Building on Maryland's plan to nearly eliminate the disposal of waste in the State to help build an environmentally sustainable future, Governor Martin O'Malley on Tuesday issued an Executive Order affirming statewide waste reduction goals, directing State government to increase recycling, composting, and waste diversion and limiting new or expanded municipal and land clearing debris landfills to help drive innovation and achieve those goals.
“While we know that climate change is real, and Maryland is vulnerable, we also know that we can take steps to ensure the sustainability of our Maryland communities and our environment,” said Governor O'Malley. “Today's action is the right thing to do for our environment – and it creates opportunities for the jobs and business activity that we need to ensure the environmental and financial health of our communities. By limiting sources of waste, and by recycling, reusing, and composting the remaining waste, we are creating a more sustainable world for our children and their children.”