The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) celebrates Earth Day with a Recycling Trifecta:  Paper Shredding, Recycle Bin Sale, and a Plastic Bag Takeback on Saturday, April 13. The event will take place at the Edmondson-Westside High School, 501 N. Athol Ave. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is for Baltimore City residents only.

On this day, DPW will offer free paper shredding for city residents, will take back plastic bags, and recycling bins will be on sale at discounted prices.

Free Paper Shredding:  Residents can bring up to two 32-gallon garbage bags of documents/papers to be shredded. Once shredded, the paper will be taken directly to a recycling facility. This is an opportunity for residents to safely dispose of sensitive items quickly, easily, and securely. Cancelled checks, medical records, credit card information, utility bills, old tax returns, and pay stubs are among the many items that should be destroyed by shredding. Bags that contain other trash will not be accepted.  Residents must bring a license or other proof of Baltimore City residency.

Recycling Bin Sale:  Residents can purchase a 25-gallon bin with a lid for $10 (regularly $12) and the smaller 18-gallon bins are on sale for $4 (regularly $5).  As a reminder, you do not have to purchase city-issued recycling bins in order to recycle. Paper bags, cardboard or plastic boxes and trash cans labeled “recycling,” are all acceptable containers. Please do not use plastic bags for recycling.

Plastic Bag Takeback:  DPW will take back plastic bags in order to help prevent litter and keep bags out of the waste stream.  Residents who bring five or more plastic grocery bags will receive a free reusable grocery tote bag (limit one reusable bag per resident).

For more information on recycling, visit publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/recycling-services.