Department of Environmental Protection Earns International Organization for Standardization Certification for its Environmental Management Systems

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Yard Trim Composting Facility, located in Dickerson, is the first composting center in the nation to earn International Organization for Standardization Certification for its Environmental Management Systems (ISO14001:2015).

The certification attests that the Yard Trim Composting facility operations follow stringent guidelines in recycling yard waste with emphasis on safety, efficiency and protection of the environment. To become certified the facility demonstrated their operations adheres to, or exceeds, compliance with all environmental rules and regulations. Additionally, all facility operators and employees consistently follow environmental best practices and identify and mitigate potential environmental negative impacts.

“I am proud that our Division of Solid Waste Yard Trim Composting Facility has achieved ISO14001:2015,” said DEP Director Lisa Feldt. "This certification of conformance with the rigorous ISO standards demonstrates DEP’s commitment to strive to improve environmental performance beyond regulatory requirements.”

The innovative facility became nationally recognized for its effective and efficient yard waste recycling operations after becoming the second facility in the U.S. to achieve ISO4001:2004 certification in July 2013.

The Yard Trim Composting Facility began composting yard trim in 1983. By composting leaves and grass clippings that would have normally been disposed of in a landfill, DEP converts yard waste into a valuable resource.

For more information about DEP contact Godfrey Ampadu, 240-777-6495 or Godfrey.ampadu@montgomerycountymd.gov.

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Media Contact: Judy Stiles 240-777-6507

Release ID: 16-439
Media Contact: Judy Stiles 240-777-6507