West Orange Temporarily Changes Recycling Amid Coronavirus

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The new coronavirus is temporarily changing the way West Orange recycles, officials say.

On Thursday, West Orange Mayor Robert Parisi released an update on recycling during the COVID-19 crisis.

Parisi wrote:

“The facility that the township’s comingled recyclables are routinely transferred to is unable to operate as the virus has significantly impacted their employees. As a result, the township is forced to temporarily suspend co-mingled recycling. Beginning next week, the week of April 20, the township will begin weekly pick up of separated recyclables. Next week, recyclable pick up will only be taking glass bottles and jugs, or aluminum beverage and food containers and plastic bottles or containers.”

The mayor continued:

“During the following week, the week of April 27, only cardboard boxes, paper, newspaper, magazines and junk mail will be picked up as part of the weekly recycling program. This alternating week schedule for pickup… glass and plastic one week, paper and cardboard the next… will continue until further notice.”

All recyclables can still be dropped off at the Township Recycling/Environmental Center on Mt Pleasant Avenue, Parisi said.

“And as an important reminder, used masks or gloves, worn in virus protection, should not be put out for recycling pickup,” he added.

Additional information about the temporary changes, as well as other COVID-19 information, is available on the township website.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Don’t forget to visit the Patch West Orange Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.