Howard County - Bureau of Environmental Services

County Executive County Council

Bureau of Environmental Services

Mark DeLuca, Chief

6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite 514
Columbia, MD 21046
410-313-6444

Employees operate the County landfill, implement and manage recycling programs, oversee residential trash collections and administer storm water management.

Mission Statement:

Advancing environmental responsibility through responsive solutions and service.

New!
Learn more about the Watershed Protection and Restoration Fund.

Alpha Ridge Landfill

Alpha Ridge Landfill, located in the western part of the County, is open to both residential and commercial customers. The public can dispose of recyclable materials, trash and household hazardous waste. A residents’ drop-off center is open Monday through Saturday for the public’s convenience. This section provides information on the landfill location, hours of operation, household hazardous waste drop-off, landfill permits, recycling center drop-off, prohibited items, community clean up, recycling and residential trash.

NOTE: The Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Center at the Landfill is open Saturdays, 8 am to 4 pm April through November.

Visit the Alpha Ridge Landfill website.

New Cut Landfill Solar Panels: Read an article about the Solar Project and click here to see how much energy is generated by the solar panels at New Cut Landfill.

Recycling

The County provides many opportunities for the public to recycle items ranging from plastic bottles to Christmas trees. Curbside collections and drop-off opportunities are available to residents year-round. This section provides information on how to recycle, recycling rules and regulations, and seasonal solutions for recycling.

Visit the Recycling website.

Storm Water Management

The Storm Water Management Division inspects storm water management facilities, including ponds; and manages stream and watershed studies and restoration projects in the County. The Division also maintains and assists residents with interpreting the County’s flood plain studies and flood insurance maps. This section provides information on the storm water management, watershed management, flood protection, community involvement, illicit discharge, and the Howard County Storm Water Management Design Manual.

Tiber-Hudson and Plumtree Branch Stream Corridor Assessment and Case Study: Valley Mede-Ellicott City Tropical Storm Lee Flood Event.

Visit the Storm Water Management website.

Want to Help us Improve Water Quality and Service ?

Please complete our 3 minute survey to help make us better.

Trash Collection

Curbside trash collection is provided once per week to single family, townhome and condominium residents. This section provides information on general trash tips, rules and regulations for curbside collection, inclement weather policy, holiday collection schedule, tips to cut your trash in half, where to call for more information, and trash drop-off location.

Visit the Trash website.