Baltimore Trash Collection Faces Delays Due to Incinerator Maintenance
Baltimore residents may experience delays in trash and recycling collection this week as the city’s waste-to-energy facility undergoes scheduled maintenance. The disruptions, which began on Wednesday, March 11, and are expected to continue through Saturday, March 14, will similarly impact services at some residential drop-off locations.
Facility Shutdown and Waste Redirection
The BRESCO facility, operated by Win Waste Innovations, is closed for what the company describes as “once-in-a-decade” maintenance. During this period, all waste disposal operations will be temporarily redirected to the Quarantine Road Landfill, according to the Baltimore Department of Public Works (DPW).
Potential Impacts for Residents
The DPW has warned residents to expect the following:
- Slower trash collection on some routes due to longer wait times at the landfill.
- Longer wait times at the Northwest Transfer Station, Quarantine Road Landfill, and Residential Recycling Centers.
- Limited availability of roll-off containers at recycling drop-off centers.
The DPW is urging residents to be patient as crews manage the increased disposal traffic and continue to provide service while minimizing delays. Normal service levels are expected to resume on Monday, March 15.
Community Concerns and Facility History
The temporary closure has drawn attention from community leaders who have long advocated for the closure of the BRESCO incinerator. Critics point to the facility as Baltimore’s largest stationary source of greenhouse gases and a contributor to health problems due to emissions including nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, and mercury. A 2023 study by the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University found that BRESCO and the city’s medical waste incinerator in Curtis Bay cause nearly $100 million in health damages to residents of Baltimore, and D.C.
Win Waste Innovations Statement
Win Waste Innovations stated that the maintenance schedule is shared with the city and other customers, and that maintenance is performed throughout the year to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. The current shutdown is due to “tipping floor upgrades” designed to improve efficiency and reduce truck turn times. The company maintains that this type of investment is needed approximately every 10 years.