Grime To DimeTop 10 Hardest Items to Recycle in Howard County (2026 Guide)
Not everything belongs in the blue bin. In fact, putting the wrong items in your curbside recycling can lead to entire loads being sent to the landfill. We've compiled the 10 most "difficult" items for Howard County residents to recycle and the exact steps to handle them properly.
1. Old Mattresses Hard
The Problem: They are bulky, harbor allergens, and jam up landfill machinery.
The Solution: Howard County residents can drop them off at Alpha Ridge Landfill. For a fee, companies like Grime To Dime can haul them from your second floor and ensure they are processed at dedicated mattress recycling facilities.
2. CRT "Tube" Televisions Very Hard
The Problem: These old heavy TVs contain several pounds of lead and phosphorus.
The Solution: Never put these in the trash. Take them to the electronics recycling area at Alpha Ridge Landfill in Marriottsville.
3. Lithium-Ion Batteries Dangerous
The Problem: They cause fires in garbage trucks and recycling centers.
The Solution: Drop them off at the Alpha Ridge Residents' Convenience Center or at participating retailers like Home Depot or Best Buy in Columbia.
4. Propane Tanks Hard
The Problem: Pressurized containers are explosive hazards.
The Solution: Many tank exchange programs (like Blue Rhino) will take old tanks. Otherwise, they must go to the scrap metal area at the landfill.
5. Tires Hard
The Problem: Tires trap methane gases and "float" to the top of landfills.
The Solution: Howard County allows up to 4 tires per year per household at Alpha Ridge. Grime To Dime frequently handles bulk tire removals for properties in Elkridge and Savage.
Get Help With Hard-to-Recycle Items
Don't have a truck to get to Alpha Ridge? We serve every corner of Howard County:
Note: This is an abbreviated guide. For the full A-Z list, visit our Disposal Directory.