For the seventh consecutive year, Cumberland County leads the state of New Jersey in recycling. The recycling rate, the amount of recycling that is diverted from the solid waste stream, for each county is calculated through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). During 2017, Cumberland County diverted 59 percent of waste into recycling, well above the state mandate of 50 percent.
“Despite the current trends in recycling, the Cumberland County Improvement Authority stands behind recycling. It is very encouraging to see our county residents echoing that, which is apparent through our recycling rates,” said Tony Riviera, managing director of the Solid Waste Complex.
The Cumberland County Improvement Authority (CCIA) works diligently to encourage proper recycling through an outreach and educational program. Every year the CCIA looks for new ways to connect with residents through print media, social media, billboards, radio advertisement, and outreach events.
Cumberland County Freeholder Deputy Director Darlene Barber stated, “It is a testament to the efforts of the CCIA to raise awareness as well as the commitment of the people of Cumberland County to keeping the greenest part of the Garden State’s environment healthy.”
In addition to its environmental initiatives, the CCIA is responsible for the development, financing and project management of projects and programs most vital to sustaining the economic and environmental future of Cumberland County and the state of New Jersey. The CCIA works in tandem with the Cumberland County Board of Chosen Freeholders to foster greater economic growth, business development and quality of life for all Cumberland County residents.
The Cumberland County Freeholder Board is currently collaborating with the CCIA on projects that will increase energy efficiency and reduce costs to taxpayers, including the construction of a new energy efficient correctional facility.
In describing the critical role the CCIA plays in Cumberland County’s progress, Freeholder Director Joseph Derella stated, “Cumberland County’s leadership in recycling is only one example of how our partnership with the CCIA is creating a foundation for development that is both economically and environmentally sustainable.”
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Acceptable Items for Single Stream Curbside Recycling
Rinse before placing in recycling container. Remove plastic bottle caps and lids and throw away.
PLASTICS
• Plastics (Only #1 & #2)
• Soda/Juice bottles
• Plastic food containers (food removed)
• Plastic tubs, trays, pails (#1 & #2)
PAPER
• All paper
• Envelopes (with or without windows)
• Cereal boxes
• Cartons (juice, milk)
• Junk mail
• Magazines/Newspapers
• Telephone books
• Cardboard (corrugated must be flattened)
• Wrapping paper/tissue paper
• Paperback
GLASS
• All glass bottles/containers/jars
METALS
• Aluminum/Steel/Tin cans
• Empty aerosol cans (remove lid)
