State Honors Ridgewood As 2022 Recycling Leader For 'Outstanding' Education Efforts

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Due in part to its comprehensive curbside, drop-off and food waste recycling system, the village of Ridgewood is among those honored as New Jersey’s 2022 recycling leaders, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said.

Ridgewood and its Recycling Division were recognized as one of six award winners, split among six categories, during the environmental department's 41st annual Recycling Awards Program. The village was the "Government" category winner.

Reasons for the village's win, the DEP said, were the comprehensive curbside collection program; and the recycling drop-off center that accepts food waste, textiles, electronics, concrete, printer cartridges and more.

"The village’s Division of Recycling also does an outstanding job of educating residents about the recycling program through its website, flyers, green guide and more," the DEP added.

Village Manager Heather Mailander congratulated Recycling Coordinator Sean Hamlin, Recycling Program Aide Johanna Luttrell and the rest of the recycling team at the village council meeting Wednesday.

“The Murphy Administration commends the award winners for promoting recycling and educating their communities about the importance of diverting waste to better protect our natural resources,” Commissioner LaTourette said. “New Jersey is consistently a national leader in recycling, and we applaud the winners for going above and beyond to help keep the environment safe and clean for all.”