Mark your calendars because Burlington County has scheduled its first three paper shredding events of 2023.
The first of the spring shredding events will be held on Sunday, March 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Burlington County Resource Recovery Complex, 22000 Burlington-Columbus Road in Florence. The other events will be held at the same location and time on April 23 and May 21.
During all three events, residents can recycle confidential documents such as bank and credit card statements, tax returns and other papers with sensitive information, such as account and Social Security information.
Last year, nearly 5,000 residents recycled over 70 tons of paper during the County’s six shredding events. More than 50 pounds of plastic material was also recycled during a special collection at the November shredding event.
“Burlington County is a state leader in recycling. It’s partly because of free programs like this one that allows our residents to conveniently and safely dispose of financial papers and other sensitive documents,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Tom Pullion. “It’s a great county service that promotes recycling and sustainability.”
Shredding is reserved for Burlington County residents only, and only confidential paper materials can be brought to the event. Magazines, junk mail and household trash will not be accepted, nor will binders, plastic folders, computer discs or plastic credit cards.
Identification is required and a limit of four bags or boxes of paper will be accepted. Bags and boxes must be limited to 10 pounds and should be placed in the trunk or cargo area so staff can easily remove them. Already shredded paper will also be accepted.
The county will hold a separate collection at these events for plastic bubble wrap, air pillows, plastic shipping mailers and plastic wrap from cases of water or paper products. These materials must be clean, dry and free of food residue and must be bagged separately from papers.
All collected plastic materials will be recycled through a county partnership with Trex, a Virginia-based company that manufactures composite decking and railing from recycled plastics it upcycles from household items.
In addition to collecting plastics at shredding events, the county is also providing a regional delivery point for schools and volunteer groups that are participating in the company’s Trex Recycling Challenges. Participating groups collect plastic bags and film and can earn a free Trex bench if they collect more than 500 pounds of plastics within six months.
The partnership with Trex and the shredding events are two ways the county seeks to promote recycling. Doing so helps protect the environment and helps save local taxpayers money from reduced landfill tipping fees.
“Burlington County is one of the only counties in New Jersey to collect recycling from all its municipalities at no charge to either those towns or their residents,” Pullion said. “We’re proud of this service and of the money it saves municipalities and their property taxpayers. For every pound of material that is recycled, it’s one less that goes in the landfill.”
Residents with questions about the shredding or plastics recycling collections can contact the Burlington County Recycling Coordinator at (609) 499-1001, ext. 271 or by emailing [email protected].
