Single-Stream Recycling on its Way to BurlCo

At long last, single-stream recycling is coming to Burlington County.

The more convenient method of recycling—which will allow residents to dump all their paper, bottles, cans and cardboard into that big blue cart (which is only for paper and cardboard currently)—is being rolled out across the county next May.

In preparation, the county is asking residents to determine whether they'll need a second cart and, if so, order it online. There are three different sizes available: 96-, 64- and 48-gallon.

The county estimates more than 30,000 homes may need an extra cart. (Note: The carts are free.)

The county is asking residents to have order forms in no later than Sept. 30.

Single-stream recycling will offer a number of other benefits, according to the county:

• Studies show single-stream brings with it an increase of 10 percent or more in recycling, which means less goes to the landfill, which means towns save on landfill tipping fees. Recycling saved Burlington County municipalities more than $3.2 million in tipping fees (and that was without single-stream), which is essentially tax savings.
  
• The program is operated through the Occupational Training Center of Burlington County and provides jobs to individuals with disabilities.