Freeholder Director Robert M. Damminger, Liaison to the Gloucester County Improvement Authority, wants to remind residents of the importance of recycling.
In 1987, the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act requires all residents, schools, businesses and government agencies in the state of New Jersey to separate and recycle certain materials from the regular trash in order to reduce the amount of garbage that requires disposal. These items include newspaper, glass bottles and jars, aluminum cans, bi-metal cans and plastic bottles, jars and jugs.
“Over the last several years, we noticed residents not taking the proper time to sort their recyclables. Recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to our landfills, conserves our natural resources and reduces pollution,” stated Damminger.
The “Dirty Dozen” is Gloucester County’s list of items that should never be in your recycling container. These items include:
- Plastic bags
- Materials in plastic bags
- Shredded paper
- Scrap Metal
- Hazardous waste
- Diapers or bio-hazardous waste
- Non-recyclable plastics
- Cups
- Plastic caps or lids
- Liquids in recyclable containers
- Ceramics or non-recyclable glass
- Frozen food containers
“The main phrase our county’s recycling program stresses is, ‘When in doubt, throw it out,’” added Damminger. “One dirty recyclable could contaminate the contents of an entire recycling truck so it’s important to take the time to sort and check with your town for recycling guidelines and tips.”
The Gloucester County Improvement Authority offers residents resources and information on what items can be recycled and what items need to be disposed of separately. For additional information or questions, call (856) 478-6045 or visit www.gcianj.com.
