Princeton Farmers Market patrons who want to drop off hard-to-recycle items can do so when Sustainable Princeton sets up its green “Resource Recovery” tent at the Aug. 22 farmers market on Hinds Plaza, next to the Princeton Public Library on Witherspoon Street.
The Princeton Farmers Market and Sustainable Princeton have teamed up to offer patrons a chance to recycle items that are not accepted in the Mercer County recycling program. The special recycling drop-off program is held once a month during the farmers market’s regular hours.
Patrons can drop off everything from batteries to block Styrofoam, packing peanuts, wine corks and printer cartridges at the Princeton Farmers Market, which is held held every Thursday through Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Two special recycling sessions have been held already this summer and four more have been scheduled for Aug. 22, Sept. 19, Oct. 17 and Nov. 14.
This year, the Princeton Farmers Market resource collection program will be accepting batteries from handheld devices, which can be reused or recycled through the Wireless Alliance, which is also accepting cell phones and tablets for refurbishing or shredding for precious metals reclamation. Printer cartridges can also be dropped off for refurbishing or upcycling.
Cleaned and emptied pill bottles (without the labels), will be accepted. Unused medicine can be taken to the prescription drugs drop-off box in the lobby of the Princeton Police Department at 1 Valley Road.
Wine corks, block Styrofoam and packing peanuts can be taken to the Sustainable Princeton tent, as well. Packaging Styrofoam, which must be brought in a closed bag to keep it from scattering, can be upcycled into picture frames. Styrofoam plates, cups, egg cartons and take-out food containers will not be accepted.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Princeton Farmers Market, which offers residents the opportunity to buy local produce, farm-raised meat, local cheese and honey.
The Princeton Farmers Market’s goal is to support local farmers, agriculture and businesses, while educating the public about the benefits of local and healthy food.
Vendors offer gluten-free snacks, baked goods, bread, small batch soups and dips made with locally sourced ingredients.
Organic vegetables, microgreens, herbs, flowers, fruit, small-batch handmade pasta, artisanal honey and bee products, pierogies and kielbasa will also be available at the Princeton Farmers Market.