MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (7News) — It is Recycling Awareness Week in Montgomery County and officials are reminding residents about the three R's, Reduce waste, Reuse materials, and Recycle more.
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection is now accepting durable medical equipment (DME) at the Shady Grove Transfer Station and Recycling Center. The county is participating in the statewide Department of Aging’s Maryland Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Re-Use program that promotes the refurbishing and reuse of wheelchairs, canes, shower chairs, and other gently used medical equipment.
Each day, the County processes approximately 130 tons of commingled material like glass and plastic, and up to 170 tons of Mixed Paper. Mattresses and box springs are also being accepted.
The new recycling program provides an opportunity for community members to responsibly dispose of old mattresses and box springs and will greatly reduce waste.
"This recycling initiative represents a significant step forward in the County's commitment to creating a greener and more eco-conscious future,” said County Executive Marc Elrich.
Acceptable items in the new recycling program include mattresses and box springs such as, but are not limited to:
- Adjustable base mattresses
- Hybrid mattresses—spring coils with multiple layers of foam
- Innerspring mattresses
- Latex mattresses
- Memory foam mattresses
- Metal and wood bed base foundations and/or box springs
Unacceptable items include:
- Car beds
- Crib or bassinet mattresses
- Fold out sofa beds or futons
- Juvenile products including carriages, crib bumpers, dressing tables, infant carriers and lounge pads
For more information on the Mattress and Box Spring Recycling Program, visit here.
