DGS Recycling Competition
Why Recycle?
The average American generates 4.43 pounds per day of municipal solid waste including packaging, food scraps, paper, yard trimmings, electronics, durable goods (such as furniture), and nondurable goods (such as clothing), but only recycles or composts 1.51 pounds. That means we are still sending 66% of our daily waste to a landfill!
Nearly forty-five million tons of paper and paperboard were recovered in 2010 - a recycling rate of 63 percent. But each additional ton of paper we recycle:
- Saves 4,100 kWh of energy
- Saves 9 barrels (380 gallons) of oil
- Saves 54 million Btu's of energy
- Saves 60 pounds of air pollutants being released
- Saves 17 trees
In 2010, only 33 percent of glass containers and only 29 percent of plastic water bottles were recycled. And because plastic water bottles are shielded from sunlight in landfills, they will not decompose for thousands of years.
Even though aluminum can be recycled forever with no loss of quality, only 50 percent of aluminum beverage cans get recycled! But the aluminum beverage can industry can make up to 20 cans from recycled aluminum with the same amount of energy it takes to make 1 completely new can and recycling aluminum results in 97% less water pollution than making new metal from ore.
www.cancentral.com/funFacts.cfm
Participating Facilities
Recycling at DGS
Message from Secretary Alvin Collins
The Department of General Services is committed to making Governor Martin O’Malley’s vision of "a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future for the people of Maryland" a reality. Waste reduction and recycling are a critical component.
Chapter 692 of the Acts of 2012 increases the required State Agency recycling rate from 20% to 30% and we at DGS are determined to do better!
That is why I joined Governor O'Malley in Annapolis Monday April 2, 2012 to kick-off a two-month competition among DGS managed buildings to improve recycling rates.
The media event, as well as some of our DGS staff taking action by recycling, can be seen here:
http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2012/04/02/governor-omalley-challenges-state-workers-to-recycle/
The DGS Spring Recycling Competition, which included all DGS managed buildings in central Maryland, took place from Monday April 2, 2012 through Friday June 1, 2012.
Congratulations to the winning facility: Attman-Glazer at 45 Calvert Street in Annapolis!
Though the DGS Spring Recycling Competition has concluded, it initiated a continued effort by DGS to raise awareness, reduce waste, and increase recycling. This web page will continue to display facility recycling data as DGS’ recycling efforts expand across the state. Please note that data is posted approximately two weeks after the close of the reporting month.
Reducing waste and increasing recycling requires everyone to pitch in so please continue to follow the recycling guidelines displayed here, encourage your colleagues to participate and share your ideas for improving our program.
For more information about recycling at DGS, contact Anne Jackson, Sustainability Officer, at 410-767-4618.
More information on waste diversion and recycling in Maryland can be found at MDE's website.
Recycling is another way of Doing Great Service!
What to Recycle |
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Paper
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Shredded Paper
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Cardboard
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Plastic, Glass and Aluminum
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