Council reviews state‑driven office‑building recycling plan; staff to consider plastic‑bag handling language

Howard County’s Department of Public Works briefed the council on CB6 and CR10, which would amend the Solid Waste Master Plan to implement a state requirement that owners of office buildings at or above a size threshold prepare and submit building recycling plans. DPW said plans must show tenant outreach, maps of recycling receptacles, collection frequency, contractor identification and proof of where material is taken.

Mark DeLuca (DPW) explained the state law (SB370) triggered the requirement and that the county resolution (CR10) places required language into the county plan. He and other DPW staff said the implementation will include outreach and education materials for building owners and their tenants and that the county will review submitted recycling plans for compliance.

Public commenters asked for stronger language in the plan about plastic bags and how materials are handled at the county’s resource recovery facilities. Joe Hurwitz noted that if recyclables are collected in plastic bags and later rejected by the end processor, the county risks creating an “illusion of recycling.” DPW staff said they would consider including guidance in the plan and provide outreach materials and suggested that specific prohibitions (for bags) might be addressed in related county policies rather than in the plan language itself.

Councilmembers asked technical questions and requested staff follow up with specific language options. No final vote was recorded at the hearing.