The Township is implementing a Recycling Tagging Program in an effort to fight recycling contamination. Recycling contamination has caused us to see an increase in fines and penalties since regulations on accepted materials have significantly tightened the past couple of years. The Township will begin "tagging and leaving" curbside recycling containers with an unacceptable amount of contaminated materials beginning November 1st. This will only affect commingled materials placed at the curb.
A Township employee will check certain streets in a different quadrant of town each week on the designated day prior to the collection company making their rounds and tag recycling bins that contain an obvious amount of unaccepted materials, such as plastic bags, garbage, hazardous materials, etc. The collection company will be notified to leave any tagged bins at the curb.
Any tagged container will be logged and maintained through DPW and the Department of Administration. Multiple violations will result in a followup letter explaining the proper way to recycle. The goal of this program is to reprogram people's recycling behaviors. Many residents are guilty of "aspirational recycling", meaning they are trying to do the right thing but it is actually making the situation worse and costing the taxpayers money.
Leading up to the implementation of this program, there will be a strong educational campaign on how to properly recycle and what to expect with the tagging program. We want residents to be fully aware prior to the start of the program so we can avoid any issues.
Questions or concerns on the tagging program can be directed to the Administration Department via email at stneale@veronanj.org or 973-239-4921.