The Middlesex County Improvement Authority (MCIA) is transitioning to singlestream recycling.
Residents of Helmetta, Jamesburg, Monroe, New Brunswick, Old Bridge, Piscataway, Plainsboro, Sayreville, South Amboy, South River, Spotswood, Cranbury, Dunellen and Middlesex will no longer have to separate recyclables prior to curbside pickups, effective March 30.
“This frees up more time for the consumer,” said Recycling Manager Ed Windas. “Residents no longer have to place recyclables in specified containers. We’re recycling the same items; only now, they dispose of them collectively.”
Acceptable items include newspaper and mixed paper, cardboard, cans, bottles and plastics.
Once collected, the recyclables are taken to an in-county processing facility, where sensors and state-of-the-art equipment are used for sorting of materials.
“This is more than just a growing trend,” said Middlesex County Freeholder Deputy Director and MCIA liaison Carol Barrett Bellante.
“This is the future of the industry, and we are elated to usher in this new era of recycling.
“The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection ranked Middlesex County No. 1 in recycling this year. Thanks to the MCIA’s program and our diligent residents, we recycled 65 percent of our total waste stream. Since 1995, this is the fifth time Middlesex County has received this distinction and the 16th time it’s surpassed the state’s 60-percent annual recycling goal.”
For more information, visit www.mciauth.com or call the Recycling Division at 1- 800-488-6242 (MCIA).