Mayor’s Column: Proud of our recycling efforts in Voorhees
In Voorhees, we are proud of our recycling efforts and can boast the best recycling program in Camden County and one of the best recycling programs in the State. In 2015, our community recycled 60.4 percent of all of our municipal waste which represents a 5.6 percent increase from 2013. Beside the benefits to our environment realized by recycling, keeping this material out of the trash stream saved Voorhees $134,859 in disposal fees.
Last year, the Township converted our recycling collection to the automated/side arm system, making recycling efforts easier for our residents. In addition, several years ago we adopted a single stream recycling system where paper, cardboard, bottles, cans and plastics are placed together in the Township supplied recycling container. We recycle plastic containers with numbers “1,” “2,” “4,” “5” and “7.” Look for those numbers inside the triangular recycling logo. Together, these changes have helped save our environment and our tax dollars.
Please remember disposal of televisions and all personal portable computers, including laptop and notebook computers as well as computer monitors, is banned by state law. Camden County will collect electronic waste four times in 2016. The next collection date is Oct. 1 at the Camden County Public Works Complex, 2311 Egg Harbor Road, Lindenwold, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information, visit the Camden County Recycling website at www.camdencounty.com/parks/recycling-info/electronic-recycling-collection-events.
Voorhees will accept your used motor oil that can be dropped off at the Public Works facility at 100 American Way. The drop off location is at the end of the dead-end street under a sign stating “Oil Drop Off.” Be sure to store your used motor oil in a container that will not leak. Please do not mix other substances such as antifreeze or transmission fluid with the used oil. Remember to store used oil away from children and sources of ignition.
Regular “Alkaline” batteries can be disposed of in the regular trash. However, rechargeable batteries, which can be found in such items as cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, camcorders, etc., cannot go into the regular trash. These items can be recycled at participating retail locations including Radio Shack, Best Buy, Staples, Target, Office Max, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Sears, Wal-Mart and Verizon Wireless stores. To find the nearest retail location to recycle your rechargeable batteries, visit www.rbrc.org.
Vegetation/garden waste can be placed curbside every Monday and will be picked up during the course of the week. Grass clippings and leaves must be placed in cans or biodegradable bags. Loose leaves will only be picked up during designated spring and fall collection schedules. Small branches should be bundled and must weigh less than 40 pounds.
There is no question that recycling protects our environment while saving money.
**The deadline to submit applications for this year’s Voorhees Veterans Wall of Honor is July 29. Information about the Wall and the application may be found on the homepage of our website at www.voorheesnj.com or obtained in the Municipal Clerk’s Office at Town Hall.
** The second show in our Summer Twilight Series is Thursday, July 21 and will feature Parrot Beach, the Jimmy Buffett tribute band. Parrot Beach captures the laid back attitude and authentic tropical sounds for which Buffett is famous. Soak up the beach experience and enjoy a Cheeseburger in Paradise. The show is free and begins at 7:30 p.m. at Connolly Park.
** Voorhees Township is offering discounted tickets to Morey’s Piers in Wildwood. Tickets are available in the Municipal Clerk’s Office at Voorhees Town Hall. Prices vary according to the type of ticket and several options are available to residents and non-residents. For more information about tickets visit www.voorheesnj.com.
