News
Maryland ban on disposal of yard trimmings
The Montgomery County DEP launched its yard trimmings source reduction program over a 2-year period (1994 to 1995), during which it targeted 180,000 single family homes, 250 landscape and lawn service companies, 30,000 multifamily and commercial property managers, conservation groups, homeowner associations, garden clubs, nature centres, public gardens, and nurseries. Through its comprehensive public education efforts to encourage on-site management of yard trimmings, approximately 53,000 tonnes, nearly 50% of the projected total yard trimmings generation, were source reduced in 1995. Indeed, 70% of the resident’s grass cycled and 60% composted in 1995. In total, Montgomery County’s grasscycling campaign diverts approximately 27,000 tons of grass clippings per year. Several of their public education tools have received national and international awards for their innovativeness. The cost effectiveness for the source reduction was estimated at $4.38 per tonne in 1995.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.epa.gov/waste/conserve/rrr/pubs/r99034.pdf
General data
|
Country |
Other non European countries |
|
RA/LA |
Montgomery County / Maryland / USA |
|
Population |
971.600 (2009) |
|
Waste generated (kg/inh/y) |
1.400 (2009) |
Waste prevention activity data
| Waste flow | Bio-waste : Green waste |
| Strategy | Green scaping |
| Scale | Roll out |
| Year(s) of tde project development | From 1994 to 1995 |
| Participation target | 180,000 single family homes, 250 landscape and lawn service companies, 30,000 multifamily and commercial property managers. |
| Waste reduction target | / |
| Participation rate | 70% of the resident’s grass cycled in 1995 , 60% of the resident’s composted in 1995 |
| Waste quantities reduced | In 1995 approximately 53,000 tonnes, nearly 50% of the projected total yard trimmings generation, were source reduced in 1995. Overall, 27,000 tonnes of grass clippings were diverted per year |
| Budget | Start up costs grass cycling initiative: $ 360.000 Start up costs composting and mulching: $ 230.000.The county avoided a $2.5 million expansion of its composting facilities and averted $1 million in annual composting costs |
