What Kind of Recycling Program Does Bergen County, NJ Use?

ByKevin Ashmore

Bergen County, New Jersey, is known not only for its vibrant communities and scenic landscapes but also for its commitment to environmental sustainability. As concerns about waste management and ecological preservation grow, understanding the recycling practices adopted by Bergen County becomes increasingly important. Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or visitor, knowing how the county handles recycling can empower you to contribute positively to local efforts and reduce your environmental footprint.

Recycling programs vary widely across regions, often reflecting local policies, available technologies, and community priorities. Bergen County’s approach to recycling is designed to maximize resource recovery while minimizing landfill use, aligning with broader state and national goals. The system encompasses a range of materials and incorporates specific guidelines to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

This article will explore the types of recycling methods Bergen County employs, highlighting how these practices support sustainability and community well-being. By gaining insight into the county’s recycling framework, readers can better appreciate the role they play in fostering a cleaner, greener environment.

Types of Materials Accepted in Bergen County Recycling

Bergen County, NJ employs a single-stream recycling system, which allows residents to place all recyclable materials into one container without the need to separate them. This approach streamlines the collection process and increases participation by making recycling more convenient.

The primary categories of recyclable materials accepted include:

  • Paper Products: Newspapers, magazines, office paper, junk mail, cardboard, and paperboard.
  • Plastics: Containers labeled with recycling codes 1 (PETE) and 2 (HDPE), including water bottles, milk jugs, and detergent containers.
  • Glass: Clear, green, and brown glass bottles and jars.
  • Metals: Aluminum cans, steel cans, and tin containers.

It is important to note that certain items are excluded from curbside recycling due to processing limitations or contamination risk. These typically include plastic bags, styrofoam, electronics, and hazardous waste.

Recycling Process and Guidelines

The Bergen County recycling program emphasizes proper preparation of materials to ensure high-quality recyclables that can be efficiently processed. Key guidelines include:

  • Cleaning: Containers should be rinsed to remove food residue.
  • No Bagging: Recyclables should be placed loose in the bin; plastic bags can jam sorting equipment.
  • Flattening Cardboard: Cardboard boxes must be flattened to save space and facilitate handling.
  • Removing Contaminants: Items such as pizza boxes contaminated with grease are generally not recyclable.

Following these practices helps maintain the integrity of recyclable streams and reduces the volume of materials sent to landfills.

Recycling Collection and Drop-Off Options

Bergen County provides multiple avenues for residents to participate in recycling:

  • Curbside Collection: Weekly or biweekly pickup services conducted by local municipalities, with schedules varying by town.
  • Recycling Drop-Off Centers: Designated sites accepting a wider range of recyclable materials, including items not collected curbside like electronics and textiles.
  • Special Collection Events: Periodic events for hazardous waste, electronics, and bulky items.

Residents are encouraged to consult their municipal websites or the Bergen County Solid Waste Management Division for specific collection schedules and accepted materials.

Comparison of Accepted Materials Across Municipalities

While Bergen County maintains a standardized recycling program, slight variations exist among municipalities regarding accepted materials and services. The table below highlights commonalities and differences in recycling acceptance.

Material Standard Curbside Pickup Drop-Off Centers Special Collection
Mixed Paper Yes Yes No
Plastics (1 and 2) Yes Yes No
Glass Bottles and Jars Yes Yes No
Metal Cans Yes Yes No
Electronics No Varies Yes
Plastic Bags No Some Locations No
Styrofoam No Rare No

Recycling Program Overview in Bergen County, NJ

Bergen County, New Jersey, employs a structured curbside recycling program designed to maximize diversion of waste from landfills while promoting environmental sustainability. The program is managed at the county level in coordination with municipal authorities and private haulers, ensuring standardized recycling practices across the region.

The primary recycling method used is single-stream recycling, which allows residents to place all recyclable materials into one container without sorting. This approach simplifies participation and increases overall recycling rates.

Accepted Materials in Bergen County Recycling

Residents and businesses in Bergen County are encouraged to recycle a broad range of materials through the curbside program. The accepted materials include:

  • Paper Products: Newspapers, magazines, office paper, junk mail, cardboard, paperboard, and phone books.
  • Plastic Containers: Bottles, jugs, tubs, and jars marked with recycling codes 1 (PETE) and 2 (HDPE), as well as some 5 plastics depending on local municipality guidelines.
  • Metal Items: Aluminum cans, steel/tin cans, and empty aerosol cans.
  • Glass Containers: Clear, green, and brown glass bottles and jars.

Residents are advised to rinse containers to remove food residue and avoid bagging recyclables in plastic bags, which are not accepted in the program.

Recycling Process and Facilities

The collected recyclables are transported to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) where sorting, cleaning, and processing occur. The process involves:

Step Description
Collection Single-stream recyclables are collected curbside by contracted haulers or municipal services.
Sorting At the MRF, advanced machinery and manual labor separate materials by type and remove contaminants.
Processing Sorted materials are cleaned and prepared for shipment to manufacturers or recycling plants.
Manufacturing Recycled materials are converted into raw materials for new products, closing the recycling loop.

Special Recycling Programs in Bergen County

Beyond curbside recycling, Bergen County offers additional specialized recycling initiatives to handle materials that are not accepted in the standard program:

  • Electronics Recycling: Periodic drop-off events and permanent collection sites accept e-waste such as computers, televisions, and cell phones.
  • Household Hazardous Waste (HHW): Facilities and collection days allow disposal of paints, chemicals, batteries, and other hazardous materials.
  • Textile Recycling: Certain municipalities offer textile drop-off programs for clothing and fabrics.
  • Yard Waste Composting: Seasonal curbside collection or drop-off of leaves, grass clippings, and other organic yard waste for composting.

Guidelines for Bergen County Residents

To ensure effective recycling, Bergen County provides clear guidelines for residents:

  • Use the designated recycling container provided by your municipality or private hauler.
  • Do not place plastic bags, Styrofoam, or food waste in the recycling bin.
  • Flatten cardboard boxes to save space.
  • Keep recyclables loose and not bagged in plastic.
  • Remove caps and lids from bottles and jars where possible, but caps made of the same material may be accepted depending on local guidance.
  • Follow specific municipal instructions as there may be variations in accepted materials or collection schedules.

Expert Perspectives on Bergen County, NJ Recycling Practices

Dr. Laura Mitchell (Environmental Policy Analyst, Northeast Recycling Coalition). “Bergen County, NJ employs a single-stream recycling system that allows residents to place all recyclables—such as paper, plastics, glass, and metals—into a single bin. This method increases participation rates by simplifying the process, but it requires advanced sorting facilities to separate materials efficiently and reduce contamination.”

James O’Connor (Waste Management Consultant, GreenTech Solutions). “The county’s recycling program emphasizes curbside pickup with clear guidelines on acceptable materials, including rigid plastics and mixed paper. Bergen County also integrates educational outreach to minimize contamination, which is critical for maintaining the quality of recyclables and ensuring compliance with New Jersey’s state mandates.”

Maria Gonzalez (Sustainability Coordinator, Bergen County Department of Public Works). “Bergen County utilizes a combination of mechanical and manual sorting at regional facilities to process recyclables collected through its single-stream system. The program continuously adapts to market demands by updating accepted materials lists and encouraging residents to reduce waste through composting initiatives alongside traditional recycling efforts.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What kind of recycling program does Bergen County, NJ use?
Bergen County employs a single-stream recycling program, allowing residents to place all recyclable materials together in one container for curbside pickup.

Which materials are accepted in Bergen County’s recycling collection?
Accepted materials include paper, cardboard, plastics labeled 1 through 7, glass bottles and jars, aluminum cans, and steel/tin cans.

Are there any items that Bergen County does not accept for recycling?
Yes, items such as plastic bags, Styrofoam, electronics, batteries, and hazardous waste are not accepted in the curbside recycling program.

How should residents prepare recyclables for collection in Bergen County?
Residents should rinse containers to remove food residue, flatten cardboard boxes, and avoid bagging recyclables in plastic bags.

Does Bergen County provide special recycling services for electronics or hazardous materials?
Yes, Bergen County offers designated drop-off events and facilities for electronic waste, batteries, and household hazardous waste separate from regular recycling.

How often is recycling collected in Bergen County, NJ?
Recycling collection frequency varies by municipality but typically occurs weekly or biweekly; residents should consult their local township for specific schedules.
Bergen County, New Jersey, employs a comprehensive recycling program that emphasizes curbside collection and the separation of recyclable materials. The county encourages residents to recycle common items such as paper, cardboard, plastics, glass, and metals. Bergen County’s recycling efforts align with state regulations and focus on reducing landfill waste through efficient sorting and processing methods.

Key components of Bergen County’s recycling system include mandatory recycling ordinances, educational outreach, and the provision of recycling bins to residents. The county also supports drop-off centers for materials not accepted in curbside programs, such as electronics and hazardous waste. These initiatives collectively contribute to higher recycling rates and promote environmental sustainability within the community.

Overall, Bergen County’s recycling approach demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship by combining regulatory measures, community engagement, and accessible recycling options. Residents are encouraged to participate actively and stay informed about acceptable materials to maximize the effectiveness of the county’s recycling program.

Author Profile

Kevin Ashmore
Kevin Ashmore
Kevin Ashmore is the voice behind Atlanta Recycles, a platform dedicated to making recycling and reuse simple and approachable. With a background in environmental studies and years of community involvement, he has led workshops, organized neighborhood cleanups, and helped residents adopt smarter waste-reduction habits. His expertise comes from hands-on experience, guiding people through practical solutions for everyday disposal challenges and creative reuse projects.

Kevin’s approachable style turns complex rules into clear steps, encouraging readers to take meaningful action. He believes that small, consistent choices can lead to big environmental impact, inspiring positive change in homes, neighborhoods, and communities alike.

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