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Sustainability & Protecting the Environment
Think globally and act locally! Hyattsville is proud to be a leader in sustainable City operations. Learn more about the many City programs and services promoting a more sustainable, healthy, and environmentally-friendly community for all.
We are proud to be a Sustainable Maryland Certified Silver City! Learn more about the sustainable actions that led to our recent recertification.
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Priyanka Joshi
Deputy Director, Environmental OperationsPhone: (240) 309-8182
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Dawn Taft
Environmental Programs Manager, City ArboristPhone: (240) 487-0290
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Colin Morrison
Environmental CoordinatorPhone: 240-935-2292
Protecting trees and waterways
The City of Hyattsville has been recognized as a Tree City by the Arbor Day Foundation for over 30 years. To protect our urban forests and the Anacostia River watershed, the City has comprehensive tree care and stormwater management practices.
- Download our Residential Tree Care brochure
- View the Tree Care web page for information about Hyattsville's tree care programs and Urban Canopy Report
- The Chesapeake Bay Trust's Rain Check Rebate Program offers rebate incentives to homeowners, businesses, and other property owners who implement strategies to improve stormwater runoff quality. Items eligible for rebate include: rain barrels, cisterns, rain gardens, urban tree canopy, pavement removal, permeable pavement, and green roofs. Learn more about eligibility and apply for your rebate!
- The City is working towards implementation of stormwater pollution and flooding mitigation strategies suggested in the Lower Ward 1 Resilient Stormwater Systems Planning Study. In 2023 the City installed an innovative, engineered wetland at Charles Armentrout Drive and 42nd Place to reduce stormwater runoff issues in that area.
- Every year, the City sponsors residents to participate in the Anacostia Watershed Society's Watershed Stewards Academy. Residents receive an in-depth education in pollution prevention and implement local projects to improve the quality of our waterways.
- The City participates in an organic landscape management program for pesticide free maintenance of City parks, plantings, and playing fields. This prevents pesticide run-off into our local waterways and protects beneficial pollinators like bees, birds, and butterflies.
- Volunteers help clean-up City parks and streams and remove invasive plant species from our forests. Find volunteer opportunities at the bottom of this page!
Responsible waste management
Everything that we own and use has a lifecycle. Throwing things in the trash does not mean they disappear! Following the simple tenants of reduce, reuse and recycle keeps materials out of landfills where they can take decades to decompose and produce gases harmful to people and the planet.
- Reduce & Reuse: Be thoughtful about every purchase! Consider purchased gently-used items instead of increasing the demand for new products. The City supports annual Yard Sale Days in the Spring and Fall to encourage neighbors to exchange goods. Sign up for City notices for updates on Yard Sale Days or request a Yard Sale Permit to host your own. You can also donate your used items to one of many local re-use organizations in our area!
- Recycle & Compost: Before putting household items in the garbage, see if they can be recycled or composted! Visit the City's waste management web pages for details on recycling and composting services. The City collects weekly recycling and compost, offers motor oil and antifreeze disposal at the DPW Operations Center, and hosts an annual electronics recycling day.
- Not sure how to recycle something? Check out the list of suggestions at Earth911 to recycle everything from textiles to furniture.
- Save the Environment One Fork at a Time! On August 31, 2023, the Prince George’s County Department of the Environment joined the City of Hyattsville to host an informational session to discuss the new County bill CB-014-2022 to reduce single-use disposable foodware at food establishments and businesses. Compliance with the new law will be effective on October 1, 2023. Learn more by watching the session below. Click here to access the slides.
Clean Energy
A transition towards renewable energy sources cuts down on harmful carbon emissions and saves money!
- Solar power: The City has updated the lighting in Parking Lot 1, Hyatt Park, and the 38th Avenue Fitness park to solar powered units that use less energy. They are also "off the grid" allowing them to remain lit even if the power were to go out due to a storm or other emergency.
- Learn how your home uses energy and find energy saving opportunities through PEPCO's Quick Home Energy Check-Up program
- Electric vehicle charging stations: To help reduce resident's dependence on fossil fuels, the City offers electric vehicle charging stations in several public parking lots.
- Electric vehicle fleet: As new vehicles are added to the City's administration, Public Works, and Police fleets, every effort is made to secure electric or hybrid options. Watch a brief video about the City's electric trash truck (the first of its kind in the country!) below and learn more about the HCPD's electric vehicles.
Sustainable Living
Healthy humans are part of a healthy planet! Explore the various programs and downloadable guides the City has to support community health and wellness.
- Healthy food: Pick your own seasonal fruits and greens at the City's two Food Forests or grow your own at one of the City's Community Gardens.
- Ditch the car(bon)!: Explore the City's bike trails and connect to regional transit options.
- Stay active: View a map of City parks and work up a sweat at the 38th Avenue Fitness Park. Check out ongoing programs for residents of all ages that encourage both mental and physical health.
- Plant native gardens: Native plants require less water and maintenance, provide shelter and food for insects and animals, and are beautiful! Find a list of plants native to our area in this US Fish & Wildlife Service Guide. You can also email Habitat advisors from the Prince George’s County Audubon Society at audubonwildlifehabitat@gmail.com to request a FREE site visit and receive suggestions that will put you on the path towards being Audubon Bird-Friendly Certified Habitat!
- Go Green!: Attend an environmental program or download resources and Action Guides for advice on everything from installing rain barrels to making your home more energy efficient.
- City's Pledge: The City is part of the National Wildlife Foundation's Mayor's Monarch Pledge, taking steps to plant and protect native habitats that support the monarch butterfly and other pollinators. Learn about planting monarch-friendly gardens.
- Climate Change: Learn with Physician Dr. Cheryl Holder of the American College of Physicians about climate change and its effects on a person's health in the video below.
Environmental Volunteer Opportunities
Help Hyattsville go green! Join one of the monthly clean-ups to keep invasive plant species from spreading in Hyattsville's parks. Removals are typically the third Saturday of the month, weather permitting. Sturdy shoes or work boots and clothing that cover your arms and legs are recommended. The City will provide cotton work gloves and trash bags. Find the next removal on the City calendar or contact environment@hyattsville.org.
The City is also training volunteers in invasive vine removal to build a team of community tree stewards! Learn more and sign up for a free training.
Additional environmental volunteer opportunities, like tree-plantings, are posted as they become available on our Volunteer Page. You can also sign up for City email and/or text notices to receive updates on upcoming environmental events.
Want to do more? Consider applying to serve on the Hyattsville Environmental Committee or the Shade Tree Board!