This information is available as a downloadable pdf file here.

What is an ‘app’?
“App” is short for “application” or “application program”. But really, it’s just software that has been created to
run on a smartphone or tablet computer.

What is a “smartphone” (or smart phone)?
A smartphone is a mobile phone that does more than just make phone calls – essentially it’s a portable
computer. Smart phones can be used to do things such as connect to the internet, send/receive email, run apps,
take pictures, etc. The Apple iPhone, Blackberry devices and Android-powered phones like the Samsung Galaxy
are all examples of smart phones.

What is a tablet computer?
A tablet computer condenses the functionality of a desktop computer down to a device shaped like a flat, thin
book or picture frame. It’s lightweight, requires no separate monitor, keyboard or mouse, and it’s powerful.
Although the Apple iPad is the best known tablet computer, HP, Samsung, Kobo and others also make them. The
Amazon Kindle is an example of a tablet computer.

Will the My-Waste app run on any smartphone or tablet computer?
No. Smartphones and tablet computers use a variety of different operating systems (depending upon the
brand) and, so far, My-waste has been adapted to run on the two most popular platforms in use on 70% of all
smartphones & tablets. While traditional desktop computers run on the Windows, Mac or Linux operating
system, smartphones and tablets run on one of these operating systems:

• ios (Apple) – all Apple iPhone, iPad and iTouch devices run on the ios operating system, which means they can all run the same My-Waste app. Residents with an ios-powered smart phone or tablet can
  download the My-Waste app for free, from the iTunes online store. Currently there is not an enhanced
  version of My-waste for the iPad, however one is planned for 2013. In the meantime, the standard
  version of My-waste works just fine.
• Android – Developed by Google, Android this is the most widely used operating system, powering
  almost 50% of all smartphones. Samsung & HTC are the two most popular brands of smart phones using
  this operating system, however there are many more. Residents with an Android-powered smartphone
  or tablet can download the My-Waste app for free from the Android Marketplace.
• Blackberry – Currently, different Blackberry models run on different operating systems, all of them
  proprietary to the company Research in Motion (RIM). It is impossible to develop an app that can be
  used on all Blackberry devices, so My-Waste has not been designed to run on Blackberry products.
  However, starting in 2013, all new Blackberries are expected to utilize RIM’s ‘next generation’ operating
  system, called “BBX”, which will be compatible with Android apps. So for now, there is no My-Waste
  app for Blackberry, however this may change in 2013 for residents using one of the new Blackberry
  devices.
• Others – Other devices run on different operating systems, and currently My-Waste is not available for
  them. As popularity and markets develop for other operating systems and devices, My-Waste will be
  adapted to run on these as well.

Do I have to pay to download the app?
There is no cost to download and use the My-Waste app. No code or coupon is needed – anyone may download
and use it.

Who owns My-Waste?
My-Waste is owned by Municipal Media Inc. of Toronto, Canada. Municipal Media has been actively promoting
outreach and education for municipal solid waste since 2001.

Will I have to enter information that pertains to me (County, street address, etc.) each time I use the
app? Do I have to update it every year?
No. When you download My-Waste, there is an initial five step set-up process, then, from that point on, only
information for your specific collection zone is displayed. Your information is kept-up-to-date from year to year,
with no need to download a new schedule.

Does that mean the schedule shows only my collection days—not pickups for other areas of the
county?
Yes. Once the app is set up, there is no need to keep track of which collection zone you live in or to reset
anything from year to year. However, if you move to a new household in Frederick County, you can edit your
app settings to show data for the new address (you do not have to re-download the app).

So, is the app just the same as the County’s website?
No, although both provide similar information. To fit the smaller screen of a smart phone, app text has been
condensed so just the key information is there, stated in simple terms. Frederick County’s website presents
more information and a wider range of topics, but we expect My-Waste will have the answers to most common
residential inquiries. But the most exciting difference is that, in addition to information, my-waste also offers
unique services such as recycling reminders and a problem reporting feature.

How do the reminders work?
There are various types of reminders that can be set, and they are all optional:
Curbside recycling reminders – Frederick County’s curbside recycling program follows a bi-weekly collection schedule throughout the year. You can choose to:

• receive a reminder every other week, for each of your collection days,
  - or -
• be reminded only when your collection day changes from its normal pick up, such as for
  holidays.

For all reminders, you can select one or more of the advance notice options and choose when you are
reminded—anywhere from one week to one hour in advance.

Special events and one time collections – If there is a special event, such as a Residential Household
Hazardous Waste Drop Off day, or a seasonal recycling program, such as temporary Christmas tree
recycling drop off sites, you can get notification of these through My-Waste.

Does My-Waste have other information?
My-Waste contains a wealth of easily accessible information: including most aspects of Frederick County’s solid waste programs
and services, including detailed information about:
    - Curbside and drop off center recycling, yard waste, bulky items, hazardous waste, etc.
    - A thorough ‘What Goes Where?’ database, with disposal instructions for over 2,000 searchable items (such as “digital camera” or “candy wrapper”)
    - Landfill/transfer station location, hours, accepted materials, fees, etc.
    - Links to Google maps, where needed

What if I have a problem with my recycling?
The “Report a Problem” feature can help! The My-Waste app features a special report function that allows
residents to quickly and easily communicate non-emergency issues like missed collections, damaged recycling
carts, and more. The report-a-problem feature uses the smartphone’s GPS positioning system and built-in
camera. All a resident has to do is select the report-a-problem function, take a picture and the issue is
automatically emailed to Frederick County Department of Solid Waste Management staff.

What about trash or yard waste collection?
Trash, yard waste, bulk items and other collection programs are not managed by Frederick County Government,
and vary greatly from region to region. The municipal governments, homeowners associations, and private
businesses that provide these services do not report to the Department of Solid Waste Management. Because
of this, we are unable to offer information on non-County programs.

How do I download My-Waste?
Using your smartphone or tablet computer, go to www.my-waste.mobi/FrederickMD and click on the icon
(Apple or Android) at the bottom of the page that takes you to the correct site for your type of device. Once on
the download page, click on the button to download the My-Waste app and follow the instruction that appear
on your device’s screen. Depending on the strength of the internet signal and your devices operating speed,
downloading and setting up the app will take 3-15 minutes.

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To Sum Up...
Many people may want to use the My-Waste app because:

• My-Waste is able to provide a personalized collection schedule for your home
• A variety of customizable reminders are available
• The efficiency and convenience of the “Report a Problem” feature
• The My-waste app text is concise, to the point and easy to read
• Smartphones and tablets, by their nature, are generally close at hand, as opposed to a phone or
  computer in your office, bedroom or basement
• Virtually all information is accessible within three taps of the finger
• There is greater integration between applications, for instance:
  - Tap on a phone number to instantly call that number
  - Tap on an email address to instantly send a message to that address
  - Tap on an address to be taken to Google Maps for specific directions

Still have questions? Call 301-600-2890 or send email to