Nutley Will Experiment With Garbage Can Recycling Program

NUTLEY, NJ — Got an unwanted trash bin that’s no longer needed after Nutley’s switch to a new garbage collection system? Town officials are planning to create a way to recycle those unwanted cans – with a pilot program set to test the waters this weekend.

Nutley recently switched to a new garbage collection system, which became effective on Jan. 2. It has seen mixed reviews from local residents online so far. See Related: Here’s How Nutley’s New Garbage Collection System Will Work (VIDEO)

New collection bins are part of the switch. The delivery of the carts began last month (learn more here).

With the new bins officially in play, many Nutley residents are now finding themselves with old garbage cans that they no longer need. That’s why officials are considering the launch of a township-wide program that will give them a way to recycle those bins in an “environmentally friendly way.”

According to Nutley Commissioner Joseph Scarpelli and the Township of Nutley Department of Public Works, the goal is to roll out the full program by the end of January.

In an effort to iron out the kinks before launch day, the town will be conducting a one-day trial run of the bin recycling program on Saturday, Jan. 11 on the following streets between Coeyman Avenue and High Street:

• Renner Avenue (Nutley section only)
• Rhoda Avenue
• Mapes Avenue
• Stanley Avenue

Residents on those blocks should put their unwanted trash bins on the curb before 7 a.m. Garbage containers of any size or material that are “old, damaged or no longer needed” will be accepted. Containers must be completely empty and clean of trash or debris. They must also be clearly marked with a label or tag reading: “To Be Recycled.”

The township is not responsible for containers mistakenly placed at the curb and inadvertently collected, officials said.

Old blue or green recycling containers are not part of the pilot program, and will not be collected.

Residents can contact the Department of Public Works at 973-284-4958 for more information.

“This pilot program will allow us to assess the resources needed to expand garbage container recycling to the entire community,” Scarpelli said.

“By starting with a one-day pilot program, we will identify any adjustments needed to ensure a seamless township-wide rollout,” he added.

There are also other ways to repurpose your old trash can, the commissioner previously said, such as using them for yard tool storage or as a compost bin.

OTHER RECYCLING NEWS IN NUTLEY

On Dec. 16, Scarpelli announced that the town’s recycling program will remain unchanged, despite the recent garbage collection switchover.

“While there have been adjustments to the garbage collection system managed by the Department of Public Affairs, our recycling efforts will continue as usual, maintaining the success and recognition they have achieved,” he said.

Residents should continue to use the blue containers: one for paper and the other for commingling. The current dual stream recycling continues to offer the greatest opportunity for monetary benefit back to the township, according to Scarpelli.

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