By John Tredrea, Special Writer
LAMBERTVILLE — The trash vs. recycling ratio in town has become a concern for Mayor David Del Vecchio.
Citing recent data that showed a marked drop in the city’s recycling rate in January, coupled with a spike in the amount of trash collected, Mayor Del Vecchio is urging all residents and businesses to do their part in recycling products that don’t belong in a landfill.
In January, city recycling rates dropped 17 percent from a year ago, while the amount of trash the city paid to haul away increased by 12 percent.
Meanwhile, employees of the Department of Public Works noted seeing recyclable materials thrown in with residential trash.
”Our goal is to reduce the amount of garbage going to a landfill while increasing recycling, a combination we know is sound not only environmentally but also fiscally,” said Mayor Del Vecchio.
”Every ounce of material sent away for recycling earns the city money, while taxpayers have to pay for every ounce shipped to a landfill. We can’t be complacent and must remain vigilant in separating our waste appropriately,” he noted.
In 2012, the city saw its tonnage fees — the amount to paid to landfills — drop by nearly $10,500 due to increased recycling.
Mayor Del Vecchio said maintaining those savings is critical to ensuring essential city services are maintained.
Last month, the city mailed all residents and businesses a list of items that can be placed curbside for weekly recycling.
That schedule can be found on the city’s website: www.lambertvillenj.org.
The mayor urged residents and businesses to remember to recycle, even during cold weather when taking the recycling out may seem to be a daunting task.
He noted that under a city ordinance, knowingly placing recyclables in the trash is a violation that can be fined up to $250 per month.
”We take very seriously our effort to provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly service,” said Mayor Del Vecchio.
”But we can’t do it alone. We need everyone who treasures Lambertville to do their part, and not to trash our stellar program.”
For additional information about the City of Lambertville, visit the city’s website at www.lambertvillenj.org.

