Waste Management Companies in Maryland

waste

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently instructed state governments to devise ways to increase the efficiency of waste management. The regulatory authority expressed its displeasure about the effectiveness of current practices to manage waste generated by residential households to the metal fabrication industry.

Talking specifically about Maryland, efficiency of waste management varies from town to town depending on several factors such as infrastructure, regulations, and the practices of waste management companies. We thought it’ll be a good idea to do some research on this topic, which is often neglected by popular websites & blogs and news publications. This article is an attempt to provide information about some notable waste management companies in Maryland but it does not claim to be a ‘Best of’ or ‘Top 5’ in the sector. We have identified 5 companies operating in Maryland with good reputation and positive customer feedbacks on 4 or more of the following criteria:

  • Extensive service coverage and infrastructure.
  • Advanced recycling and waste reduction programs.
  • Commitment to environmental sustainability.
  • Technological innovations in waste management.
  • Strong customer service and prompt response times.
  • Local expertise and community involvement.

Following are a few waste management companies in Maryland that meet the above criteria and have been recognized for their services:

1. Waste Management Inc.

Waste Management is one of the largest waste management companies in the United States and operates in Maryland. They offer a comprehensive range of waste management services, including collection, disposal, recycling, and environmental solutions. Waste Management is known for its advanced technologies and commitment to sustainability, striving to minimize waste and promote recycling initiatives.

2. Republic Services Inc.

Republic Services is another prominent waste management company serving various locations across the United States, including Maryland. They provide residential, commercial, and industrial waste collection and disposal services. Republic Services focuses on waste reduction, recycling programs, and implementing environmentally responsible practices.

3. Advanced Disposal Services

Advanced Disposal Services offers waste management solutions, including collection, recycling, and disposal services. They serve residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Maryland. Advanced Disposal Services focuses on sustainability and has implemented programs to enhance recycling efforts and reduce landfill waste.

4. Potomac Disposal Inc.

Potomac Disposal is a locally-owned waste management company serving Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. They provide trash and recycling collection services to residential and commercial customers. Potomac Disposal emphasizes customer satisfaction, prompt service, and environmentally responsible waste management practices.

5. Chesapeake Waste Industries

Chesapeake Waste Industries offers waste collection, recycling, and disposal services in Maryland. They serve both residential and commercial customers, with a focus on tailored waste management solutions. Chesapeake Waste Industries prioritizes efficient and sustainable waste management practices.

It’s important to conduct further research or reach out directly to these companies to gather the most current information regarding their services, USPs, and performance in the waste management sector in Maryland.

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Legal Services

No one goes around planning to get into trouble that is likely to lead to litigation. However, the truth is that no matter how carefully or defensively a person tries to live. Some trouble will occasionally and unavoidably show up. You could get rear-ended in traffic by a careless driver. There’s the possibility of getting unfortunately mixed up in some illegal racket at work. Or the unfortunate occurrence of a criminal attack on your home or person. All of these scenarios require the services of lawyers and other legal professionals. Even making insurance claims and securing severance packages may need the intervention of the gentlemen of the bar.

Legal Services

A good number of lawyers may claim to be able to handle any case for you. It is, however, important to know that lawyers have specialities and specific areas of expertise. Just like you wouldn’t want a foot doctor doing brain surgery, you want the right type of lawyer for what you need. This article is a quick guide to 3 significant types of legal services available and how to know which one to employ for different circumstances.

Corporate Law: This is the aspect of law that relates to businesses, corporations, companies or organizations. Apart from just instances when you have to sort legal problems arising at work or business. A corporate lawyer is someone you should contact when trying to set up a business. This is even more important if the business involves partnerships or joint ownership. You’ll need the legal services of a corporate law professional to set up terms and conditions. They’ll also give sound advice on how to run the business without running afoul of any existing laws. Corporate lawyers will also help you successfully navigate severance package payment issues and other employer-employee problems.

Criminal Law: Here is the part of law that we all hope we don’t have anything to do with. We cannot, however, wish away the existence of probabilities. It is, therefore, safer and more logical to have pre-emptive knowledge. Criminal lawyers as the name imply will assist you in the event of any crimes. Either you’ve gotten implicated in a fraud, or you got defrauded by someone and seek redress in a court of law. These legal professionals are grounded in the dictates of the law about crime. They will make a strong case for you or against the plaintiff(s) or defender(s) – whichever the case may be-. Criminal lawyers will also give you accurate advice on what legal steps to take. Especially as concerning issues like plea bargaining and others.

Law of Torts: A basic definition of torts is simply “civil wrong”. It involves any case that has to do with causing hurt and harm to another individual. This harm results in legal liability to the individual concerned. Various cases of torts include getting your car bashed in traffic (or bashing someone else’s car). Getting a prescription from a doctor that results in the worsening of your medical condition. A Torts’ lawyer would help you utilize the law to get redress for your wrongs or avoid getting treated unfairly.

This is not an exhaustive list, there are other aspects of law which you should learn about so as to stay safe and informed

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Bel Air Gutter & Siding

Bel Air Gutter & Siding has been serving the Bel Air area for a number of years and has many happy customers. They provide both gutter work including cleaning, repair and installation and also do vinyl siding installation and repair.

Gutters

The owner, George, said that it is a good idea to get your gutters cleaned once a year, or if you have gutter guards, every two or three years. Why? Because, if the gutters get blocked and aren’t working properly, the water will back up and go places it shouldn’t. You may not be aware because most people don’t walk outside in the rain, and they usually don’t look up to see what the gutters are doing.

Plus, gutter cleaning is not expensive. It varies from house to house but usually varies between $100 and $200, sometimes a bit more or less. This is cheap compared to repairing the damage that water going the wrong place over time. That could run to thousands dollars of repairs, so you could think of gutter cleaning as a cheap insurance policy.

Along with this, when the cleaning is done, they automatically check for any repairs that are needed. Naturally, they make more money by doing this but they save you money too. If it is simple, they do it for free. Even if they have to charge, it is almost always cheaper to catch problems early and fix them rather than wait.

Sometimes gutters need to be replaced or a home is built and of course you need gutters. It could be that snow or ice pulled the gutters down and ruined them. Or sometimes they just get too old and need to be replaced. Whatever the reason, Bel Air Gutter & Siding can install new seamless gutters for you.

Vinyl Siding

Then there is vinyl siding. With all the severe storms we have been getting, Bel Air Gutter & Siding has been kept busy with repairing siding that has partially blown off.

George also pointed out to us that vinyl siding has come a long way from when it was first invented. Now it comes in a wide variety of textures and patterns that look like cedar shake or a variety of other siding. It is possible to really increase the value of your house and make it look like new by putting these new types of siding on.

The nice thing is that it goes over existing siding, so you don’t have the expense of removing that first. And, because it adds an extra layer on the side of the house, it increases the insulation so you don’t have to spend as much on heating.

They will be happy to come out and give you a free estimate.

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Bethesda Rockville MD Limo Company

BethRock Limo services Bethesda, MD and Rockville, MD as well as surrounding areas such as Gaithersburg, Germantown, Silver Spring and of course, Washington DC. They supply sedans, limos, SUV limos, stretch limos and party buses. So if there are just two of you or a party of 30 or more, they can take care of you.

Normally they have enough vehicles to be able to take care of you whenever you want. There are certain times of the year when it is a good idea to make a reservation well in advance. The biggest time to be aware of is prom season. It is made worse by a lot of weddings happening at the same time. Also, some political events such as inaugurations will cause a crunch for limousines.

Beth Rock Limo Hummer Lamb Doors Wh 20px

We have found the chauffeurs to be polite and professional. They have helped in various ways such as helping a bride get the train of her dress safely into the limousine or a Quinceanera with a large dress to gracefully enter and exit the limousine. The driver can work with the photographer if the photographer wants to get some photos with the limo and or the chauffeur.

Beth Rock Limo Party Bus 18-25px - inside 750

The interiors of the limousines and party buses vary. Some are very conventional, perfect for business functions or funerals or other more serious occasions. Then there are others that are much wilder and fit the mood for partying and celebrating.

Some of these more party focused occasions include bachelor and bachelorette parties, nights on the town, sporting events, proms, reunions, birthday parties and more.

But if you are having a good time, respect the limo and the driver. BethRock Limo and all other limo companies have had guests that partied so hard and left the limo or party bus such a mess that it was necessary to charge extra for cleaning.

The limos and party buses besides having very comfortable leather seats have great sound systems and usually have flat screen TVs. They also have bar areas stocked with ice and stemware. If you want wine or champagne, you will need to provide that. Of course, for proms and other under age events, no drinking is allowed.

So, if you are in Bethesda, Rockville or anywhere else in Washington DC or Maryland suburbs north of DC, give BethRock Limo a call. You might say for a good time call BethRock Limo except this implies a bit of disrepute and we have found them to be completely professional and straightforward. Their phone is 301-825-8833 and the website is http://www.bethrocklimo.com/

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Snow Plowing Companies

Well, it is winter (although at first the winter seemed more like fall would never end) so it seems like a good time to write about snow plowing. What you need in terms of a company to hire depends on your needs. You may just need someone to shovel or snow blow the walk in front of your house. If you have a driveway, especially a long one, you will need a company with snowblowers or plows. However, if you are a business with a parking lot, you need someone who has greater capacity and if you have a parking lot like you would for a mall or an office building or school or college, you are going to need a company with serious capabilities.

Advance Planning is Critical

One of the most key things is to have someone lined up in advance. As they say, you can fuggedaboutit if you try to call someone on the day of the storm. They are going to be taking care of their current customers, not new ones. How do we know this? We have two lots on opposite sides of town. Our guy finished the first one and the his truck broke down and couldn’t get the second one done. Numerous phone calls were made. Out of all those phone calls, they either laughed at us or we got answering machines because they were out plowing snow. Out of all the phone calls, we only got one call back and that was a week after the storm.

Plowing Plan

You also want to go over ahead of time where they are going to put the snow. Sometimes with a really deep storm, they run out of room for all the easy places. One time our guy pushed up a large pile of snow in front of a tenant’s overhead door because they had done it in the past when that door wasn’t being used. Now it was being used but they hadn’t been told. But the snow had frozen solid and they couldn’t easily move it with the plow. So we use pick axes and shovels to move the snow from in front of the door.

The Right Equipment

If you have a really deep snow, it can be difficult for a pickup truck with a snow plow. The big plows the city and state have aren’t bothered in the same way. So it can be good to have someone who also has a front end loader that can be used in combination with the plow on the pick up truck. However, you also need to know how to use the snow plow. With a recent 2.5 to 3 foot snow fall we had one truck who couldn’t push that much snow, he just started slipping as the amount of snow on the blade grew too big. Another plow came in that was approximately the same size and had no trouble at all.  Part of it was that the driver drove like a wild man. But the major reason was that he had put a lot of weight in the bed of his pickup and the first guy had no extra weight at all. It apparently made all the difference in the world.

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Blue Ridge – Car Repair

If you need your car repaired, try Blue Ridge Sports Cars Ltd. They do a good job and are honest. We have been taking our Volvo to them since moving to Baltimore from the Severna Park area.

The nice thing is that they will recommend what needs to be done. We have taken our car to Firestone for tires but they come back with a laundry list of things that they say needs to be done. They even told me that I needed new brake rotors one time and I believed them, but asked to save the rotors. When I showed the rotors to the auto repair shop, they said that they were still perfectly good and couldn’t believe that Firestone had replaced them. They said to keep them for future use.

The Volvo is getting older, but being a Volvo, it has been hanging in there pretty well. But when some things have gone bad, Blue Ridge has called around to junk yards and other places and been able to find replacement parts at much lower prices than if Volvo parts were purchased. In some cases they say that you need to go with the Volvo parts, either for safety or that is the only place you can get them, but generally they can get you a deal.

There have been times when they got one part replaced and it came with several other parts attached and they said that had significantly longer life expectancy than what I had and because only the one part was paid for and not all the attached parts, I had saved hundreds of dollars. Not like when my wife goes to a sale and saves me money by buying a bunch of stuff.

Crazy thing is that I had been going there for several years and one day got to talking with the owner, Don, and found out that we had been in the same class in high school. Obviously I am not recommending them because of that since I had been going there for several years already when I found it out and was already a happy customer.

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Tree Services, Garden Store, Landscaping, Lawn Care

Today we take a look at Tree Services Annapolis, treeservicesannapolis.com. They are a full service  company as you can see from the title. They have various tree services, a garden store, and do landscaping and lawn care. What more could you ask for?

All the services make sense as a combination because they all grow out of the same core competencies. And with trained arborists on the staff with over 50 years experience, they can guide all the services offered and solve any problems that come up.

Lawn Services

The lawn services include all the standard services, mowing and trimming, aeration, pruning, edging, flower rotation, fertilization, overseeding, and insect and disease control.

Tree Services

Trees can have the biggest impact on property values and really make a difference in the way a property looks. Tree Services Annapolis does tree removals including stump grinding. They can bring down trees in a controlled fashion a bit at a time and not do any damage to plantings or buildings near the tree. They also do pruning, cabling, bracing and shaping to make the tree healthier and look better. For trees with problems, they do air spade and fertilization, root invigoration, and micro injections as well as insect and disease indentification and control. Lightning protection systems are also a specialty. Lightning can kill or damage and disfigure a tree. Then you have the expense of removal and a long time before a newly planted tree grows back.

They can also clear lots, cut up any trees or branches for firewood, do planting of trees, do risk assessments, debris removal and mitigation of damage done to plantings during construction.

Landscaping Services

Tree Services Annapolis also has landscaping services including, grading and sodding, seeding, shrub installation, professional design services, perennial gardens, walkways, patios, walls, low voltage lighting and water features.

Country Garden Store

Finally, they have their own country garden store where you can find a range of plants and shrubs as well as knowledgeable plant and tree experts and landscaping technicians.

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Leaf Collection Companies

This time of year, lots of people are out raking. Some people do it themselves and others hire companies to come in and do it for them and others do kind of a combo.

If you are doing it yourself, we hope you don’t have a lot of oaks. We lived in one house that had a lot of oaks around it. Besides there being a lot of leaves, they were a pain to deal with. Some leaves are very soft and easy to rake. Oak leaves are very stiff. That isn’t so bad, but what make is a lot worse is that their stem is also very hard and stiff and it tends to have a curve to it. So, if the curve is facing down, it tends to get caught in the grass and not want to move when you rake it. Even more so with a blower. You can sit and put a blower on a single leaf and it will just stay there stuck in the grass.

One thing that can help with doing the raking job yourself is a holder for the bags. It makes the job so much easier. Some fit inside the bag and hold it open. When the bag is full, you pull the holder out. Others you put the bag inside of it. Whatever the design, it is a great time saver.

Some people just use the lawnmower to chop up the leaves and leave them on or in the grass to provide nourishment for the lawn. If you just leave the leaves on top of the grass without chopping them up, they will tend to kill the grass under them.

The hybrid method is to get the leaves to the curb. Then a company comes along with a truck with a giant vacuum attachment. They suck up all the leaves into the truck and charge a nominal fee to do this. If you have an old bedspread, they are very useful. Or you can buy a tarp. You rake the leaves onto the tarp and then drag it to the curb and dump it. Then go back for the next load until you are done and call for the truck to come.

Raking grass can be a good excuse to get outdoors and get some exercise. And unlike shoveling heavy snow, it doesn’t usually lead to heart attacks. But some people are too old or sick or just don’t want to be bothered. In that case, you can get people who come in with blowers and rakes and clean up all your leaves for you and cart them away. Of course, this costs the most, but is the easiest to do. You just write a check.

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Wicklein’s Pond Repair

Wicklein’s Water Garden is considered one of the best pond installation and repair companies in the Baltimore area. We bought an old house that was originally built in 1930. The original owner used a lot of the latest materials. They had some outdoor lamps on the house made out of copper which wasn’t new, but another two on the porch combined aluminum and copper. Cast aluminum was a new building material back then.

Concrete Was New and Exciting at One Time

Believe it or not, so was concrete. The fireplace is lined with brick, but the sort of French Provincial style hood above it (you couldn’t really call it a mantle) is made of cast concrete and above that is wood. Most people don’t realize it is concrete until I point it out and then they are amazed.

House Problems

The heating system from day one was forced hot air and not radiators. This was very cutting edge for the 1930s. You would think that this would make it easy to add air conditioning. Alas, you would be wrong. Since heat rises, they didn’t need returns on the second and third floors. The only returns were on the first floor and in the basement. When air conditioning was added, this meant that the air conditioning on the second and third floors was very inefficient. We had to figure out a way to get a return up to the upper floors. We gave up for the third floor and installed a heat pump instead.

Unfortunately, they decided to use galvanized pipe instead of copper pipe. Big mistake. The copper pipe would still have been fine. The galvanized pipe was shot. The only good thing is that in the 1930s the pipe would have probably all been the same size and you get water temperature changes in the shower when someone flushes the toilet. The new way is to use larger diameter pipes and decrease the size as you move further away. So no problems while you are in the shower.

The electric system was state of the art for 1930 but not now. With computers and cable and TV it was totally antiquated. So the entire electrical system had to go. If you think plumbing is bad to replace, try electrical. Plumbing goes to just a few rooms. Electrical goes to every room and almost every wall. What a project.

Pond Problems

There is a pond outside. Although it had water, there were cracks in the walls and some of the flagstones that were around the edges in a border were coming loose. A pipe that went to the pond hadn’t been drained in the winter and froze and needed to be repaired. The light in the pond was full of water and no longer functionings.

Solutions

The company came in and drained the pond into a number of large plastic tubs. They tossed the gold fish into the tubs and cleaned out the slime and fish poop from the bottom. Then they took out some of the lily pads that had overgrown. Then they dried and cleaned the pond. Next they patched the cracks, parging the insides where necessary and cemented the border stones back into place. They said fixing the light in the side of the pond would be too expensive so they sold us some small lights that sit in the pond and a wire comes out and plugs in to an outlet.

So then we needed to call in an electrician for the extra plugs to redo some of the wiring. One of the things we needed a plug for in addition to the pump for the fountain was a new device they sold us. The water runs from the pump through a hose and then through this contraption where the water is bombarded with UV light to kill the algae and stuff so the pond doesn’t get dirty and cloudy as fast.

Then they suggested covering the bottom with small rounded stones. Some the size of pea gravel but most an inch to 3 inches long. Most were sort of egg shaped and not round. It looks pretty good, but makes cleaning the pond more difficult.  All in all though, the pond looks and performs much better than it did.

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Artistic Talented Welding

Welding and metal fabrication can be very simple and utilitarian but it can also range to what could be considered art. And then it is possible to make metal sculptures as well. One local craftsman at Baltimore Railings & Stairs, can not only do the simple things, he has a background in fine art and can create sculptures in addition to railings, stairs, fire escapes and other similar projects.

It is also important to be able to work in a range of different media or metals in this case. That can include cast iron, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and bronze. Then it is also necessary to be able to incorporate other materials such as glass and wood. Plus other metal forms, such as cables for cable stairway railings.

metal sculpture

You can see on the left a sample of a very small sculpture of a sailboat.

metal railing

Sculptures can be much larger and look entirely different than this very finished looking piece. On the right is an example of a railing. Very simple but elegant.

This artistic talent and background means that the finish is going to be good on any project and it makes working with architects and builders easy. If you have a need for your boat, this is also one of their specialties. You need to be aware of how salt water affects metal and it helps to have experience sailing and boating. It is not only what metal to use, but also what metals can be in contact with each other. You can have galvanic corrosion and stray current corrosion.

We have been impressed with the company. They have made some very ornate gates. You would never know that they weren’t crafted 100 or more years ago. On the other hand, there are very sleek, modern looking railings, stairways, balconies and other metal fabrication projects.

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