BALTIMORE, MD — With sunshine and balmy temperatures above 50-degrees warming the City this week, it is the perfect time to do some spring cleaning in the City’s neighborhoods, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works announced today.

Just one week ago, snow and ice covered the Baltimore region. This final blast (fingers crossed!) of winter weather wreaked havoc on DPW’s efforts to collect trash and recycling. Solid Waste crews coped with icy alleys, and many workers were injured on the ice. During last week’s snow, numerous Solid Waste crews were diverted from their regular duties to assist with the City’s snow response effort.

“We are relieved that spring has finally made an appearance in the Baltimore region, allowing our Solid Waste operations to return to normal schedules. We apologize for the inconvenience that delayed trash and recycling collection has caused some of our citizens,” said DPW Director Rudolph S. Chow, P.E.
With snow melting and curbs clearing, regular trash and recycling pick-ups and street sweeping schedules resumed Tuesday, March 10. Warmer temperatures have allowed DPW to start cleaning trash that has collected on roadside shoulders.

DPW continues to remind citizens to place trash in cans with tight-fitting lids and to report illegal dumping to 311.

Recycle Bins on Sale

Director Chow invites residents to take advantage of DPW services—recycle bin sales and hazardous waste collections—to support citizens’ efforts to make Baltimore a healthier, greener City.

On Saturday, March 14, DPW is hosting an I-rishcyle Recycle Bin Sale. This sale comes just in time to collect those celebratory St. Patrick’s Day cans and bottles.
The bright canary yellow 25-gallon recycling bins will be on sale at deeply discounted rates. Baltimore residents can purchase the bins for $7 (regularly $12). Smaller 18-gallon bins are on sale for $4 (regularly $5), and if available, lids for the large contains will be on sale for $3.The March 14 bin sale will be located at the Southwest Citizens’ Convenience Center, 701 Reedbird Ave. from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Sign up for Mayor’s Spring Cleanup

Director Chow also reminds communities to continue to sign up for the Mayor’s Spring Cleanup. The annual Spring Cleanup is April 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Communities can sign up to participate in the Spring Cleanup by calling 311.
To participate, community associations should organize now and provide their cleanup location(s), planned activities, and anticipated numbers of participants when calling 311. This is the 16th annual spring cleaning event, and it continues to grow in popularity, with neighborhoods in every part of the City sweeping, raking, planting and painting. 

Residents and property owners have an added incentive to get their communities clean now that the Stormwater Fee is in effect. One way to receive credits to reduce this fee is to participate in organized cleanups such as the Mayor’s Annual Cleanups. Information on how to obtain Stormwater Fee credits will be provided to communities when they call 311 to register for the Spring Cleanup.

For additional information about the Stormwater Fee credit program, please visithttp://www.cleanwaterbaltimore.org/residential_stormwater_fee_and_credits.

Household Hazardous Waste Collected

On April 4, Household Hazardous Waste Collection season begins at the Northwest Citizen Convenience Center located at 2840 Sisson Street. The facility will collect materials from April through October.

Residents must show proof of City residency, e.g. a driver's license, telephone bill or tax bill, before they can drop off any hazardous items. Residents must also be able to identify the material.

These events are for household hazardous waste materials ONLY. Businesses and commercial users should contact a vendor for proper hazardous waste disposal. Commercial vehicles are not allowed at the facility.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Schedule for 2015: 

April 4, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
May 1 and May 2, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
June 5 and June 6, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
NO COLLECTION IN JULY 2015
August 7 and August 8, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
September 4 and September 5, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
October 2 and October 3, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

To learn more about DPW activities please consult your DPW Calendar or go tohttp://publicworks.baltimorecity.gov.

Remember, a cleaner Baltimore starts with each of us properly disposing of waste and keeping our properties, sidewalks, alleys, curbs and gutters clean.