The Baltimore Convention Center tackles waste reduction through various avenues, including Single Stream, Scrap Metal, Pallet, and Cardboard Recycling. A key highlight of our program is Diversion by Donation, which repurposes nearly any usable item—ranging from furniture to registration bags—to support local organizations in the Baltimore community. Since its inception, the program has grown substantially, fostering strong relationships with partners such as the Maryland Food Bank and other valued community organizations.
In 2024, we donated over 59,000 pounds of food and almost 600,000 pounds of other items to local partners and non-profits. Our commitment to sustainability also extends to food waste reduction.
The video above showcases the Baltimore Convention Center's Food Waste Reduction Program, which launched in 2018 and, within its first six months, contributed over 4,400 pounds of usable food to a local farm for animal feed. We continue to focus on composting, oil recycling, and utilizing environmentally friendly materials such as compostable serviceware.
Through these initiatives, we actively support Baltimore’s sustainability efforts while making a positive impact on the local community. Please take the time to visit and learn about our community partners.