In an October 28 news release, the St. Mary’s County Board of County Commissioners congratulated residents on their recycling efforts during a special ceremony for America Recycles Week.  The acknowledgment comes as counties face increased mandated recycling rates from the State.  From the news release:

In 2012 the State of Maryland mandated recycling rate was increased from 15 to 20 percent for counties with populations below 150,000. Commissioner Todd Morgan noted “St. Mary’s County’s volunteer recycling program has already exceeded the new State mandated goals and has obtained an approved Maryland Department of the Environment waste diversion recycling rate of 38.78 percent for calendar year 2012.”  …

The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County also reminded citizens of the County’s Single-Stream recycling program located at the six Convenience Centers. The service has made it easier for residents and small businesses to recycle larger quantities of materials, improve the county’s recycling rate and reduce the amount of material disposed into landfills.

Photos from the ceremony are available for download at http://www.flickr.com/photos/stmaryscountygovernment/sets/