Commentary: Landfilling isn’t ideal, but it’s better than waste incineration for Montgomery

The choice Montgomery County faces, between shipping its trash to a landfill or burning it, is not an easy one, writes Jerry Kickenson, but shuttering the incinerator in favor of hauling trash at least provides incentives for a better future in the long run.

By: Jerry Kickenson

Outlets: Maryland Matters

Published: November 7, 2026

Words: 853

Last Updated: 2 days, 20 hours ago

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There has been much debate on the fate of the Montgomery County trash incinerator (euphemistically called a Resource Recovery Facility, or RRF). Deciding on the best option is not easy – there are issues with all approaches. However, continuing the operation of the incinerator is the wrong choice that will likely kill any chance of true waste reduction and recycling in the future.

Continued operation of the incinerator will require upgrades. Yet the county’s contractor …

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