A Message from the City, “Greenbelt is Facing a Waste Crisis– & We’re Turning Challenge into Opportunity”
Like cities across the country, Greenbelt is experiencing a mounting waste crisis. Rising landfill costs, fewer available landfill sites, and increased disposal fees have placed growing financial pressure on our community.
- The City’s current waste fee of $280 per year has been operating at a deficit for several years.
- Across the U.S., the number of landfills has dropped dramatically — from over 6,000 in 1990 to just over 1,000 today — pushing disposal costs higher every year.
- In 2024, Prince George’s County raised disposal fees by over 20%, and these costs are expected to keep rising.
Rather than passing these costs equally to every household — regardless of how much waste they generate — the City is introducing a fair, innovative pilot program: SAVE AS YOU THROW
Starting this year, Greenbelt is testing a new two-part fee system that empowers residents to save money by reducing waste. This system rewards households that recycle, compost, and reduce their trash. You’ll only pay for what you throw away.
Join your neighbors in cutting costs and protecting Greenbelt by reducing trash—every bag makes a difference. Reduce your waste. Save money — and help our planet.
Let’s turn this waste crisis into a model of community innovation and environmental leadership.
Sincerely,
Josue Salmeron City Manager, and the City Council
How it Works For You: A Two-Part Fee Structure
Part 1: The Base Fee
- Everyone pays the same new, lower base fee.
- This fee covers the cost of service– trucks & labor.
- You will pay this as usual to the City directly or through your co op fees if you live in GHI or Greenspring 2.
- Each household pays $60/quarter
Part 2: The Landfill Fee
- Purchase Purple City-Official Landfill Bags from local grocery stores to pay as you go.
- Purchase a Max Trash Sticker to pay a flat rate and keep using generic trash bags.
Buying bags to
Save as You Throw:
Pay only for what you throw away– reduce trash to save money.
Bags are available at these local retailers:
Small (8 gal.): $4.00/roll of 5
Medium (13 gal.): $6.25/roll of 5
Large (33 gal): $10.00/roll of 5
Council Member Amy Knesel tried the Save As You Throw approach to reducing trash herself and saw firsthand that it’s a practical option for Greenbelt households. Listen to her comments here..
How can you use this program to save money? By reducing your trash! Here’s some tips:
