December 11, 2003

PAPER RECYCLING WILL BE MADE EASIER IN 2004

Rahway – The City Council approved a resolution earlier this month that will mean improved recycling services for Rahway residents in 2004.  The resolution was sponsored by Fourth Ward Councilman Dave Brown and At-Large Councilwoman Nancy Saliga.  It authorizes the city to enter into an agreement with Turnpike Recycling Center of Carteret to deposit and market the city’s recyclables.  In 2002 (the most recent year data is available), the Division of Solid Waste and Recycling collected 1,612 tons of paper and 1,107 tons of commingled recyclables (glass, plastic and aluminum) from residences in Rahway.

The two year contract (with three one-year contract extensions) will give the city a guaranteed rate for its recyclables on the open market.  In addition to helping the city better predict its recycling revenues in 2004 and beyond, the new market reduces the city’s operating costs because of its proximity to Rahway.  Presently, the city must transport its recyclables to Garwood and Newark.

More importantly, this new contract will make it much easier for city residents to prepare their recyclables for collection.  Currently, residents must separate and bundle paper products (mixed paper, cardboard, newsprint, etc.).  Beginning January 1, 2004, residents and businesses will be able to commingle all of their newspapers, corrugated cardboard, magazines, catalogues, junk mail and related paper products.  All of these materials should be placed in paper bags, cardboard boxes or bundled for curbside collection on their scheduled date.  The collection days and other regulations will not change.   The first recyclable collections of 2004 are January 7 for Section B and January 14 for Section A, respectively.

“I expect this change to significantly increase the amount of paper being recycled in Rahway,” said Mayor James Kennedy.  “It makes economic sense as well as environmental sense for us.”  Kennedy added that city residents used to separate glass, plastic and aluminum before the city switched to a commingled collection system back in the mid-1990s.

“I have seen many residents throw their catalogues, magazines, newspapers and cardboard boxes in the trash because it is too much of a hassle to separate, tie and bundle paper every two weeks,” said Brown.  “We already have the most comprehensive solid waste and recycling program in Union County.  This new contract will improve our service to the public by making it easier to recycle paper.  I encourage all residents to recycle and help save tax dollars.”

The new paper collection guidelines will be reflected in the 2004 solid waste and recycling schedule and map that will be mailed to approximately 11,000 homes and business in Rahway later this month. The schedule and guidelines are also available for download on the city’s web site at http://www.cityofrahway.com/solid_waste_recycling.htm. 

For more information, call the Division of Solid Waste & Recycling at (732) 827-2159.