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Montgomery County Seeks Public Input on Future of Solid Waste Management

For Immediate Release: Monday, February 23, 2026

Montgomery County is at a crossroads in determining how to manage trash and recycling in the years ahead. The County is evaluating options to modernize its solid waste management system, which could include significant changes such as closing the County’s Resource Recovery Facility in Dickerson. Officials are hosting a series of open houses to gather public input on the future of solid waste management, and decisions could impact solid waste fees, environmental justice, and greenhouse gas emissions. 

Open houses are scheduled for:  

  • Monday, March 2, 6–8:30 p.m. — Sidney Kramer Upcounty Regional Services Center, 12900 Middlebrook Road, Germantown  
  • Wednesday, March 4, 6–8:30 p.m. — Isiah “Ike” Leggett Executive Office Building Auditorium, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville  
  • Thursday, March 5, 6–8:30 p.m. — Virtual (Register on Zoom)  

“My goal for years, shared by many people, has been to shut down the incinerator that burns our trash,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Burning our trash does not align with the County's Aiming for Zero Waste goals. And it is not clean. The problem is that hauling away trash is expensive. At the same time, the current incinerator needs major renovations. If we commit to the incinerator as a long-term solution, we will face enormous costs to upgrade or replace the incinerator with a modern facility. I hope these meetings generate productive discussions on how to address our waste management challenges effectively.” 

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To request an interpreter for one of the open houses, email [email protected] by Wednesday, Feb. 25. 

Residents can also take an online survey to provide input on the County’s path forward.

"This is an important decision for Montgomery County,” said Department of Environmental Protection Director Jennifer Macedonia. “We’re reviewing the options to ensure our future waste management system provides reliable operations, affordability, environmental protection and justice, and maximum material reuse. Most importantly, we want to hear from residents about what matters to them." 

As part of its Aiming for Zero Waste initiative, the County is committed to:  

  • Continuing to provide reliable and cost-effective solid waste services. 
  • Managing solid waste materials in an environmentally and socially responsible way . 
  • Modernizing the system through a process that is independent, data-driven, and transparent.  

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Release ID: 26-066
Media Contact: Cindy Peña