During its first full year of recycling, which ended June 30, Sykesville recycled 406 tons, about 30 percent of its trash.

The red bin, a recycling receptacle on loan from the county, remains the one trouble spot in the program, said Councilwoman Julie Kaus, who chairs the Recycling Committee.

"The last four months of the year, the bin was contaminated [with nonrecyclables], and the contents were sent to the landfill," she said. "It was about 4 tons, and the county trashed it all."

Councilman Garth Adams said many residents are unsure of what can go into the bin. He would like to post an information display at the town recycling center, where the bin is located, and at the town Fall Fest Oct. 15.

Instead of taking recyclables to the town recycling center, residents soon will be able to place them at the curb. The town will switch to a curbside program in October and hopes to maintain the high percentage of recycling.

Residents will receive information on the program in the mail and in the town newsletter.