Mayor’s Message: Learn about Voorhees’ recycling sources
Mayor Michael R. Mignogna
We are proud of our recycling efforts in Voorhees and can boast one of the best recycling programs in Camden County. In 2017, our community recycled 59 percent of all residential items collected. Beside the benefits to our environment realized by recycling, keeping this material out of the trash stream saved Voorhees $798,908 in disposal fees. In addition, we received $44,921.28 for selling recycled materials.
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. In addition, the township recently converted our recycling collection to the automated/side arm system, making recycling efforts easier for our residents.
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 throughout the year. 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 and paint, which 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 and paint 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 and paints 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.