Have you ever wondered what happens after you drop off your rigid plastics at one of Charles County's recycling centers?

Those large plastic items don't simply sit in a container—they're transported to a processing facility where they're sorted and compressed into large bales before being recycled into new products.

Recently, one of our regional recycling partners experienced a serious fire after a battery hidden inside a plastic toy was crushed during processing.

Thankfully, no one was injured, but it served as an important reminder that even small items can create big safety hazards.

To help protect the hardworking men and women who process our recyclables every day—and to keep Charles County's rigid plastics recycling program operating safely—we're updating what can be accepted in our rigid plastics collection containers.

Before You Drop Off Your Rigid Plastics: 

Please make sure your items are 100% plastic. Before placing an item in the rigid plastics container:

✅ Remove batteries

✅ Remove electronic components

✅ Remove metal screws, rods, or handles whenever possible

✅ Make sure the item is clean and free of non-plastic materials

These Items Do Not Go in the Rigid Plastics Recycling:

For the safety of recycling workers and equipment, please do not place these items in the rigid plastics collection:

❌ Battery-operated toys, motorized toys, or other electronic plastic items

❌ Car seats, strollers, coolers, or other items containing fabric, foam, or metal

❌ PVC pipe, vinyl siding, fiberglass panels, or other construction materials

🌿 Did You Know?

A single hidden battery can spark a fire when recycling equipment compresses plastic. Taking just one extra minute to remove batteries and other non-plastic materials helps prevent fires, protects valuable recycling equipment, and—most importantly—keeps the people who handle our recyclables safe.

 Need Help Deciding Where an Item Goes?

 We've got resources to help!

• Waste Wizard Search Tool – Quickly find the proper disposal method for thousands of household items.

• Recycling Centers – Find locations, accepted materials, and hours of operation.

• Battery Recycling – Recycle rechargeable and household batteries instead of leaving them inside plastic items

• Still have questions? Contact the Department of Public Works, Environmental Resources team—we're always happy to help you recycle with confidence.

Together, we're doing more than recycling—we're protecting our environment, supporting our recycling partners, and helping ensure everyone gets home safely at the end of the day.

Thank you for doing your part to keep Charles County clean, green, and safe! 🌿 

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CHARLES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS | ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES DIVISION

10430 Audie Lane, La Plata, MD 20646 • 301-932-5656 (MD Relay 7-1-1)