Submitted by Kim Forde
Due to significant shifts in the recycling industry, Westfield’s residential recycling program underwent changes that impact which types of plastics are collected. Effective January 1, 2019 when the Town’s new contract began with Giordano Company, Inc., only plastic types #1 and #2 will be accepted.
“This is an issue affecting many communities due to the collapse of the international marketplace for these recyclables. China, the primary market for America’s recyclables, has placed a ban on many different types of plastics, which substantially limits the items being accepted for recycling,” said Kris McAloon, Town Engineer and Recycling Coordinator. “In fact, a number of municipalities across Union County implemented these changes in plastic collection in June, 2018, but our vendor continued to honor the collection of plastics #1-7 in Westfield for the duration of the Town’s contract through the end of 2018.”
As the expiration of the previous residential recycling contract approached, the Town put the new contract out to bid twice – both times receiving just one bid, from Giordano, at a rate nearly double that of 2018. After two bid attempts, the Town was legally allowed to enter a negotiation process, and found that the industry standard is now a much higher rate for fewer collected plastic items.
“This is a one-year contract,” added McAloon. “While there are currently no local markets for plastics #3 – #7, the Town will continue to monitor alternative solutions for these items within the industry.”
Acceptable plastic materials will have a “PET,” “PETE,” or “HDPE” mark, or the number 1 or 2 within an imprinted triangle on the bottom of the container. Examples include, but are not limited to, soft drink bottles, water bottles, cooking oil, milk jugs, cleaning agents, laundry detergents, and shampoo bottles. In addition, residents are reminded of the recycling changes that were implemented over the past year:
- No plastic bags of any kind will be accepted.
- Shredded paper is no longer accepted.
- Cardboard and paper must be dry. Containerizing recycling items at the curb is highly encouraged to minimize moisture contamination (all allowable recyclables may be commingled in the same reusable receptacle).
The Town’s annual Recycling and Conservation Center mailing was sent to all Westfield residents, and outlines the changes in detail, as well as the collection schedule for 2019, FAQs, and information about new services at the Conservation Center.
Westfield residents may bring their recyclables to the Conservation Center during its regular hours of operation. In addition to accepting standard curbside recycling items, the Conservation Center also accepts electronic waste, textiles, and scrap metal. A 2018 grant from the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders’ Recycling Enhancement Grant program allowed for further expansion of the recycling program; residents can now also drop off household batteries, fluorescent bulbs, plastic toys, plastic bags/film, and Styrofoam. No permit is necessary.
Residents can find additional details about Westfield’s recycling and conservation efforts on the Town website at westfieldnj.gov/recycling and westfieldnj.gov/conservation.
