# Subdivision 1. Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Charges; Funds; Contracts

Codified through Bill No. CB-018-2026, adopted May 12, 2026, effective July 24, 2026. Source: Municode, Supplement 2026 Update 2. Editorial notes and legislative history omitted.

## Subdivision 1. Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Charges; Funds; Contracts

### Sec. 21-137.01. Imposition; amount

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 21-137.01 (2026)

(a) Recycling surcharges and environmental trust surcharges shall be set by action of the County Council; provided, however, that the rates may be adjusted by the Director of the Department of the Environment, during the course of the fiscal year, within limits established by the Council. All other rates, fees, and charges for the use of the County recycling and disposal system and services furnished or to be furnished by the County pursuant to this Subtitle shall be fixed from time to time by the Director of the Department of the Environment so as to provide funds which, together with other available amounts (including amounts available from recycling surcharges and environmental trust surcharges), will be at least sufficient at all times to pay when due:

  (1) The cost of operating, maintaining and repairing the County recycling and disposal system, including any reserves for such purposes and all amounts payable under solid waste or recycling contracts;

  (2) The principal of and premium (if any) and interest on all outstanding revenue bonds and deposits to reserves therefor;

  (3) An amount required to provide a margin of safety for making such payments; and

  (4) Any amount required to fulfill the terms of any trust agreement.

(b) The rates, fees, and charges above may be based on reasonable estimates of the costs of the County recycling and disposal system for the following year. The rates, fees, and charges shall be just and equitable and may be based upon the types of services furnished, the types or quantities of solid waste and recyclable material accepted, any other factor affecting the use of the services or facilities furnished, or any combination of the foregoing. Differential fees may be fixed to encourage recycling. The effective date of any change or revision in the rates, fees, or charges shall provide at least thirty (30) days to allow public and private agencies and organizations to make necessary billing adjustments.

(c) The Director shall have no authority pursuant to this Section to establish rates or special assessments for the provision of municipal functions and services of recyclables collection, removal, disposition, and acquisition and operation of a site for the disposition of such recyclables, and garbage and trash disposition, and the acquisition and operation of a site or sites for the disposition of such garbage and trash provided within an Urban Area or Suburban Area, as provided by Subtitle 2, Division 22, of the Code.

### Sec. 21-137.02. Persons subject to charges

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 21-137.02 (2026)

(a) Every person delivering solid waste or recyclable material to a County recycling facility or County solid waste acceptance facility shall be subject to solid waste disposal and recycling charges, if any, imposed under Section 21-137.01. All charges shall be paid at the time solid waste or recyclable material is delivered for processing or disposal to a County recycling facility or County solid waste acceptance facility, except as otherwise provided in this Section.

(b) The County shall bill and collect all solid waste disposal and recycling charges imposed for the acceptance of material at the County recycling facilities and County solid waste acceptance facilities from business concerns, government agencies, and other persons to which credit has been extended pursuant to Section 21-138 based upon the material received for processing or disposal from those business concerns, government agencies, and other persons, as determined by records maintained by the Director of the Department of the Environment.

### Sec. 21-137.03. Default in payment

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 21-137.03 (2026)

Upon default by any person, company, or agency in the payment of any recycling or solid waste disposal and recycling charge or charges, any collateral posted in accordance with Section 21-138 shall be applied against the amount due and the licenses, permits, and registrations for, and the privileges of, collecting and transporting refuse or recyclable material in the County and utilizing the County recycling facilities and County solid waste acceptance facilities by all vehicles of the person, company, or agency in default may be suspended immediately, notwithstanding the provisions of Section 21-111 until such time as full payment, including interest and penalties, has been received by the County and collateral in the full amount required under Section 21-138 has been posted with the Director of the Department of the Environment.

### Sec. 21-137.04. Contracts; appropriations

Prince George's County, Md., Code § 21-137.04 (2026)

Pursuant to Section 819 of the County Charter, the County may enter into any trust agreement as provided in Section 21-137.06.