Transporting and recycling concrete sounds like an easy and straightforward task. You take it from one place and dump it into another. But did you know that every state has rules and regulations for how you dispose of and recycle items? So before you toss your used concrete into a dumpster, take a look at these Maryland concrete recycling laws.
The Maryland Recycling Act
In 1988, Maryland established The Maryland Recycling Act. This authorizes the Maryland Department of the Environment to reduce the disposal of solid waste in Maryland through management, education, and regulation. Some of the most important things to know about the Maryland Recycling Act are:
- State agencies must implement a recycling plan with a 30% recycling rate mandate
- Each jurisdiction selects materials to be recycled and the manner in which materials are to be separated and processed
- If a jurisdiction fails to meet the specified reductions, state and local authorities can prohibit the issuance of building permits for all new construction
While concrete is considered a non-MRA recyclable material, it’s still a good idea to be familiar with the act.
Are There Specific Laws for Recycling Concrete in Maryland?
The short answer is no. While there are no statewide laws pertaining to recycling concrete, every county has its own recommendations for recycling concrete. For example, in Baltimore County, there are three landfills, and only one of them, the Eastern Sanitary Landfill, accepts concrete as recyclable material. In Montgomery County, the Shady Grove Processing Facility and Transfer Station accepts and recycles concrete. Check your local jurisdiction for locations and rules pertaining to concrete recycling.
Why Recycle Concrete?
Reduces Construction Waste
One of the most obvious reasons why it’s beneficial to recycle concrete in Maryland is that it reduces construction waste. Construction waste can take up a lot of space in landfills, especially large pieces of concrete. By recycling used concrete, you help take up less space in landfills.
Extend the Life of Landfills
Because large pieces of concrete are not being thrown into landfills, it means they aren’t getting filled up as quickly, and therefore extends their lifespan.
Reduces Costs Generated from Disposal and Tipping Fees
Recycling concrete helps your bottom line. Instead of spending money on disposal costs and tipping fees, you save money by recycling used concrete.
Lower Transportation Cost
Since concrete can be recycled near demolition sites, you save money on transportation costs as well. A concrete recycling company will come to you and handle the process.
Earn LEED Certification Points
LEED, also known as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Businesses can earn points towards their LEED certification by recycling concrete.
Let Us Recycle Your Concrete
When you need concrete recycling in MD, turn to LCI Recycling. We offer concrete recycling services throughout Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. Contact us today at (301) 953-2493 to learn more about your county’s concrete recycling recommendations and to get easy and convenient concrete recycling services.
