SERT - Montgomery County Public Schools, MD | Montgomery County Public Schools

Contact Information

SERT PROGRAM

Division of Sustainability and Compliance

45 West Gude Drive

Suite 4000

Rockville, MD 20850

Phone: 240-740-3210

Fax: 301-279-3005

SERT@mcpsmd.org

recycling@mcpsmd.org

sustainability@mcpsmd.org

DEPARTMENT OF FACILITIES MANAGEMENT → SERT PROGRAM → RECYCLING

Recycling Within Montgomery County Public Schools

The Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) recycling program is managed through the School Energy and Recycling Team (SERT) program. Montgomery County Executive Regulation 1-15 requires the recycling of paper, cardboard, commingled items, yard waste, and scrap metal. MCPS has also identified more than 20 other recyclable materials and recycles them through the voluntary recycling program. MCPS’ recycling program is continuously improving through sustainable education, contests, and infrastructure placement provided by the SERT program. In 2017, MCPS recycled 8,916 tons of recyclables compared to 6,746 tons in 2010. Following this upward trend, we believe that MCPS will reach and maintain the county's goal of a 70% recycling rate by 2020. READ LESS

SERT has identified that there are three key elements to a successful school recycling program: a motivated recycling leader, proper recycling infrastructure, and complete staff and student participation. For most of us, school is an integral part of our early life. Schools help shape the habits that we continue into adulthood. Students who participate in recycling now are more likely to embrace conservation behaviors as adults. As children learn the benefits of recycling and how easy it is to recycle when the right systems are in place, they will grow up taking actions that will help protect our planet for future generations. Although we have made significant progress in our recycling efforts, a tremendous amount of paper and plastics are still discarded as waster rather than being recycled. So, when you're about to throw something into a trash can, stop and take a moment to make sure that the item isn't recyclable. READ LESS

If your school is routinely generating any material that is currently not being recycled, please contact the SERT program to determine if there are opportunities to recycle those items through our voluntary recycling program. Remember that it's your world; choose to conserve!