Council approves expedited bill to start planning new organics processing facility in Dickerson area

Montgomery County Council held a public hearing June 26, 2025, on Expedited Bill 15‑25 and then approved the measure to authorize planning, design and construction of a new organics processing facility in the Little Monocacy Basin (Dickerson/Barnesville area).

Supporters said the project would create local composting capacity needed to divert food scraps from incinerators and landfills, help the county comply with state rules and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Testimony included students and representatives of environmental organizations and the Sugarloaf Citizens Association, which oversees the existing yard‑trim compost facility in Dickerson.

Karina Gupta, an eleventh‑grade student representing the nonprofit Compostology, told the council that Montgomery County Public Schools generate substantial food waste and urged passage of the bill so schools could expand composting. “We’ve estimated that this food waste adds up to 420,000 pounds per year just from Montgomery County Public Schools,” Gupta said, and described educational and climate benefits from on‑campus compost programs.

Caroline Taylor, representing Poolesville’s Global Ecology Program, urged the county to make compost products affordable and available to farmers and to undertake robust public outreach. “We’re creating a product from what would have been waste that will add essential elements to soil,” Taylor said, and recommended incentives for on‑site composting where appropriate.

Jennifer Kunze, Maryland organizing director for Clean Water Action, framed the project as a critical piece of local climate action and cited state law HB 264 (2021), which requires large food‑waste generators to divert material where nearby capacity exists. “By constructing this project, it will make that law more effective by adding to the state's collective capacity to compost food waste,” Kunze said. She also said there are only six facilities permitted by MDE to handle food scraps in Maryland and none currently in Montgomery County.

Constance “Connie” Geller, speaking for the Sugarloaf Citizens Association, said the group supports the legislation but is seeking details on the facility’s expansion, timeline and operations. “We stand ready to negotiate with county officials on the issues that surround the facility’s expansion,” Geller said, and urged the county to set a near‑term timeline to shutter the county’s incinerator as part of the broader waste‑management overhaul.

After testimony, the council moved to action. A motion to approve Expedited Bill 15‑25 was made and seconded; the clerk conducted a roll call and the attending council members voted to approve the bill. Council staff and speakers said the authorization will allow county departments to proceed with more detailed planning and equipment decisions, and the Sugarloaf Citizens Association said it expects to review and negotiate operational details as plans develop.

The public hearing record shows support for diverting food waste to composting and a request from local stakeholders for clearer timelines and operational details related to the facility expansion.