June 10, 2005

NEW RECYCLING CONTRACT TO SAVE $41K

Mayor James Kennedy announced today that the city will be entering into a contract with Turnpike Recycling of Carteret to dispose of the city’s commingled recyclables. Commingled recyclables include plastic, glass and aluminum/metal containers.

The contract will pay the city a guaranteed rate for its recyclables on the open market. In addition to helping the city better predict its recycling revenues in 2005 and beyond, the new agreement will reduce the Division of Solid Waste and Recycling’s operating costs because of Turnpike Recycling’s proximity to Rahway. Presently, the city pays $16,000 annually to dispose of its recyclables in Newark. The city already has a contract with Turnpike Recycling to recycle the city’s paper goods.

“Through the sale of our commingled recyclables, we expect to save over $41,000 per year based on our 2004 tonnage numbers,” said Kennedy. “Residents should not notice any change in their collection schedule, but we will now be receiving money for our recyclables rather than paying someone to dispose of them for us. This is a further incentive for residents to recycle all of these materials in their households.”