(7/2018) County’s mulch on sale

The Department of Solid Waste Management (DSWM) has announced that it will conduct a summer sales event for the mulch produced and sold by its primary yard waste recycling site, located at 9031 Reichs Ford Road in Frederick. Double ground mulch regularly sells for $15 per ton and will be on sale for $7.50 per ton. This event creates an opportunity for the public residents and businesses alike to obtain high quality mulch for half off the normal price. The week-long sale begins Saturday, June 23 and will end at close of business Saturday, June 30, or sooner if the product sells out. There is no limit to the amount that may be purchased and mulch will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.

The DSWM’s Reichs Ford Road yard waste recycling facility is an award-winning site where staff monitor, screen and process incoming yard waste to produce high-quality landscape amendments. This sales event provides a limited opportunity to purchase mulch at a substantially reduced price. Double ground mulch, which regularly sells for $15 per ton, will be on sale for $7.50 per ton.

Customers will be charged by weight for the actual amount of product that is loaded and do not need to acquire a full ton. All products are sold in bulk (not bagged); county staff will load larger quantities of materials into open-bed vehicles or trailers, or customers may bring a shovel to load smaller amounts into their own containers. Purchases may be made during regular facility hours, 7 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and are payable by cash, check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover). Customers are responsible for ensuring materials are secure during transport and should bring a tarp or other means to secure the load. Tarps are available for purchase if needed.

For more information on the landscape amendments produced by Frederick County’s recycling program, please visit the DSWM’s website for more detailed information: www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/Revive. Information can also be obtained by calling 301-600-1848.

Legislation to Streamline Construction of Accessory Dwelling Units

County Executive Jan Gardner proposed legislation to encourage the construction of accessory dwelling units in Frederick County. Co-sponsored by County Council President Bud Otis and Council Member Jessica Fitzwater, the proposal would streamline regulations to make it easier to build what used to be called in-law suites, which are small living spaces within or attached to a home, or stand alone "tiny houses." The legislation only addresses units that are accessories to existing single-family homes.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are defined as dwelling units that are accessory to or located on the same lot as a principal residential structure. ADUs are often targeted to seniors because they have cooking, bathroom and sleeping areas that are separate from the main dwelling.

"Accessory dwelling units are one approach to providing housing options for people in Frederick County," said Executive Gardner. "This initiative has been a team effort and is an example of what we can accomplish when we work together for the citizens."

A draft of the legislation is available for review on the Council agenda at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/agenda.