24-Hour recycling drop-off centers located and what can be recycled there?

You can the recycle the following items ANYTIME at the recycling center at Buddy Attic Park (entrance is located just below the parking area):
Oil, Antifreeze, Auto batteries, Newspaper, Magazines, Phone Books, Cardboard, Paperboard, Envelopes, Junk Mail, White and Colored Paper
Flattened Cardboard
Paperboard (cereal boxes, cracker boxes, etc.)
Aluminum Cans
Steel Food Cans
Glass Bottles and Jars (please put lids in the trash)
Narrow neckPlastic Bottles (shampoo, detergent and soda bottles)


East Greenbelt Recycling Center: Located at the end of Hanover Dr.
(just off Hanover Parkway by the Dog Park)
Accepted Items: Newspaper, Mixed Paper, Magazines, Cardboard
 
Call the Recycling Office at 301-474-8308 for more information.
 

Public Works Department
555 Crescent Road
Phone: 301-474-8004
Fax: 301-474-8149