Since 1987, the State of New Jersey has required that paper, plastic, glass, aluminum and bi-metals be recycled by all residential, commercial and institutional establishments. Although great success was achieved when the program was first implemented, recycling rates have begun to decline in recent years. In response, the Department of Environmental Protection recently passed the Recycling Enhancement Act, placing a renewed emphasis on increasing recycling efforts. Removing recyclable materials from the waste stream helps preserve natural resources and energy, and also reduces the need for landfills and resource recovery facilities. It is important to note that recycling is not only the right thing to do for the environment, but it is the law.

 NOTE:  Recycling collections alternate each week with paper one week, then commingled the next, paper again, etc.

 WHAT IS COLLECTED?

COMMINGLED includes glass bottles & jars, aluminum & tin cans, plastic water & milk jugs. All commingled items must be washed. These items should be placed at the curb in a rigid, reusable container.

 PAPER pickup includes newspaper, magazines, junk mail, envelopes, office paper, paperback books, gift boxes, cardboard & chipboard (such as cereal boxes). These items should be tied into bundles or put out in paper bags. No plastic bags, please.

 WHAT IS NOT COLLECTED?

Plastic bleach bottles, light bulbs, plate glass, oil containers, plastic toys, TV dinner trays.

Questions about the Township Program? Call the Recycling Coordinator at 973-226-2303.

 REMEMBER - RECYCLING IS MANDATORY!

LEAF COLLECTION

 Because the recycling of leaves is included in the State mandates, the Township of West Caldwell provides a SPRING & FALL LEAF COLLECTION SERVICE for residents. The Spring Cleanup leaf collection runs MARCH 15 through JUNE 30 and FALL collection is SEPTEMBER 15 through DECEMBER 31. During these times leaves must be put out in compostable paper bags on your first collection day of each week.   

SOME OTHER IMPORTANT ITEMS TO NOTE

 ·                       Compost is available at the Cedar Street Pool parking lot from about April through May and again September through October.

·                       Grass clippings may be disposed of in plastic bags with regular trash year round. DO NOT use compostable paper bags for grass or put grass in with the leaves.

·                       Branches must be under 6 inches in diameter and 4 feet in length, and bundled for pick up.

·                       Latex paint should be allowed to dry out and then may be put out for collection on garbage days.

·                       Bulk items such as appliances and furniture may be put out on either of your two garbage pickup days.

·                       Household alkaline batteries have been remanufactured to no longer contain mercury. They should be disposed of in your regular trash.

·                       Rechargeable batteries and cell phones should be recycled. They are accepted at several area stores, such as Radio Shack, AT&T Mobility and Sears. There is also a box in the Health Department of the Municipal Building.

 USED MOTOR OIL/AUTO BATTERIES

 Used motor oil and auto batteries are collected for recycling at the Public Works Yard at 21 Clinton Road, behind the Police Station. Bring your used, uncontaminated motor oil in containers and leave them at the rear of Colonial Lane, which runs along side the Police Station.  NO OTHER MATERIALS ARE PERMITTED AT THIS LOCATION.

 The Essex County Utilities Authority holds both Hazardous Waste Disposal Days and Electronics Recycling Days in May and October. This is a free service to Essex County residents and the drop-off site is in Cedar Grove.