Press Release

BALTIMORE, MD -- On Saturday, November 15, thousands of Americans across the nation are going to celebrate America Recycles Day to recognize the success and benefits of recycling and commit to keep recycling working. In Maryland, the celebration is sponsored by the Maryland Department of the Environment, the Maryland Recyclers Coalition, Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, Bell Atlantic, Black and Decker, ECO Specialties, Maryland Environmental Service, National Aquarium and the Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority.

Maryland's statewide recycling rate is 29 percent and has been at that rate since 1994. Although the state has consistently exceeded its goal of 20 percent, more can be done to increase the recycling rate. This year's theme; "Keep Recycling Working: Buy Recycled," is designed to take recycling to the next step in this country. By purchasing recycled content products, markets are being built for finished products made from recyclable steel, glass, paper, plastic and aluminum materials that are placed in recycling bins at home and at the office. Buying recycled helps conserve energy, reduces waste and creates opportunity for economic development in Maryland and across the country. The state campaign seeks to get participants to make personal commitments to recycle and is providing pledge cards for that purpose.

Completed pledge cards received at MDE by November 13 will be entered into a random national drawing for the American Green Dream House, a brand new 3-bedroom, 2½ bath home built with recycled materials. The drawing will be held on December 15 in Washington, D.C. by the National Recycling Coalition. Pledge cards can be obtained by calling the Maryland Recyclers Coalition at (410) 974-4478. Pledge cards also can be obtained by contacting the following web pages:

mde.maryland.gov/recycle
www.marylandrecyclers.org
www.americarecyclesday.org

For information on how to get involved with recycling in your office or neighborhood, contact your local recycling coordinator by consulting the Recycling Information Pages in the white pages of your telephone book or by looking at the MDE Recycling home page at the above web site address or by calling MDE at 1(800) 633-6101 extension 3315 or (410) 631-3315.

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