Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection

10/15/2026

Who's ready for round two? You spoke, we listened! Our next fix-it clinic will take place on Saturday, November 7, in Wheaton!

Do you have clothing, textiles, bikes, jewelry or electronics in need of repair? Sign up to meet with a volunteer who can guide you through a mend! Give your items a second chance at life and help us reduce waste!

Not sure what to bring. Here is a list of the common items that we can work on:
1. Electronics: Computers, printers, IT, radios, stereos, and electronic toys
2. Mechanical and Small Appliance Items: Lamps, fans, kitchen gadgets, hand tools, clocks, coffee makers, kettles, toasters, mixers, blenders, and vacuums
3. Small Wood Items and Furniture
4. Clothing/ Textiles (hems are acceptable, but not alterations)
5. Bicycles
6. Jewelry: Broken clasps, loose components, or other simple jewelry repairs

Register here: https://bit.ly/4etDXh5

Interested in volunteering? Email [email protected]

10/14/2026

The Montgomery County Transfer Station Residential Recycling drop-off at the Upper Lot will be temporarily closed starting at 2 p.m. on October 15 and will reopen at 10 a.m. on October 16 due to road repair work.

10/13/2026

The 2026 H2O Summit is in full swing! 140+ like-minded individuals who share a passion for protecting our water resources came out to connect, collaborate and learn about making our community waterways more resilient.

From discussions about salt application, litter, community partnerships, tree canopies, MS4 reporting and more. We can't wait to see what "Catching it at the Source" actions get implemented to help keep our waterways clean.

This is only the beginning!

10/13/2026

10/12/2026

Can you spot the problem in this picture?

We will give you a hint: this photo was not taken at a slope.

When it comes to mulch, we recommend following the rule of 3:

1) A ring of mulch, 3 inches deep
2) At least 3 feet wide around the tree
3) The ring should start about 3 inches from the trunk so the mulch doesn’t touch the stem

Sometimes more is not always better, and in this case, it can become detrimental to a tree. Too much mulch around a tree or touching a tree's stem can actually kill a tree.

10/09/2026

Energize Your Community with Montgomery Energy Connection!

Montgomery Energy Connection is a free County program that provides essential information and resources to help residents lower their utility bills and enjoy a comfortable home without breaking the bank. We offer trusted, unbiased information compiled by the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection.

Here are some of the ways we would like to work with YOU!

1️⃣ Create a presentation for your community
Did you know the average US resident thinks about energy nine minutes a year? We want to change that, and we want to get your community excited about ways to lower their utility bills - our presentations are crafted for your audience. You send us the date, time, and location, and we will be there with the fun, interactive information. We can also do these in-person, online, in the evening, on weekends – we meet you where you are!

2️⃣ Host a lightbulb exchange
Lighting accounts for about 10% of our total utility bills; inefficient bulbs can cost you more money and are often considered hazardous waste. These events allow people to recycle their bulbs properly and get information on ways to help lower their energy costs.

3️⃣🔌Provide you with energy goodies
We have fun stuff to give you, including but not limited to reusable shopping bags, five-minute shower timers, refrigerator thermometers, and pens/notebooks. All you have to do is ask, and we can bring them to you!

4️⃣ Table at your next community event
Our Energy Ambassadors speak many different languages and can provide basic information about your next community event. We always bring interactive components to get people excited to learn more about using less energy in their homes.

To do any (or all these things), email [email protected], and we will be happy to help energize your community!

10/08/2026

Temporary C&D Restriction: Due to equipment issues and until further notice, beginning Friday, October 9, 2026, the Shady Grove Transfer Station will not accept construction and demolition (C&D) materials of any kind.

10/08/2026

Thank you to everyone who has dropped off costumes for the Halloween & Cosplay Costume Swap! We will be accepting costume donations until Friday, Oct. 16.

Bring your gently used costumes, accessories, wigs, and props to one of our donation locations:

📍 DEP Offices Building Lobby (2425 Reedie Dr., Wheaton)
📍 Bethesda Green (4825 Cordell Ave., Suite 200, Bethesda)
📍 BlackRock Center for the Arts (12901 Town Commons Dr., Germantown)

Join us on Saturday, Oct. 17, from noon - 3 p.m., for a Halloween & Cosplay Costume Swap at Bethesda Green!

10/07/2026

Spotted lanternfly eggs are laid in masses containing 30 to 50 individual eggs that will overwinter and hatch in the spring. Females will lay eggs on any flat vertical surface, including trees, stones, vehicles, grills, and outdoor furniture. Fresh egg masses can be found from September to December. https://bit.ly/3ZZnkmf

Remove the egg masses by scraping them into a zip-top plastic bag containing some water and detergent to kill the eggs. Be careful when removing egg masses because the hairs on the mass can cause topical allergic reactions. https://bit.ly/4dF5sny

10/06/2026

Registration for the 2026 H2O Summit closes at 11:59 p.m. EST tonight. Don't miss out!

Join us as we explore innovative ways to make our community waterways more resilient. At the summit, you’ll listen to talks from peers and professionals in the field, learn about new innovations and updates in watershed management, foster future collaboration and partnerships, and more!

Register here: MontgomeryCountyMD.Gov/H2OSummit

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