In 1988, the state of Maryland mandated the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to reduce solid waste disposal statewide by 40% by 2005. MDE was to complete this mandate through education, management and regulation.

As a result, MDE reported a reduction of 44.6% state-wide in 2006, which was more than the mandate. MDE has now encouraged businesses to find new and innovative ways to reduce solid waste and to go green.