CONTACT: Nancy Gregg Poss, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, March 21, 2006
CITY SEEKING CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN YARD WASTE DISPOSAL OPTION CUSTOMER SURVEY
SURVEY AVAILABLE ON CITY’S WEBSITE
Frederick, Md. --- The City of Frederick is seeking citizen participation in a Yard Waste Disposal Option Customer Survey. On January 17, 2006, the Frederick County Board of County Commissioners enacted a new Yard Waste Disposal Ordinance that will take effect on May 1, 2006. Per County Ordinance 06-03-399 the disposal of yard waste in the refuse disposal area of the County Landfill will be eliminated. As a result of these changes, beginning May 1, 2006, the City will no longer be able to collect yard waste along with the regular municipal solid waste. The City of Frederick plans to continue to provide the annual fall leaf collection and Christmas tree recycling programs. Frederick County will continue to provide yard waste disposal sites at the Reichs Ford Landfill and at Heritage Park in Walkersville.
Yard waste, as defined by the ordinance, consists of materials normally generated in the maintenance of gardens, yards, lawns, or landscaped areas, whether residential, commercial or public. This includes leaves, grass clippings, plants, shrubs, prunings and trimmings no greater than eight feet in length and no greater than six inches in diameter.
Yard waste DOES NOT include other tree waste, land clearing debris, waste pavement or soil. For public health purposes this ordinance does not apply to any edible food product (fruits and vegetables) from any garden, yard, lawn or landscaped area.
The Mayor and Board of Aldermen will be discussing this issue at the March 22, 2006 2 p.m. Workshop held at City Hall and televised LIVE in Channel 99. The Mayor and Board are also tentatively scheduled to address this issue at the April 6 th Mayor and Board of Aldermen Public Meeting. This meeting will be held at 7 p.m., City Hall Board Room and televised LIVE on Channel 99.
Citizens are asked to participate in a survey, which outlines options being considered, by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. Please take a moment to complete this online survey by visiting http://www.cityoffrederick.com/surveys/yardwaste/register.htm
For additional information on the changes to Yard Waste Collection please contact Gerald Palm at (301) 600-1377.