Policy aims to prevent fraudulent use Annapolis (November 4, 2011) - The Bureau of Waste Management Services is implementing a stricter policy of distributing recycling containers that requires customers to show proof of Anne Arundel County residency. "We have seen evidence of people from other jurisdictions taking advantage of our free containers at the expense of our residents," County Executive Leopold said. "This is counterproductive to our successful efforts to increase curbside recycling, protect the environment, decrease operating costs and extend the life of our landfill. This new procedure will help protect the investments taxpayers have made to improve recycling." Effective this week, residents seeking a yellow recycling container must submit proof of residency and acknowledge in writing that they will use the container solely for the intended purpose of recycling and only within Anne Arundel County. The Department of Public Works Waste Management Services Recycling Container Program is funded by residential customer fees. Under the program, yellow recycling containers are made available to residential County customers. The containers are the property of Anne Arundel County and strictly intended for the storage of recyclable materials prior to placement at the curb or transport to a County-operated citizen drop off center. "When I see our containers outside of the County, I know that individuals are not paying for them and do not have a right to possess them," said County Councilman John Grasso. "In these tough times we can't waste money by letting people abuse the system." County Executive Leopold kicked off his 50/50 Recycling Challenge initiative and RecycleMoreOften campaign in 2008 to protect the environment and delay the approaching monumental expense of purchasing land for a new landfill. At the kickoff, he challenged residents to recycle half of everything they throw away. The curbside recycling rate has increased from a stagnant 31% in 2008 to the current rate of 39%. For more information visit www.aacounty.org/DPW/WasteManagement/troublefreeRecytips.cfm or www.recyclemoreoften.com or call the County Recycling Division at 410-222-7951. | 
