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In an effort to capture only acceptable materials during curbside recycling collections, the MCMUA with Chatham Borough) will implement a “Tag-it and Leave-it” inspection program in the municipality. Due to recent enforcement of rigorous restrictions banning unacceptable materials in curbside recycling bins, the MCMUA has been assessing contaminants in the recycling stream.
The most common and problematic unacceptable materials (contaminants) found mixed with acceptable recyclables include, plastic bags, plastic film/plastic packaging, foam (Styrofoam), hangers (plastic, metal, wood), food waste, wood scraps, and plastic bottles/containers coded #3, #4, #6 & #7 (only plastic bottles/containers coded #1, #2 & #5 are acceptable).
- For curbside collection, recyclables must be loose in a reusable container with handles (lids are strongly recommended to reduce moisture and to prevent litter)
- Recyclables must be empty, clean and dry (no food residue)
The MCMUA’s updated guidelines for the proper preparation of recyclables exclude shredded paper, pizza boxes, aerosol or pressurized cans, and paint cans. The plastics acceptability guidelines limit plastic recycling collection to only bottles/containers coded #1, #2 & #5.
Due to strict requirements for collecting only acceptable materials in the recycling stream, the MCMUA will leave those recycling set-outs with unacceptable items in the recycling containers at the curb. After, contaminated recyclables are left at the curb, residents will have to CORRECT the issues and wait until the next scheduled collection day to put their now acceptable recyclables out for curbside collection.
The main goal is to make your bottles, cans, paper and cardboard into other products that can be used over and over again. Contaminated loads are rejected at the materials recycling facility and cannot be separated into the individual materials that make up the recycling stream. Cleaner loads result in less cost while rejected loads, due to contamination, result in a greater cost for all involved.
When in doubt, throw it out and keep the acceptable recyclables clean, empty and dry! For additional information, and to obtain the recycling flyers and trash or recycling decals for your containers, please visit www.MCMUA.com
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