By John Tredrea, Special Writer
LAMBERTVILLE The last year has seen a marked increase in the amount of recycling collected in Lambertville.
That’s good news from both environmental and fiscal standpoints, city officials said.
”Reducing the amount we send to a landfill while increasing what we can recycle is a combination that is sound not only environmentally, but also fiscally,” Mayor David DelVecchio said last week.
”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 added.
.” In February 2013, the city’s recycling rate dropped and the amount of garbage collected spiked, leading the mayor to urge all residents and businesses to do their part in recycling products that don’t belong in a landfill.
The city continued to issue reminders throughout 2013, often posting notes on Facebook and on the homepage of the city’s website at www.lambertvillenj.org.
A recent review of recycling rates shows the effort paid off.
Data collected reflected an 11 percent increase in recycling during the months of June, and again in October, and a 20 percent increase during the month of July.
Mayor DelVecchio said the expanded recycling effort netted city taxpayers a savings of $17,000 off tipping fees. Those fees are charged at landfills to which trash is taken.. Keeping recyclables out of the trash lowers tipping fees.
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 DelVecchio. “But we can’t do it alone. We need everyone who treasures Lambertville to continue to do their part, and not to trash our stellar program or our city.”
For additional information about the City of Lambertville, visit the city’s website at www.lambertvillenj.org.
