Frequently Asked Questions about Bowie's New Recycling Carts

Why is Bowie making this change to larger recycling containers?
We believe providing larger containers for recycling will encourage more participation in our recycling program and will make it easier for residents to recycle more items.  Other jurisdictions that have made this switch have seen a 30% increase in recycling.

When are the carts being delivered?
The new carts will be delivered to your home during the last week of September or the first couple of weeks in October.  You can begin using them immediately.

What can I put in the new cart?
There are no changes to what can be recycled.  You can still recycle glass containers, metal cans, all plastics (with the exception of plastic plates and utensils), plastic bags, and all types of paper and cardboard.  For the complete list of items, visit the recycling page on our website (www.cityofbowie.org/recycling) or call 301-809-2344.

Do I have to sort my recycling?
There’s no need to sort your recyclables.  If it’s on our list of permissible items, then it can go in our carts. 

Should I put my cart out every week?
Recycling is picked up once a week.  You may put out your cart every week if you prefer or you can help by only putting out your cart when it is at least half full.  Each time the truck stops to pick up a cart, it takes time and uses extra diesel fuel.

How will crews lift the carts?
There are no weight restrictions for these carts.  If it fits in the cart and it’s on our list of acceptable items, then you can recycle it. Recycling trucks are equipped with an arm that can attach to your cart and lift it up and dump it in the truck. 

Will my recycling day change with the new carts?
The day that your recycling is picked up will not change because of the new carts.  You may, however see a change in the time of day that the truck is in your neighborhood.  Recycling should always be at the curb by 7 a.m.

Where should I place my cart?
The cart should be placed at the curb for pickup with the handle facing the street.  You should store the cart in your garage or at the rear of your property.  City Code requires that the refuse and recycling containers, including these carts not be stored in the front or on the side of a property if they will be visible from the street.

Do I have to accept my new cart?
If you would prefer to continue using your blue bin, you may do so.  Please call 301-809-2344 and your cart will be picked up.  Do not use the cart for anything other than recycling.

Can I use my old bin for overflow?
If your cart is full, you may put out additional recyclable items in a blue bin or in any other container marked “Recycle”.

Why are the carts being phased in?
It is an expensive endeavor to purchase 20,000 new carts for residents.  While we believe that the benefit of increased recycling and ease of use will help offset the initial cost of the carts, the City Council decided to spread the cost across two budget years.  Half of the City will receive their carts this fall and the remainder will have them delivered in about a year.  The only exception to this plan will be if the City receives a federal grant to defray some of the cost of the carts.  If our grant application is approved a few more neighborhoods will see the new carts before next fall.

What is the cost of this program?
It costs the City approximately $48 to purchase one of the new 65-gallon recycling carts and slightly less for the 35-gallon carts being delivered to townhouses. To outfit the entire city with the new carts will cost about $800,000. We believe that over time we can offset a good amount of that expense by recycling more and paying less to dump refuse at a landfill. Every ton that we can recycle rather than dump in a landfill saves approximately $56.

Can I get one of the carts if I’m not in the Phase 1 area?
Only the areas specified in Phase 1 will receive carts now.  The plan is to start in Old Bowie and work our way southward. Decisions about which neighborhoods to include in Phase 1 were also based on truck routes. If you are not in one of the neighborhoods included in Phase 1 of this project, you will need to wait a year to receive your cart. The only exceptions are the four neighborhoods that are slated to be added to the program if a federal Department of Energy grant is approved.

Need more information, or have another question about the new recycling carts?  Please call the Public Works Department at 301-809-2344.