Under Maryland law, an apartment building or condominium containing more than ten dwellings is required to have recycling available to residents.
“Recycling is the easiest way for everyone to ‘go green’ in their daily lives and we applaud those involved in the passage of this law,” said Heidi Brock, president of the Aluminum Association.
“Access to recycling in multifamily units has been a regular challenge for recycling experts; this law will certainly increase the recycling rate and the long-term sustainability of Maryland.”
The measure was introduced in the House of Delegate by Delegate Stephen W. Lafferty; the Senate companion bill (S 308) was introduced by state Senator Paul G. Pinsky.
Recycling is a vital meaning of saving energy and greenhouse gas emissions. Aluminum recycling saves 95% of the energy and 95% of the greenhouse gases associated with primary production.
Increasing recycling access to individuals living in multifamily units directly impacts the recycling rate. In 2010, 58.1% of aluminium cans were recycled, the highest recycling rate of any beverage packaging.
“The aluminum industry has committed itself to reaching a 75% aluminium can recycling rate by 2015,” remarked Brock.
“State-based legislative initiatives are one way of achieving this rate but the most direct way is for everyone to do their part and recycle.”
The recycling of one aluminum can saves enough energy to power at 36-inch LCD TV for three hours.