Stop Making Non-Essential Trips To Alpha Ridge Landfill: Official

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — Howard County officials remind residents that while the Alpha Ridge Landfill remains open with normal operating hours, it is to be used only by residents who do not have curbside collection service. According to Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, residents are popping by the landfill for "non-essential visits," which is a violation of Gov. Larry Hogan's stay-at-home executive order.

“We recognize that residents are, understandably, trying to keep busy at home and some are spring cleaning, however now is not the time to unnecessarily put our workers or yourself at risk, so please stay home unless you have to go out,” said Ball in a statement. “This is a serious public health crisis, and residents should only be out for essential trips, we know this can be disruptive, but it is necessary and won’t last forever, if we continue doing what we can to flatten the curve.”

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The only items that should be brought to Alpha Ridge are those that require immediate disposal, such as kitchen or bathroom trash, Ball said. Residents should not bring items such as furniture, construction debris or large amounts of trash from spring cleaning and home cleaning. Due to limited staffing and the need to prioritize items needing immediate proper disposal, residents are asked to delay the disposal of other items until the state of emergency has been lifted, Ball said.

Residents with household hazardous waste can take that material to Alpha Ridge Landfill’s Residents Convenience Center on Saturdays and Tuesdays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Those materials include corrosive, flammable, reactive or toxic products as pesticides, herbicides, degreasers, etc.

A 10-vehicle limit is in effect at the resident’s convenience center during operating hours. Wait times can be one hour or greater at peak times and on Saturdays. Residents who do choose to bring items to Alpha Ridge may experience changes to previous operations. Once on site, you will be directed to disposal locations; be sure to follow all directions from county employees and on-site signage. Be patient and expect delays during your visit. Historically, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays are the least congested.

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