Recycled Materials and Eco-friendly Giving Show your love for your family, friends and the environment

Green banner with DPW logo and text "Department of Public Works Press Release"

BALTIMORE, MD (December 4, 2013) - During this holiday season Public Works Director Alfred H. Foxx reminds everyone that environmental protection and gift-giving can go hand-in-hand. Here are a few holiday hints. 

  • Buy gifts that are made of recycled materials:


    Welcome mats, furniture, sandals, vases, sculptures and many other items are now being made from recycled tires. Clothing, jewelry, headphones, furniture and much more comes from recycled plastic bottles. Scrap wood and reclaimed lumber is everywhere today. Garden benches and planters, home flooring and paneling, clocks, crafts, cabinets and even fine works of art are just a few of these recycled wooden wonders. Look for the recycled materials label on the product, or go on-line and fine that eco-item.

  • If you have children you know that the cost of batteries is often higher than the cost of the toys they power. Buy rechargeable batteries and keep those other batteries out of the waste stream. This will save you money!
  • Buy high quality, durable clothing to reduce waste. A higher priced item may last longer and reduce the amount of merchandise ending up in landfills. Leather shoes, rather than vinyl or cloth, will wear longer and most likely feel more comfortable, especially when the thermometer drops.
  • Buy quality appliances and electronics with a solid track record. A cheap big screen TV is not a bargain if it ends up in the trash in six months.
  • Give gifts that promote lifestyle changes friendly to the environment. Examples include cloth napkins with matching tablecloth, purses and handbags of various recycled materials, reusable or biodegradable holiday plates, cups and utensils, and greeting cards and wrap made from recycled paper. A new recycling bin makes a great presentation box for all your gifts!
  • Finally, remember to recycle your holiday wrapping material. Paper and foil wrap and cardboard can be collected curbside with the rest of your recycling materials. Take polystyrene packing materials (but not packing peanuts) to the Northwest Citizens’ Convenience Center at 2840 Sisson St. If you get new electronic gifts, check out our e-cycling drop-off locations.

For more information about recycling and e-cycling in Baltimore please go to: publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/Recycling.aspx



Happy Holidays!

Related Stories

DPW Offices, Sanitation Yards Closed on Election Day City of Baltimore to Observe Election Day, Tuesday, November 5

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Khalil Zaied reminds residents that all DPW offices and sanitation yards will be CLOSED on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2024. During the Election Day closure, trash and recycling collection, as well as street sweeping, WILL NOT be conductedTrash/Recycling Makeup Day: Saturday, November 9.

City of Baltimore Releases Independent Review Findings on DPW Heat Safety Practices

Mayor Brandon M. Scott and Khalil Zaied, Director of the Department of Public Works (“DPW”), have  released the findings of an independent review conducted by Conn Maciel Carey LLP (“CMC”), a Washington, D.C.-based law firm, which was tasked with evaluating the heat safety policies, practices and operations of DPW’s Bureau of Solid Waste. The findings from this review will support the Department’s efforts to develop a comprehensive occupational health and safety program to protect DPW employees. 

The Department of Public Works is Now Accepting Public Comment on the Modified Sanitary Sewer Consent Decree Revised Operation and Maintenance Plan

The Modified Consent Decree Revised Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Plan has officially been released by the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) and is available on the DPW website for review and comment in accordance with the Modified Sanitary Sewer Consent Decree (MCD). DPW will accept public comments pertaining to this document for 30 days, through November 16, 2024Comments may be submitted directly to Michael.Shipman@baltimorecity.gov.