There’s recycling that we all know: cans, glass, and paper. But how do you recycle the uncommon, like a tree? When your recycling can sits on the curb, those empty pop cans and frozen dinner trays inside disappear. But is it that easy with a tree? Here’s your chance to see the technology that goes into recycling at the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Cockeysville and the Camp Small wood lot and sawmill in Baltimore.
Located at the Central Acceptance Facility, the MRF receives, sorts, and prepares recyclables such as paper, plastic, and metal items for marketing. In this single-stream program, residents do not sort materials before collection. Instead, sorting happens at the facility with its 86 conveyor belts, six sorting screens, three optical sorters, two balers, plus scores of workers along conveyor belts screening out material left behind by the equipment. After processing, the recyclables are sold, and the County earns the value of these materials, maximizing the financial benefits of the recycling program. Watch a video here to learn more about the facility.
Now that we’ve watched the usual recycling routine, what’s a more uncommon item to recycle? How about recycling a damaged tree or a dead bush? Is recycling even an option?
Let’s hang out at Camp Small to learn how all those woody leftovers from Baltimore City projects find a new purpose, whether as mulch, a new fencepost, or a garden bench. Camp Small is a wood-waste collection yard managed by the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks and acts as a sorting facility for all removed or downed City-managed trees. We’ll watch the sawmill in action and learn from manager Shaun Preston how Camp Small has transformed from a stump dump to an urban wood utilization program that repurposes over 1,000 tons of material yearly. The program offers green and kiln-dried lumber to local craftsmen, produces benches and outdoor furniture, and works with City schools on implementing outdoor classrooms and natural playscapes. We will see examples of products made there and have the opportunity to purchase some (credit cards only. Camp Small’s efforts have gained national attention and have become a model program for municipalities looking to start wood utilization programs. Learn more about Camp Small here: https://youtu.be/uU_oASoGWiw .
Children are welcome on this trip with children’s pricing available. The date offered is during Spring Break week for both Harford and Baltimore Counties.
Please remember
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing. There is no heating in the MRF facility.
- Be prepared for dirt and dust.
- Be able to climb stairs to reach viewing areas.
- Flat, closed-toed shoes are mandatory. Heels are not allowed.
- In MRF, photography is not allowed. Photos and videos are available at the facility.
- Use extra caution while driving due to large trucks in the area.
NEW – Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within seven days of the event will not receive a refund but may be transferred to a friend. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.