As an environmental educator, I encounter folks all the time who do not know what is and isn’t recyclable. As part of my job, I work to help teach our students and employees what can and cannot be recycled; however, there have been several instances when even I have been stumped and had to look up whether an item was recyclable.

The problem is that the rules are complicated. They change depending on where you live and the capabilities of the specific recycling facility.

If you are not sure, either look it up or don’t put it in the bin! You could be doing more harm than good. Below is a list which contains links to each Maryland county government website with information on what materials are acceptable for recycling. I hope this helps you to be a little “greener” just in time for Earth Day, Saturday, April 22.

Kimberly Pause Tucker is director of the Stevenson University Center for Environmental Stewardship. Her email is .