Menzer to Leave Dundalk Renaissance Corp.


-photo courtesy of DRC-

The Dundalk Renaissance Corp. announced that its Executive Director Amy Menzer is stepping down to take a position with Baltimore County Government.

Menzer has served as the DRC Executive Director for the past 15 years.

Dundalk Renaissance President Dan Dawes thanked Menzer for her service to Dundalk and her commitment to the DRC.

“Amy’s vision and leadership over the past 15 years has been a key driver to propel Dundalk Renaissance to become the organization it is today. And while she will be greatly missed by the staff, board, partners and our Dundalk neighbors, her tireless and thorough work over the years leaves us on very solid footing,” Dawes said.

“Personally, having worked alongside Amy as a board member for 5 years, I’ll miss her passion for helping our community, but I think it’s great that she’s taking this opportunity to share her talents on an even larger stage to help more neighborhoods in Baltimore County.”

Menzer announced on social media that she is taking a new position with the Baltimore County Department of Planning working with Director Steve Lafferty.

“It has been an incredible honor to do community development work in Dundalk,” Menzer said in a statement about her time at the DRC.

“I have learned so much and been challenged beyond belief and been privileged to work with great people and make concrete positive things happen.”

County to Distribute at-Home COVID Tests; Expand Test Sites


Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today announced updates on Baltimore County’s ongoing efforts to expand access to COVID-19 testing, including plans for the distribution of 100,000 rapid at-home COVID tests for residents and the expansion of County-run testing sites.

“Expanding Baltimore County’s testing availability will help ensure residents can take every precaution to protect themselves and their loved ones amid the extremely contagious omicron variant,” Olszewski said. “I want to thank County Administrative Officer Stacy Rogers, Health Officer Dr. Gregory Branch, and the entire Department of Health and Human Services team for their dedicated efforts to secure and distribute these tests to community members.”

“Being fully vaccinated and having ample access to testing are vitally important tools in decreasing the spread of this virus,” said Baltimore County Health Officer Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch. “Increasing testing options and availability will also help to lessen the burden on our hospitals and emergency rooms.”

Baltimore County Expanding COVID-19 Community Testing Clinic Locations and Hours

Beginning the week of January 10, Baltimore County Department of Health and Human Services will expand the County’s COVID-19 public testing clinic capacity. Updated testing clinic locations and times include:

NEW SITE: Former Sears Automotive Center at White Marsh Mall (Lower Level) (8200 Perry Hall Blvd, White Marsh, 21236)
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Liberty Family Resource Center (3525 Resource Drive, Randallstown, 21133)
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Drumcastle Government Center (6401 York Road, Towson, 21212)
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Dundalk Health Center (7700 Dunmanway, Dundalk, 21222)
Wednesdays: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Baltimore County Moving to Appointment-based Testing

To improve the patient experience, Baltimore County will be moving to appointment only testing at County testing clinics beginning Monday, January 10. You must have an appointment to receive a COVID-19 test.

To schedule appointments for next week, please visit baltimorecountymd.gov/covidtest. Residents are asked to assist relatives, neighbors, and loved ones in scheduling online appointments if they do not have internet access.

For more information, residents can call the Baltimore County COVID-19 hotline at 410-887-3816.

Rapid At-Home COVID-19 Test Community Distribution

County officials today announced plans to equitably distribute 100,000 free rapid at-home COVID-19 tests directly to residents through a variety of community-based channels. Information on the County’s community test distribution schedule is below:

Date Time Location Type
Monday, 1/10/22 1 p.m. until supplies last Catonsville Senior Center, 501 Rolling Rd., Catonsville, MD 21228 Drive Thru
Tuesday, 1/11/22 1 p.m. until supplies last County Career Center – Eastpoint Mall, 7930 Eastern Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21224 Drive Thru
Wednesday, 1/12/22 1 p.m. until supplies last Fleming Senior Center, 641 Main St, Dundalk MD 21222 Walk Up
Wednesday, 1/12/22 9.a.m. until supplies last Baltimore County Career Center – Liberty3637 Offutt Road, Randallstown, Maryland 21133 Walk Up
Wednesday, 1/12/22 4 p.m. until supplies last Dundalk PAL Center, 15 Commerce Place, Dundalk, Maryland 21222 Drive Thru and Walk Up
Thursday, 1/13/22 9 a.m. until supplies last Jacksonville Senior Center, 3605 Sweet Air Rd, Phoenix, MD 21131 Drive Thru
Friday, 1/14/22 9 a.m. until supplies last Bykota Senior Center, 611 Central Avenue, Towson, MD 21204 Drive Thru
Friday, 1/14/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Pikesville Branch, 1301 Reisterstown Road Pikesville, MD 21208 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Arbutus Branch, 855 Sulphur Spring Road, Arbutus, MD 21227 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Catonsville Branch, 1100 Frederick Road, Catonsville, MD 21228 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Cockeysville Branch, 9833 Greenside Drive, Cockeysville, MD 21030 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Essex Branch, 1110 Eastern Boulevard Essex, MD 21221 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Hereford Branch, 16940 York Road Hereford, MD 21111 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Lansdowne Branch, 500 Third Avenue Lansdowne, MD 21227 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Loch Raven Branch, 1046 Taylor Avenue, Towson, MD 21286 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL North Point Branch,1716 Merritt Boulevard, Dundalk, MD 21222 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Owings Mills Branch,10302 Grand Central Avenue Owings Mills, MD 21117 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Parkville-Carney Branch, 9509 Harford Road, Parkville, MD 21234 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Perry Hall Branch, 9685 Honeygo Boulevard, Perry Hall, MD 21128 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Randallstown Branch, 8604 Liberty Road Randallstown, MD 21133 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Reisterstown Branch, 21 Cockeys Mill Road, Reisterstown, MD 21136 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Rosedale Branch, 6105 Kenwood Avenue Rosedale, MD 21237 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Sollers Point Branch, 323 Sollers Point Road Dundalk, MD 21222 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Towson Branch, 320 York Road Towson, MD 21204 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL White Marsh Branch, 8133 Sandpiper Circle, Baltimore, MD 21236 Walk Up
Saturday, 1/15/22 9 a.m. until supplies last BCPL Woodlawn Branch, 1811 Woodlawn Drive Woodlawn, MD 21207 Walk Up
Sunday, 1/16/22 1 p.m. until supplies last Northwest Regional Park, 4515 Deer Park Rd, Owings Mills, MD 21117 Drive Thru
Sunday, 1/16/22 1 p.m. until supplies last Eastern Regional Park, 11723 Eastern Ave, Middle River, MD 21220 Drive Thru

All residents are encouraged to continue taking precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

To get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot, please visit baltimorecountymd.gov/vaccine or by contacting your local urgent care, pharmacy, or your primary care provider.

Child Support in Baltimore County


One of the most monthly searched topics in Baltimore County is how do I file for child support or pay for child support

For whatever reason, it did not work out with the parent of your child and you need financial assistance or need to pay child support.

Here is step-by-step process on how to obtain child support in Baltimore County. If you have been ordered to pay child support, here are steps to begin that process

Filling Out Applications

Applications for Child Support services can be submit online via either the Department of
Human Services (DHS) Website or MyDHR portal
http://dhs.maryland.gov/child-support-services/apply-for-support-services/
https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/dashboardClient/#/home

A paper application can be downloaded from the DHS Website and mailed to your local child support office.

Checking the Status of My Application
To check on a status of an application go to, https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/dashboardClient/#/home

Obtain Information About My Case
To find out the latest information about a child support case, go to https://mydhrbenefits.dhr.state.md.us/dashboardClient/#/home. Customers can also call the
DHS Customer Service Call Center at 1-800-332-6347.

Making a Payment
Payments can be made at
https://md.smartchildsupport.com (processing fees for making online payment are waived until
September 30, 2021); by calling at 844-324-3855; or by mailing a check by order to:
Maryland Child Support Account
PO Box 17396
Baltimore, Maryland 21297

Payments can be made at local child support offices and courthouses. In
addition, KIOSKS located in Baltimore City and Prince George’s County.

Finding My Child Support Hearing Date
To find out the date for your hearing, please call the DHS Customer Service Call Center at 1- 800-332-6347 to contact your local office.

Requesting Genetic Testing
You have the option to request genetic testing. Please contact the DHS Customer Service. Please call the center at 1-800-332-6347 to contact your local office.

Determining the Amount of Child Support
The Child Support Administration (CSA) has an online calculator that will estimate the amount of child support that the court may approve under current guidelines. It is recommended to consult with a lawyer if there are any questions about your legal rights and obligations.

SOURCE:
https://www.courts.state.md.us/legalhelp/family/childsupport

https://dhs.maryland.gov/child-support-services/

Baltimore County to Require Indoor Masks


As jurisdictions across Maryland and nationwide continue to experience rapidly increasing COVID-19 cases amid the extremely contagious omicron variant, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today declared a local state of emergency to expand Baltimore County’s ability to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new local State of Emergency will give Baltimore County the ability to quickly adopt emergency public health measures to protect the safety and wellbeing of residents, assist the County in requesting additional resources from the state and federal governments to support response and recovery efforts, and quickly procure materials and supplies necessary for protecting public health.

“We’ve made undeniable progress in our fight against this deadly virus, but it is clear the omicron variant significantly challenges our efforts to combat the pandemic,” Olszewski said. “Renewing Baltimore County’s state of emergency ensures we have every tool in our toolbox to keep our residents safe and keep our children where they belong: inside the classroom.”

Baltimore County to Implement Masking Requirement until January 31, 2022

Under this new state of emergency, County Executive Olszewski today also announced a new public health order requiring all individuals ages five and over to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces in Baltimore County, effective 9 a.m. Wednesday, December 29, 2021 until January 31, 2022.

Baltimore County joins other large jurisdictions across Maryland, including Baltimore City, Howard County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County in requiring face coverings in indoor settings.

“Government has an obligation to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of our neighbors. I know firsthand that vaccines work. They help keep people out of hospitals—and keep people alive. Unfortunately, too many people have selfishly chosen to not get vaccinated” Olszewski added. “As a result, Baltimore County must now take this additional action to help limit the spread of COVID-19, reduce the burden on our healthcare system, and save lives.”

“We continue to encourage everyone to get tested if you are symptomatic or have had close contact with a confirmed case; get vaccinated if you have not already done so, and get boosted when eligible,” said Baltimore County Health Officer Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch. “Initiating this local state of emergency alongside available testing, vaccination, and boosters will go a long way toward helping to slow the spread.”

Olszewski to Procure 100,000 Rapid At-Home Test Kits, Expand Large Scale Testing

County Executive Olszewski will allocate American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding and use emergency procurement authority under the declaration to secure 100,000 additional rapid at-home test kits to make available free to county residents.

In addition, Olszewski has directed the Baltimore County Department of Health to expand testing options by establishing an additional large-scale COVID-19 testing clinic.
Baltimore County will announce next steps on these efforts in the coming days.

Baltimore County has been a leader in efficiently and effectively delivering vaccines to residents, with over 600,000 individuals vaccinated. More than 76 percent of County residents aged 5 and older having received at least one dose.

However, since November 26, 2021, Maryland’s average positivity rate has increased over 264 percent. Over that same time, average number of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in Baltimore County has increased over 188 percent.

As of today, Baltimore County hospitals had only 13 staffed ICU beds available countywide.

Face Covering Requirements

Beginning Wednesday, December 29 at 9 a.m., Baltimore County residents ages five and up will be required to wear face coverings in any indoor business, service, organization, or establishment that serves the general public.

This includes, but is not limited to: retail establishments, recreational establishments, houses of worship, and other locations open to the public.

Individuals will not be required to wear a mask if:
Eating or drinking while seated at food service establishments. Face coverings are still required when otherwise moving in or about a restaurant or bar premises.
A face covering cannot be worn due to a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability.
Wearing a face covering would subject the person to an unsafe working condition.
Wearing a face covering would make it impossible to receive certain services, including dental care, shaving, and facial treatments.
Swimming or engaging in other physical activities
Operating any public transportation conveyance, provided that the person is the sole operator of the conveyance, and located in a separate compartment that is off-limits to riders.
This requirement is set to expire on January 31, 2022.

Olszewski most recently declared a local state of emergency in August 2021 amid the peak of the Delta variant spike earlier this year.

The Baltimore County Council will hold a vote to consider continuation of the County’s state of emergency beyond Monday, January 3, 2022 at the Council meeting scheduled for Monday, January 3.

All residents are encouraged to continue taking precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

To get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot, please visit baltimorecountymd.gov/vaccine or by contacting your local urgent care, pharmacy, or your primary care provider.

Olszewski Tests Positive for COVID-19


Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski announced on Tuesday that he has tested positive for COVID-19. He released a statement on Twitter.

“As part of my regular testing regimen, I received a positive PCR test for COVID-19. I am both vaccinated and boosted. I’m asymptomatic and currently feel fine,” Olszewski said.

“This is a critical reminder of the challenges we all continue face amid the highly contagious Omicron variant.”

Olszewski added that he will quarantine and work from home. He stated the he has contacted the Department of Health about close contacts.

County To Treat Midge Problem in Back River


The Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability (EPS) is preparing to treat a small, targeted area of Back River next week as proof of concept that helicopter application is a feasible option for controlling nuisance midge populations.

The department expects to spray a naturally-occurring bacterial larvacide from a low-flying helicopter during daylight hours on or about Tuesday, November 16. EPS will monitor the area for midge larvae abundance prior to and after treatment with Bti.

EPS will treat a 50-acre open water area of Back River just southeast of the Eastern Boulevard bridge. A helicopter (black colored Bell, Model 206 L-3, tail number N651HA) will apply a Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)-based larvacide. Bti is a naturally occurring bacteria that is found in soil, and is only harmful to certain organisms, specifically midge, black fly and mosquito larvae and a few other aquatic flies. It does not harm people, fish, crabs or other aquatic invertebrates.

More information about Bti is available on the Maryland Department of Agriculture website.

Midges are small non-biting aquatic flies that often swarm near water or marshy areas where they breed, creating a nuisance for homeowners, boaters, businesses and recreational activities. EPS is researching the midge issue in the County’s eastern waterfront areas.

More information about potential plans and funding for future midge mitigation efforts will be released as they become available, pending a successful test application. The test treatment will take place pending County Council approval of an agreement with the vendor

Baltimore County to Offer COVID Vaccine to 5 to 11-Year Olds


Following the approval late yesterday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Baltimore County is moving forward with plans to get the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine into the arms of its approximately 67,000 residents aged 5 to 11.

The Department of Health will begin administering the vaccine this week with clinics scheduled for both Friday and Saturday, November 5 and 6.

“I know parents across Baltimore County – myself included – are breathing a sigh of relief knowing we can give our children the critical protection provided by the vaccine,” said County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “Our staff have been working diligently to prepare for this next phase of our vaccination effort, a critical step toward safely getting our kids back to all the things they’ve been missing.”

“We have received 8,700 doses of the pediatric vaccine in our initial allocation for use as first and second doses,” said Dr. Gregory Wm. Branch, Baltimore County Health Officer. “This latest approval by the FDA and the CDC helps bring us closer to protecting the entire family against COVID.”

The County has secured a new space for large clinics at the former Sears building at the White Marsh Mall (8200 Perry Hall Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21236).

The November 5 and 6 clinics will be held at this new location, on Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The clinics are part of the County’s three-pronged approach for vaccinating this population, including partnering with pediatricians and family physicians; working with the public school system; and mounting family clinics that are free, accessible and convenient.

“BCPS is pleased to continue to partner with the Baltimore County Department of Health to support COVID vaccine efforts, by providing staff and use of our facilities, to ensure that COVID shots are readily available for our 5-11 year olds,” said Dr. Darryl L. Williams, Public Schools Superintendent.

Beginning Friday, each of the Baltimore County vaccine clinics will serve individuals 5 and over looking to receive the pediatric vaccine, as well as those 12 and older looking for first, second, or third doses of the Moderna or the Pfizer vaccine.

Appointments are required to receive service.

You may schedule appointments at www.baltimorecountymd.gov/vaccine or by calling the COVID-19 Hotline at 410-887-3816.

Olszewski Announces American Rescue Plan Wish List for County


Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski today announced spending proposals for Baltimore County’s $160.7 million allocation from the American Rescue Plan, which advance a broad range of innovative, equity-focused efforts in addition to ongoing pandemic response needs.
• The County will utilize approximately $80 million in funds to support Baltimore County’s ongoing public health response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
• The County is proposing approximately $60 million for various programs to ensure an equitable recovery for all residents and businesses based on previous public input and the work of the County’s Economic Recovery Subcabinet.
• The County has reserved approximately $20 million in funds for a second round of proposals based on future public input.
“Baltimore County is ready to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity though our proposed recovery plan, which provides a bold, equitable roadmap to address the needs of families, workers, and businesses for years to come,” Olszewski said. “We are grateful for all who have already shared their priorities as we crafted this ambitious vision and we look forward to hearing from additional community members to ensure Baltimore County emerges from this crisis stronger than ever before.”

About The American Rescue Plan Act

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, signed into law by President Biden in March 2021, provided Baltimore County with $160,706,923 to support the County’s response to the COVID-19 public health emergency and its negative impacts on businesses, families and communities.

These funds must be fully committed by December 31, 2024.

Baltimore County’s Economic Recovery Subcabinet

To ensure Baltimore County maximizes the potential of this one-time funding to support the County’s long-term recovery, Olszewski formed the Economic Recovery Subcabinet to develop a holistic countywide plan that incorporates the needs of families, workers, and businesses.

Comprised of department and programmatic leaders across County government, the Subcabinet held multiple public listening forums with community stakeholders and examined nationwide best practices as they developed recommendations.

Proposed Funding Highlights

Baltimore County’s $60 million phase one ARP spending proposal provides funding for a number of key projects focused economic revitalization, community supports, public health and safety, and more.

The proposal is focused on providing support to underserved communities and ensuring an equitable, sustainable and robust recovery across Baltimore County.
Highlights include:
• $16 million to expand housing supports and create a Local Housing Trust Fund to support the ongoing development and preservation of affordable housing.
• Over $6 million to support solid waste diversion and increase recycling and composting.
• $3 million to support Baltimore County’s multi-departmental place-based recovery initiative in the Essex community.
• Nearly $4 million to support small businesses and County tourism.
• Over $2 million to support childcare providers across Baltimore County.
• Over $2 million for behavioral health supports, including expanded crisis response and providing trauma informed care training for County employees.
• Nearly $2 million to fund college tuition grants for students at Historically Black Colleges or Universities in Maryland in order to create a pipeline for BCPS teachers.
Details of the complete list of proposed funding programs are available online.

Olszewski to Host Two Public Input Meetings, Releases Online Survey

To ensure community members will be able to share their feedback, ideas and priorities regarding the finding proposals, the Olszewski administration will host two virtual public input meetings:
• Wednesday, November 10; 6:00 p.m.
• Monday, November 29; 6:00 p.m.
Additional details regarding these virtual public input meetings will be available online at baltimorecountymd.gov/arp.

Residents can also submit feedback and sign up to testify during the input meetings by emailing townhall@baltimorecountymd.gov.

Additionally, the County today released a survey allowing residents to provide additional input throughout the County’s ARP process.

Information Available Online
For more information about the Baltimore County’s plans for ARP funds, including the planned community input meetings, please see visit baltimorecountymd.gov/arp.

For more information regarding eligible use of ARP funds, fact sheets, and other information, please visit the U.S. Department of Treasury’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF).

County Announces 22-Acre Preservation in Perry Hall


Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced the purchase of a 22.3-acre parcel of land at the northeast corner of Gerst Road and New Gerst Lane in the eastern Perry Hall area, through Maryland’s Program Open Space (POS).

The site was purchased for $3.07 million and is the latest effort under the Olszewski administration to expand park and recreation opportunities throughout Baltimore County.

“Preserving open space in Baltimore County is a vital way to support a high quality of life for residents of all ages,” Olszewski said. “Our administration’s latest acquisition ensures we are creating another vibrant space for the Perry Hall community to enjoy for years to come.”

“Acquisitions such as these not only preserve precious parkland, but provide opportunities for everyone to play where they live and work right now,” said Recreation and Parks Director Roslyn Johnson. “COVID has reinforced how important the outdoors is for both physical and mental health, and we are happy that this site will provide even more green space for Baltimore County.”

“Acquiring this property means this 22-acre site in eastern Perry Hall will be permanently preserved for open space,” Councilman David Marks said. “The County Executive became personally involved in negotiations last year, a role that helped finalize this sale, and I thank the Olszewski Administration for their support.”

This latest acquisition will add significant acreage to the County’s existing network of parks within the densely populated Honeygo Growth Area.

ABOUT PROGRAM OPEN SPACE
Established under the Maryland Department of Natural Resources in 1969, Program Open Space provides financial and technical assistance to local jurisdictions for the planning, acquisition and development of recreation land or open space areas.

Since 1970, the County has utilized nearly $135 million in POS funding to assist in the acquisition of more than 6,800 acres of parkland, and for the construction, enhancement and renovations of recreational facilities at parks and public school recreation centers. The parkland acquisition program has allowed for the preservation of thousands of acres of woodlands, stream valleys and other sensitive lands.

With the support of POS funding, Baltimore County has secured or expanded a wide range of public parks and recreation sites including Oregon Ridge Park and Nature Center, Cromwell Valley Park, Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, seven regional parks and athletic facilities, and dozens of neighborhood and community parks.

County to Change Solid Waste Regulations


The Baltimore County Department of Public Works and Transportation announced several changes to the Bureau of Solid Waste Management’s regulations, including:

Beginning April 1, 2022, the County will require all separate yard material collection to be placed in paper bags and will no longer accept plastic bags for yard waste. This new rule will allow the County to turn more of the yard waste collected into compost, and will allow for a higher quality of compost material, which is available for free to County residents to use in their landscaping or gardens. This update fulfils a recommendation of the County’s Solid Waste Work Group.

To assist with this transition, the County will provide residents with paper yard material bags at no cost. Paper bags will be available for pick-up at all County trash and recycling drop-off centers, all Baltimore County Public Library branches, all County senior centers. Paper bags will be limited to five per person and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The County will accept larger weight and capacity limits for trash and recycling containers (up to 45 pounds and 45 gallon cans) as well as the ability to use containers compatible with mechanical cart tippers.

The County will introduce a new “sliding” schedule for collection holidays. Starting January 1, 2022, scheduled collection days which falls on or after a holiday will generally “slide” to one day later that week. This “slide” will apply to all types of collections (trash, recycling and yard material), meaning that residents will no longer have to hold recyclables for an extra week after a holiday.

The County will introduce a bulk collection program starting in early 2022. More details will be released in the coming months.

The County will update language to better reflect current programing at the County’s three drop-off centers, including accepted recyclables and the location of the household hazardous waste collection area at the Central Acceptance Facility.

Further details about these changes will be available in December, when the County mails new 2022 program guides to residents.

Specific collection calendars will also be included in this mailing, which will clearly outline the new holiday “slide” collection days.

For more information about Bureau of Solid Waste Management regulations, visit baltimorecountymd.gov/solidwaste.