Like cities across the country, Greenbelt is experiencing a mounting waste crisis. Rising landfill costs, fewer available landfill sites, and increased disposal fees have placed growing financial pressure on our community.
· The City’s current waste fee of $280 per year has been operating at a deficit for several years.
· Across the U.S., the number of landfills has dropped dramatically — from over 6,000 in 1990 to just over 1,000 today — pushing disposal costs higher every year.
· In 2024, Prince George’s County raised disposal fees by over 20%, and these costs are expected to keep rising.
Rather than passing these costs equally to every household — regardless of how much waste they generate — the City is introducing a fair, innovative pilot program: SAVE AS YOU THROW
Starting this year, Greenbelt is testing a new two-part fee system that empowers residents to save money by reducing waste. This system rewards households that recycle, compost, and reduce their trash. You’ll only pay for what you throw away.
Join your neighbors in cutting costs and protecting Greenbelt by reducing trash—every bag makes a difference. Reduce your waste. Save money — and help our planet.
Let’s turn this waste crisis into a model of community innovation and environmental leadership.
Sincerely, Josue Salmeron City Manager
How it works for you: two-part system
Part 1: The Base Fee: $60/quarter
Single Family Homeowners: Pay as usual to the City. GHI Members: this is covered by your monthly co-op fees Renters: this is covered by the property owner
Part 2: Save As You Throw
Purchase official purple City Landfill Bags from local grocery stores to pay as you go.
Part 2 (Alternate Option): Max Trash Sticker
Purchase official purple City Landfill Bags from local grocery stores to pay as you go.
Councilmember Amy Knesel tried the Save As You Throw approach to
reducing trash herself and saw firsthand that it’s a practical option for Greenbelt
households.. Listen to her comments here..
Trash Reduction Tips:
1. Recycle Right
Ensure you’re recycling as much as possible. Acceptable items include:
Paper: Newspapers, magazines, cardboard (flattened), office paper
Containers: Glass and plastic bottles, aluminum cans
Electronics: Schedule curbside electronics recycling for items like TVs, computers, and printers.
Note: Do not place plastic bags or film in your recycling cart. Instead, recycle them at participating grocery stores.
2. Compost Your Food Scraps
Greenbelt offers a curbside food scrap collection program through Compost Crew. Residents can register to have food scraps collected weekly for composting. This service is available at a subsidized rate of $5 per month.
3. Donate or Fix Used Goods
Before discarding items, consider donating them to local charities or repairing them. This reduces waste and supports the community.
4. Compost Yard Waste
Yard waste, including grass clippings, leaves, and small branches, should not go in your trash. Greenbelt provides curbside yard waste collection on Fridays.
5. Choose Products with Less Packaging
When shopping, opt for items with minimal or recyclable packaging to reduce waste.
6. Use Reusables Over Disposables
Switch to reusable bags, bottles, and containers to decrease single-use plastic waste.
7. Utilize Local Disposal Services
For items like electronics and hazardous waste, Greenbelt residents can schedule curbside pickup through Prince George’s County services.