ESSEX, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski on Thursday announced a new pilot program to distribute high-quality trash carts for residential trash pickup in the Essex community.

Beginning Thursday, new 65-gallon trash carts will be delivered to approximately 4,300 residences in Essex neighborhoods that currently receive bi-weekly trash pick-ups as part of a targeted pilot to provide a safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly means of handling trash. Postcards were mailed during the week of October 23 to residences that will receive these carts.

“We are fully committed to Essex, and addressing basic quality-of-life issues is an important step in renewing the business district and reinstilling civic pride,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “This initiative, coupled with upcoming streetscape and roadway projects, will help pave the way for the revitalization of Essex.”

For the first phase of this targeted pilot, Baltimore County’s Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPWT) leveraged $380,000 in ARPA funding to purchase trash carts emblazoned with the Baltimore County seal, which will be distributed to approximately 4,300 homes beginning this week.

“Keeping our streets clean is important for the quality of life in our communities, including for public health,” said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen. “This effort to distribute trash carts to over 4,000 homes will help strengthen sanitation operations and improve the overall well-being of Baltimore County residents. I’m proud to have fought to pass the American Rescue Plan to support local priorities that impact the everyday lives of Marylanders from our streets to our schools and small businesses.”

This is the latest effort in Baltimore County’s ongoing place-based revitalization initiative in the Essex community.

Last year, Olszewski joined with local officials and neighborhood leaders to discuss community concerns, including public safety, code enforcement, access to recreational spaces, as well as other social and economic disparities. Rat infestation and loose trash was a common concern for most participants.

“We are excited to kick off this pilot project in Essex and, if used properly and consistently, the new carts will assist us in our vermin abatement efforts as well as promote environmental friendliness by keeping trash covered in the community,” said Baltimore County Department of Public Works and Transportation Acting Director D’Andrea Walker. “This initiative is one of several DPWT community revitalization projects planned in response to community concerns, and we look forward to this area once again becoming a destination location

The carts are free-of-charge to residents and are to be used for household trash only. Recyclables, yard materials and hazardous waste should continue to be disposed of separately.

Based on the success of this targeted pilot, Baltimore County will explore opportunities to expand this program.