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William Brad Schlegel

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May 8, 2026, 9:52:57 AM (5 days ago) May 8
to Bernie Penner - CLAIM - Creation Care, Susan Meier - Creation Care, Leah Kulp - St. B's Choir and Creation Care, Charlie Bailey - Creation Care, Kim Cornelius - POP Creation Care, Larry Ryan - Creation Care, Drew Brown - Creation Care - St. B's, Creation Care - Google Group, Margaret Brack - Creation Care Ministry Faith Lutheran, Salisbury
I found the comments about recycling flower pots to be useful.  I thought they could be recycled via curbside programs.

Sincerely,

W. Brad Schlegel
443-703-9502 - text here

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Baltimore County Department of Public Works and Transportation <rec...@baltimorecountymd.gov>
Date: Fri, May 8, 2026, 09:04
Subject: May 2026 DPWT Resource Newsletter
To: <skif...@gmail.com>


In This Issue: DPWT Cleans Up Community to Celebrate Earth Day; Communities Receive Updates on Traffic Safety Projects; Bring Your Child to Work Day
                 

May 2026

THE RESOURCE

Baltimore County’s Department of Public Works & Transportation Newsletter: Sustainability, Infrastructure & Community in Action

DPWT Cleans Up Windsor Mill Manor on Earth Day

WINDSOR MILL -- Bottles, cans, paper, kids’ toys, sports balls, computer monitors, chainsaws – these were just some of the items collected during a DWPT Clean-Up Event on April 22 in the Windsor Mill Manor area of Baltimore County.

Members of DPWT leadership, the Bureau of Solid Waste, the Bureau of Highways, and the Communication Department joined forces to remove more than 4.5 tons of dumped materials and litter from a wooded area west of the Gwynn Falls. The event recognized Earth Day 2026, and local residents stopped by to watch the crews at work.

While there were signs indicating the area as a No Dumping area with fines totaling $1,000 per violation, it was obvious violators were not deterred. The wooded area was filled with trash, cast off items, and rubbish of all sizes and shapes. Some of the discarded items appeared to have been there for an extended period of time, having been claimed by moss and plant roots.

Earth Day is meant to increase awareness of environmental problems and a popular time for many communities to gather together to clean up litter, plant trees, or enjoy outdoor activities in celebration of nature. The first Earth Day was held in 1970, and this year’s theme is “Our Power, Our Planet.”

To learn more about Baltimore County's Solid Waste Management efforts, click here

DPWT Works For You: CountyRide

Did you know?

CountyRide provides transportation services to Baltimore County residents 60 years of age and over, adults with disabilities, and rural residents of all ages.

We'll drive you to doctor's appointments, grocery shopping, and more. To learn more about CountyRide eligibility, click here

Watch full video here.

Educating Public During Workzone Safety Week

Every spring, road crews in Baltimore County and across the state head back into work zones to repair and rebuild our county roads to keep drivers and passengers safe. During Work Zone Awareness Week, which took place from April 20-24, DPWT asked all drivers to do their part to protect those county workers.

When you see orange cones, flashing lights, or workers ahead, slow down. And if the work is happening in the right lane or on the shoulder, move over to the left whenever it’s safe to do so. Giving crews extra space protects our workers, reduces crashes, and keeps traffic flowing smoothly.

Work zones keep our roads moving. Your caution keeps our workers safe. Slow down and move over every time. It's the law!

Safe actions save lives.

Are Pots Recyclable?

Excited for the start of gardening season? 

If so, we're settling a debate we get into a lot. Can you recycle your pot? Specifically, the plastic ones your plants come in from garden stores and such.

Well, even though they're plastic, they should not be put in your curbside recycling pick-up or recycling dumpsters. Instead, try to reuse them. Our own Baltimore County Ag Center in Cockeyesville accepts them for all kinds of gardening uses. You could even help feed someone in need, as a lot of their produce goes to food banks and other programs.

Other garden stores or centers may also accept donated pots. We've got a link to our reuse directory in the comments where you can find all types of places to donate items.
 

Bring Your Child to Work Day Shines at Baltimore County DPWT

Baltimore County’s Department of Public Works and Transportation opened its doors to the next generation of engineers, technicians, surveyors and utility workers during this year’s Bring Your Child to Work Day.

The event, held April 23, brought together families from across DPWT, giving children a hands‑on look at the people, tools, and teamwork that keep the county running every day.

Young visitors explored everything from snowplows and utility trucks to engineering workspaces and transportation planning stations. Children had the chance to understand what their parents and caregivers do, and employees got to share the pride they take in serving Baltimore County.

Events like this highlight the dedicated workers of DPWT: people working together to make the county a better place.

Upcoming Events

  • Join DPWT senior leadership for a meeting to discuss our rural roads on Tuesday, May 12, from 6 to 8 p.m. This year’s meeting will be held in-person at the Baltimore County Ag Center (1114 Shawan Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030)
  • National Bike to Work Day Takes Place on Friday, May 15. This day encourages us to bike to work, but it also raises awareness of cyclists as they commute to and from work each day.
  • DPWT will celebrate National Public Works Week from May 17-23. This year's theme “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community” acknowledges that the roots of service run deep in public works.
  • DPWT is hosting an open house meeting from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 28 to provide updates to upcoming sewer, water and road projects in the Yorkshire-Haverford community. The meeting will take place at the Lutherville Volunteer Fire Company, located at 1609 Bellona Avenue, Lutherville, MD 21093.
     
     

DPWT Provides Community Updates to Traffic Projects in Perry Hall

PERRY HALL -- DPWT recently hosted a pair of virtual community meetings to provide residents an update on multiple traffic safety proposals in Perry Hall.

The first meeting gave residents an update to the proposed traffic circle at Honeygo Boulevard and Cross Road. The community also had the opportunity to learn about alternatives to address traffic safety concerns in the area -- such as maintaining the recently installed flexiposts -- and to provide feedback to DPWT staff.

Miss the traffic circle update meeting? Watch here

The second meeting provided residents an update on "road diet" proposal to address speeding on Silver Spring Road. This was an opportunity to view updated plans and for the community to give feedback to DPWT staff.

Miss the "road diet" meeting? Watch here.
 

Did You Know

Baltimore County Department of Public Works and Transportation has many career opportunities for workers of all experience and skill levels.

Among those openings:
Equipment Operator (Bureau of Solid Waste Management)

  • Starting pay: $19.94 - $22.65 per hour
    • Full County benefits
    • Annual salary review
    • Chance for advancement
    • Must have a valid driver's license equivalent to a commercial, class B Maryland driver's license.

Want to learn more about this job and other career opportunities with DPWT and Baltimore County overall, visit: www.baltimorecountymd.gov/jobs

Learn More From DPWT

Baltimore County DPWT's Solid Waste Management Bureau has a Recycling and Outreach page. 

The page highlights how Baltimore County offers a wide variety of free recycling education and outreach resources for groups, schools, and individuals.

As part of the page, visitors can download brochures, posters and signs. You can also watch and share our educational videos and ads.

Other highlights include learning how to take a virtual tour of our facilities OR schedule a tour or presentation in person.  

Request a Free Tour of Our Recycling Center (MRF) 
The County offers free public tours of the MRF for groups of 10 or more, ages 10 and up. Tours run Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tours last approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Preregistration is required. 
 
Request a Free Recycling Presentation
The County offers free recycling presentations for all ages. Our educational and engaging programs cover the ins and outs of waste disposal and recycling and reinforce good recycling habits. We do classrooms, assemblies, career days, clubs, businesses, community events, etc. (A recycling truck is available for certain events upon request.) 

DPWT Trains County Employees About Green Purchasing Policies
Richard Keller, Baltimore County’s Recycling and Waste Prevention Manager, is providing webinars to County employees on the County’s Buy Recycled and Environmentally Preferable Products and Services Policy.

Signed by County Executive Katherine Klausmeier in April 2025, the policy requires County agencies and employees to buy recycled content and environmentally preferable products and services whenever feasible.

In the presentations, Keller shares practical advice for employees on changing purchasing practices, including:
  1. Changing specifications to include recycled content and environmentally preferable (EP) requirements.
  2. Looking at current purchases to determine current status and opportunities.
  3. Ensuring that recycled and EP products are at the top of vendor product lists.
  4. Documenting the type and dollar volume of recycled and EP products.
For more information on buying green, contact Richard Keller at 410-887-2791


 

Copyright © 2025 | All rights reserved.
Baltimore County Department of Public Works and Tansportation
111 West Chesapeake Avenue, Room 316
Towson, Maryland 21204
publi...@baltimorecountymd.gov
Phone: 410-887-3300

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