Kent County Recycling and Waste Disposal

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Kent County Homeowners

Recycling & Disposal

 

Antifreeze

Accepted FREE of charge at all Kent County Drop-off Centers

 

Batteries

Household Batteries – Alkaline:    Kent County does not have a recycling program for household batteries. Most alkaline batteries currently on the market apparently have less mercury in them than previous products. Therefore, some industry representatives recommend disposal with regular solid waste as an appropriate option. Common household batteries are exempt from hazardous waste regulations and can therefore legally be disposed of with household trash.

The Recycling Program does encourage citizens to recycle if possible. You can purchase a recycling container online http://www.call2recycle.org/locator/ or call 1-800-8 Battery

Lead Acid Batteries - Car, truck, motorcycle, marine can be recycled at the Nicholson Drop-off Center free of charge.

Rechargeable Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) Batteries - These batteries are commonly found in camcorders, laptop computers, cellular and cordless telephones, portable power tools and other devices. These batteries can be recycled at sites participating in the Charge Up to Recycle! Program. For information and the nearest location call 1-800-8 Battery  or http://www.call2recycle.org/locator/

JBK Hardware in Chestertown, Lowes & Home Depot have accepted these rechargeable batteries in the past.

 

Car/Auto Disposal & Donations

Metal Scrap/Junk Yards 

Bennett & Cohey  Rt. 213 Between Chestertown and Church Hill  410-778-3462

Donate to a Charity:

http://maryland.wheelsforwishes.org/. 

Goodwill Car Donation

Kars 4 Kids

Vehicles for Veterans

https://kidscardonations.org/locations/maryland/

https://www.veterancardonations.org/locations/maryland

 

Clothing/Textiles

Accepted FREE of charge at all Kent County Drop-off Centers

Infinity Recycling – Millington, MD 410-928-3333

Hidden Treasures  -  711 Washington Ave. Chestertown, MD 410-778-1219

Nearly New Shop  320 High St.  Chestertown, MD   410-778-1781

 

Computers & Computer Components

Accepted FREE of charge at the Nicholson Drop-off Center

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event

CRT Monitors are not accepted for recycling but can be delivered to the Nicholson Drop-off Center for disposal.

 

Cooking Oil/Grease

Accepted FREE of charge at the Nicholson Drop-off Center

 

Fluorescent Bulbs

Recycling/disposal of fluorescent bulbs/tubes and compact fluorescent lamps (CFL’s):

Current Maryland laws and regulations allow citizens and many entities with less than 200 kg of mercury-containing bulbs (equivalent of approximately 720 4-foot T12 type bulbs) to dispose of mercury-containing fluorescent bulbs with solid waste.  Maryland law does require hazardous waste generators and entities with more than 200 kg of mercury containing bulbs per year that do not pass the TCLP test to send the bulbs to a recycling or hazardous waste facility. Bulbs that pass the TCLP are exempt from requirements to recycle bulbs.  Some manufacturers sell bulbs with green colored end caps that claim to pass the TCLP test. http://www.mde.state.md.us/assets/document/CFLQA.pdf

Kent County along with the Midshore Regional Recycling Program (MRRP) hosts two Household Hazardous Waste Events each year.  CFL's and Fluorescent bulbs are collected from Homeowners (No Businesses or Contractors) during the event.   Visit https://www.menv.com/data/services/pdf/service-122.pdf for more information.

The following stores have collected fluorescent bulbs in the past:

Lowes
Home Depot
Ikea

There is a fairly extensive list of lamp recycling companies at:   http://www.lamprecycle.org  some of the companies at this web site and other companies offer “Pre-Paid Return Packages”.

 

Furniture

To include wooden chairs, dressers, tables, etc. Oversized household items such as beds, mattresses, sofas, televisions, etc. Accepted at the Nicholson Drop-off Center  1 Coupon Per Vehicle Load.

Gasoline

Accepted at the Centreville Transfer Station in Queen Anne’s County (401 Harper Rd. Centreville, MD) and during the Household Hazardous Waste Events each year.  Kent County residents are permitted to use this site only, NOT FOR COMMERCIAL/BUINESS USE;  5 Gallon limit per year.

 

Household Hazardous Waste

Household chemicals, oil-based paints, thinners, stains, pesticides, insecticides, gas, etc. are accepted during the semi-annual Household Hazardous Waste & Electronics Collection Events operated by the Maryland Environmental Service.

 

Latex Paint

Latex paint is not harmful to the environment with no restrictions for disposal.

If the paint is usable, we recommend reuse as a first choice - for example via freebies section in newspaper, www.freecycle.org, craigslist - eastern shore, freebies, give it to a friend etc. There is also Rebuilding Together (Kent County) 410-778-6611.

As far as disposal in your trash, Kent County facilities, Chestertown collection services or at the Midshore II Landfill, the issue is that the facilities will not accept liquids, so solidifying is required. You might consider a larger container such as old drywall bucket and an absorbent. (sand saw dust or cat litter) then you should be able to put it in the trash within the rules & regulations.

There is also a company that collects latex paint (see below). Depending on the amount of paint that you have, this company may respond or accept the material at their facility.

repaintusa.com

Brian
302-377-7329

 

Mercury Thermostats

Mercury Thermostats are now being accepted at the Nicholson Drop-off Center
FREE of charge.  Wall-mounted Mercury Thermostats must be intact with cover. 

Not accepted: Mercury Bulbs, Liquid Mercury or Leaking Mercury Thermostats.  For more information Click Here or contact the Environmental Operations Division 410-778-7448.

 

Metal

Scrap metal is accepted at the Nicholson Drop-off Center - 1 Coupon Per Vehicle Load

 

Mowers - Garden Tractors & Push Mowers

All fluids and tires must be removed  -  Accepted at the Nicholson Drop-off Center

 

Rubble/Construction Debris

Building material such as wood, roofing shingles, insolation, drywall, carpet, cabinets etc. are accepted at the Nicholson Drop-off Center  1 Coupon Per Vehicle Load.

NO ASBESTOS MATERIAL PERMITTED

 

Used Motor Oil

Accepted FREE of charge at all Drop-off Centers

 

Plastic Grocery Bags

Return plastic bags and films to labeled receptacles, available at some grocery and retail outlets. Do not include food or cling wrap, biodegradable bags, or film that has been painted or has excessive glue.

Food Lion  - Millington, MD

Bayside Foods – Rock Hall, MD

Royal Farms Stores

The Town of Chestertown has a plastic bag ban that went into effect January 19, 2012

 

Prescription Drugs

Accepted at the following locations: 

Kent County Sheriff’s Office   104 Vickers Drive Unit B Chestertown

Chestertown Police Department   601 High St. Chestertown

Rock Hall Police Department  5885 North Main St. Rock Hall

 

Propane Tanks

Poore’s Propane  1010 Washington Ave.  Chestertown, MD   410-778-0002

Accepted during the Household Hazardous Waste Events each year

 

Shrink Wrap from Boats/Vessels

Accepted FREE of charge at the Nicholson Drop-off Center  -  Must be free of zippers, debris, ropes & string.

 

Tires

Passenger Car and Lite Truck Tires:   Accepted at the Nicholson Drop-off Center at a cost of one (1) coupon per tire, (A limit of 4 tires per year).

Midshore II Regional Landfill   410-634-9304   

Address:  11930 Holly Rd.   Ridgely, MD 21660

Companies that will provide collection from residents and businesses:

Grove Pt. Tire Collection     Earlville, MD  (Cecil County)   410-275-9102  Or 443-553-1512  (Car=$2.25 Per Tire & Lt. Tk.= $3.00 Per Tire

Anderson Tire Recycling      Delmar, Delaware     302-846-3316

 

Televisions & Electronics  (computers not included)

Accepted free during the Household Hazardous Waste Events each year 

Household Hazardous Waste Event – Saturday, September 26, 2020

Accepted at the Nicholson Drop-off Center for disposal if recycling option is not available.  A coupon is required.

 

Vessel/Boats Disposal or Donation

R.B. Bakers - Rubble Landfill Queenstown, MD 410-827-8831

Midshore II Regional Landfill  11930 Holly Rd.   Ridgely, MD   410-634-9304    

MJ Marine Salvage  Chester, MD  224-944-3451

Harbor Diving & Salvage  Annapolis, MD 410-991-7767

Donate to a charity:

Boat Angel

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

Kars 4 Kids

 

Yard Waste/Brush

Brush, Limbs, (Not to exceed 8" in diameter), Yard Clippings, Leaves, Grass - No Charge

 

Asphalt/Blacktop

Accepted at Brambles Construction Company, 705 Morgnec Rd. Chestertown, MD 21620
410-778-3023

 

Disposal Permit

 

 

Click here for Disposal Permit Sticker Application         

Permits go on sale November 1st

 

Disposal Permit Information

Description/Purpose for a Residential Disposal Permit

The purpose behind the new residential disposal permit is to ensure that only Kent County residents are disposing of waste at the Kent County Drop-off Centers. This disposal permit will help prevent non-residents and commercial users from driving up disposal costs by illegally using the drop-off centers.

Residential Disposal Permit Implementation/Directions

• Starting January 1, 2022, residents of Kent County must obtain an Annual Residential disposal permit/sticker to use the drop- off centers in Kent County (Nicholson, Sharptown & Duck Puddle).
• Disposal Coupon Books will continue to be utilized during Year 2022 in conjunction with the permit/sticker.
• Vehicles without a permit sticker and required number of coupons will not be allowed to dispose of waste at the drop-off centers.
• A disposal permit/sticker will not be required for residents using the drop-off centers for recycling only.
• During the application process, residents will verify residency in Kent County (property address, tax/utility bill).
• The residential disposal permits will be sold at the Kent County Finance Department starting on November 1st. Applicants may apply in person at the below address, or complete the application, make check payable to County Commissioners of Kent County and mail payment along with proof of Kent County residency to:

Kent County Finance Department
400 High St.
Chestertown, MD 21620

Permit Application - Property Owner

• To obtain a disposal permit sticker, the property owner must return the completed application with proof of Kent County property ownership and payment in person or by mail at the above address.
• A disposal permit application will also be available on-line to ensure citizens are aware of the information needed and allow completion of form prior to arriving at the County Finance Office.

Permit Application - Renters

• Renter applicants must have the completed application, copy of vehicle registration, and provide the necessary proof of residency, lease/rental agreement, or utility bill.

Disposal Permit Fee – Year 2022

• Year 2022 Annual Disposal Permit Fee $10.00
• The permit will be good for a Calendar Year.
• A second permit can be purchased for $10.00. A copy of a vehicle registration card confirming vehicle is registered to the property owner will be required.
• Permits will be replaced for the following circumstances if proper documentation is provided at a price of $10.00:
  • Sale of a vehicle
  • Theft of a vehicle
  • Loss of windshield

Disposal Permit Sticker

• The disposal permit/sticker must be affixed to the exterior of the vehicle's windshield at the lower corner of the driver's side.
• Vehicle must be registered to the property owner/name of applicant.
• A disposal permit/sticker not properly affixed to exterior windshield will not be considered valid.
• Disposal permits may not be transferred to another vehicle or persons.
• No business/commercial or contractor waste permitted except for recyclables.

Municipality Residents/Private Sector Trash Removal

• Citizens that live in a municipality or have private sector trash removal that may only want to use the Nicholson Facility once or twice a year will be required to purchase a permit. There are other options to consider:
• Scrap metal, appliances, batteries are accepted at Bennett & Cohey who pays for most scrap metal. Approximately 4.6 Miles from Chestertown – 7 minutes.
• Rubble material can be delivered to Bakers Rubble Landfill or Midshore Regional Landfill where you can pay by credit card/cash. (Tip Fee: $70.00 Per Ton). Bakers is approximately 21.8 miles from Chestertown - 29 minutes.
• Municipal trash and bulk items can be delivered to the Midshore Regional Landfill where you can pay by credit card/cash, (Tip Fee: $67.00 Per Ton). Approximately 27.5 miles from Chestertown - 38 minutes.
• There are multiple handyman services in the county that offer cleanup/collection of bulk items.
• Private sector waste haulers also offer curbside collection of bulk items.

 

Recycling Guidelines

Recycling Center Guidelines

As a member of the Mid-shore Regional Recycling Program (MRRP), Kent County has five recycling centers positioned throughout the county:

• Nicholson Drop-off Center
• Duck Puddle Drop-off Center (Galena)
• Sharptown Drop-off Center (Rock Hall)
• Worton Park Maintenance – parking lot
  10932 Worton Rd.
  Worton, MD 21678
• Town of Rock Hall
  6045 Main St.
  Rock Hall, MD 21661

All recycling centers will accept corrugated cardboard, newspaper, catalogs, phone books, hard cover books, junk mail, envelopes w/ windows, mixed paper, paper board such as cereal boxes, shoe boxes, toilet paper & paper towel tubes, narrow neck plastic bottles and jugs, mixed tin & aluminum cans, clear, brown and green glass.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Kent County Department of Environmental Operations at:
410-778-2600

Visit Maryland Environmental Services to learn about household hazardous waste events or call 1-800 I RECYCLE.

Thank you for recycling!

RECYCLE	PLEASE DO	PLEASE DO NOT
Mixed Paper Newspaper Magazines Catalogues Office Paper Phone Books Hard Cover Books Junk Mail Envelopes with Windows Shredded Paper All Paper Paperboard Cereal Boxes Shoe Boxes Toilet Paper Rolls Paper Towel Rolls Soda & Beer Cartons Snack Boxes	- Keep all paper clean and dry	- No plastic/metal binders - Do not place in plastic bags - No clips or plastic covers - No pizza boxes or egg cartons Do Not Place Cardboard in Mixed Paper Container
Cardboard	- Keep all cardboard clean - Always unfold & flatten boxes	- No wax–coated cardboard - No packing peanuts, styrofoam, or other types of packing material.
Plastic Bottles& Jugs (Narrow Neck Only)	- Empty & rinse - Flatten if possible - Discard caps & lids - Only plastic bottles & jugs - Discard all solvent, oil chemical containers	- Don't recycle motor oil jugs  that once held new or used oil. - Don’t recycle rubber, plastic bags, plastic cups, forks & other dinnerware or frozen food trays.
Aluminum & Steel / Tin Cans	- Empty & rinse - Please remove paper labels	- Don't recycle paint thinner paint or solvent cans - Don't recycle cookware, flat ware or pots/pans, soiled foil or soiled aluminum plates
Glass Jars & Bottles	- Empty & rinse - Discard caps/lids - Discard broken glass - Recycle only glass (bottles & jars)	- Don't include caps/lids - Don't leave food residue - Don't try to recycle:  window glass, dishes, pottery, drinking glasses, light bulbs

 

Coupon Books