Trash Free Maryland is the leading advocate for public policies and initiatives to reduce trash pollution in the state. 

We work toward a state of Maryland that is free of trash, debris, and litter, where communities, public spaces, and waterways are safe, healthy, and support economic viability.



Prevent Litter, Reduce Waste, Protect Communities & Ecosystems!

Our History

Trash Free Maryland was incorporated in 2015 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focused on lasting change to prevent trash pollution. It was born years earlier when in 2009 Trash Free Maryland's original executive director, Julie Lawson, was asked to chair a policy working group for Alice Ferguson Foundation's Trash Free Potomac Watershed Initiative. This group brought together advocates, government employees, and elected officials to discuss trash policy. Members of the group worked to support plastic bag legislation sponsored by Delegate Al Carr in 2010, and then formed the Trash Free Maryland and Trash Free Virginia Alliances in order to assist with future litter reduction efforts. The Trash Free Maryland Alliance eventually became a standalone entity, and the "Alliance" was dropped in the name, so now we are simply Trash Free Maryland.

Strategic Plan

In 2020 the Trash Free Maryland board of directors engaged in a strategic assessment process which resulted in a plan that will guide the organization through 2021 and possibly longer, depending on uncertainties such as the COVID-19 pandemic. During the process the board identified the following values and strategic priorities:

 

Values

  • Alleviate structural inequalities 

  • Enhance environmental justice  

  • Be nimble to change projects to fit present circumstances 

  • Focus on achieving the mission while coming out stronger as an organization

  • Position the organization to be stronger by the end of 2021 in spite of the pandemic

Strategic Priorities

  • Programming

  • Financial Sustainability

  • Organizational Effectiveness

 

Diversity Commitment

 

As we continue to advocate for public policies and initiatives to reduce trash pollution in the state of Maryland we recognize that these issues disproportionately affect marginalized populations. We know that our work will not be successful until we include these populations in every facet of our work.

We commit to amplify these underserved voices and strive for Environmental Justice in the following ways:

  • Broaden programming to include meaningful participation of marginalized populations/communities within 3 years from Board approval.

  • Increase diversity of the Board by 30% within three years.

  • Review each program/funding/marketing decision for alignment with our values of inclusion, equity and diversity.

  • As our staffing increases, increase diversity of staff.

  • We commit to including diverse voices in policy decisions to strengthen policy positions. We recognize without this perspective, policy is not inclusive and effective.

We know that these are just simple steps and only the beginning. We have already taken steps to make these changes and go beyond these objectives. Although we have set a concise timeline of the objectives above, we (the Board and Staff) will continue to look for ways to exemplify a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Approved by the Trash Free Maryland Board of Directors on May 12, 2021

Thanks to Our Supporters!

Abell Foundation

Keith Campbell Foundation

Ohana Foundation

The Munson Foundation

Amazon Smile

Lush Corporation

Mom’s Organic Market

Chesapeake Bay Trust

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)