Single-Stream Recycling Coming to Township

Gloucester Township will soon be joining several other towns across New Jersey and around the country that have successfully implemented single-stream recycling programs.

So what is single-stream recycling? 

Single-stream recycling refers to a collection system where all of your recyclables can be put into a single collection container. Rather than having to separate items such as paper and cardboard from items like metal and glass, the new system will allow for commingling of all recyclable items for the first time.

Mayor David Mayer and township officials are banking on this user-friendly system in a big way.

According to Mayer, the single-stream program “will not only save money, but actually generate revenue for Gloucester Township.”

This is due, in part, to the expectation that the new system will improve recycling efforts by residents. 

“Right now we pay per ton for trash disposal,” Mayer said.

In theory, the new system will allow more of what you currently throw into your trash can into your recycling bins. This will presumably, and literally, lighten the load of trash disposal considerably, thereby reducing the bill for the township.

According to Mayer, all residents will have to do is use the new canisters for all of their curbside recycling. They are hoping this ease of use will pay off.

They are also hoping to combine this new recycling effort with the promotion of breast cancer research.

The new cans, or rollout carts, are slated to have pink lids and be emblazoned with the pink breast cancer awareness ribbon. They will be delivered to the homes of every resident.

The company the township is purchasing the new cans from is Cascade Engineering.

The Township Council approved a $1,012,600 contract with Cascade for the rollout carts at its June 13 meeting.

As the program is set to roll out, public service announcements will be made, and information will be made available to residents.  

So, what exactly will you be able to put in the new cans? 

• glass bottles and jars
• plastic bottles and containers
• cardboard 
• newspaper
• magazines
• circulars
• junk mail
• metal cans and food containers
• milk cartons
• paperboard (cereal boxes, snack boxes)
• office and computer paper
• brown paper bags

Complete recycling instructions will be further detailed when the new cans are distributed.

Right now, township residents can expect to see the program being implemented in late 2011 or early 2012.