Millburn Officials: Don’t Put Recyclables In Plastic Bags

MILLBURN, NJ — A “crackdown on contamination” is the reason for the recent “no plastic bags for recycling” rule in Millburn, town officials say.

On Friday, the Township of Millburn alerted all residents and commercial properties serviced by Giordano Co., the solid waste and recycling hauler for the township, that recyclables placed in any plastic bags will not be collected. The change applies to all plastic bags, regardless of whether they’re clear or black.

According to town officials:

“Giordano Co. was informed by its end market that they are cracking down on contamination, and that all loads placed in plastic bags will not be accepted. In turn, all recyclables in plastic bags will be left at the curb. If a collection is left curbside it is the resident’s responsibility to move items into a reusable container.”

The change was inspired by recent shifts in the recycling market, as haulers and end markets are taking steps to reduce contamination levels, Millburn officials said.

“This has resulted in stricter limits and an emphasis on reeducation,” Millburn officials stated. “In the short-term this has led to higher costs for processing recyclables, leading to a renewed effort towards a cleaner recycling stream for which a market can be found.”

Millburn officials said that residents should place recyclables in a reusable container “clearly marked for recycling,” with a lid to ensure items are protected from wind gusts and rain storms. Recycling stickers can be picked up at the Department of Public Works, located at 345 Essex Street.

Empty bottles, cans, paper and cardboard are recyclable, and can be placed loosely in a reusable container at the curb, officials said.

Millburn officials added:

“Any item that includes food or liquid cannot be recycled. Plastic bags are also a contaminant, as they jam up the machines at recycling processing facilities, and can only be recycled by certain retailers and grocery stores. Please keep all plastic bags and food waste out of the recycling stream. When non-recyclable items end up in the recycling stream, they have the potential to turn an entire load into trash, leading to increased processing costs and additional service charges.”

Information regarding the township’s recycling practices can be found in a DPW pamphlet at the Public Works and Recycling pages of the municipal website. For questions and concerns go to http://www.twp.millburn.nj.us/Recycling, or contact the Recycling Coordinator at jmoehlman@millburntwp.org

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