Burlington County’s single stream recycling continues to move forward

Burlington County Freeholder Director Bruce Garganio today reported the county’s conversion to single stream recycling is moving forward, and with the official start-up of the program just four months away, residents still have time to order an extra container in which to store their recyclables.

“Starting September 1, residents will be able to toss all their cans, bottles, newspapers and cardboard, into one container,” Garganio said. “Those households that will need an extra recycling cart, but have not yet requested one, have until June 30 to place their order.”

“These are dates that residents need to circle on the calendar,” he continued. “We know from phone calls and emails that many residents are anxious to see single stream get underway and, at the same time others have contacted us, asking if they can still request an additional recycling cart.”

Garganio said that renovations to ready the Robert C. Shinn Recycling Center in Westampton for the single stream system are complete. Installation of this new system is being provided by general contractor Dandrea Construction of Berlin, which was awarded a $13.7 million contract.

Dandrea’s contract also covers the demolition and removal of existing equipment, as well as the fabrication and delivery of the new equipment by CP Manufacturing of California. Installation work recently began, and is expected to continue through the end of the year. But that won’t disrupt the plan to begin collecting recyclables “single stream” come September 1.

Last year, freeholders initiated an aggressive outreach program, asking residents to decide if they would need an additional cart, giving them a choice of three different sizes and also providing advice on how to decide if they needed another cart.

Residents in 32 municipalities requested more than 24,000 additional carts or roughly 20 percent more than the 122,000 carts now in use. That information proved useful in placing an order for additional containers. However, it is clear there are still residents who wish to receive a second CART.

Historically, single stream brings with it a 10 percent increase in recycling volume. This means tipping fee savings for the towns, with reduced waste tonnage being hauled to the landfill.

Single stream also means fewer trucks and smaller crews will be needed for collection, generating significant manpower and fuel savings. Additionally, while reducing workers on the road, we will be adding jobs inside the plant for more individuals with disabilities. Garganio said that the county anticipates recapturing the costs of the facility modifications and new equipment in 12 years.

“With the existing equipment approaching an age of 20 years, and expected to be in need of replacement soon, the timing for this conversion is right,” he said. “Not only that, we take some pride in noting that this entire project involves American-made products.”

Shamong is not currently involved in the county’s existing cart program. They will continue to use their existing recycling buckets for single-stream collection.

Residents needing more information or wishing to order an additional cart can email recycle@co.burlington.nj.us or call (609) 499–1001. Before ordering, residents should check the size of their current cart. The first two numbers of the cart’s serial number, found on the front of the cart, indicate its size.