Welcome to the 13th annual edition of "Talking Trash," a special newsletter and how-to guide highlighting Somerset County’s award-winning recycling and solid waste management programs.
Mandatory recycling in Somerset County is now in its 25th year. In accordance with state law, both residents and businesses must recycle. The county has provided convenient curbside pickup of recyclables in all 21 towns since 1987. Somerset County was the first county in New Jersey to voluntarily establish a curbside recycling program.
Somerset County has expanded its curbside recycling program to include ALL plastic bottles and containers that are marked #1 - #7. See page 4 for details.
Somerset County now offers a weekday drop-off for used consumer electronics (e-waste), which is free to all Somerset County residents. Newtech Recycling, Inc., located in Franklin Township, will accept used consumer electronics, Monday thru Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. See page 14 for details.
Recycling is beneficial for the environment because it protects habitats, saves natural resources and produces less pollution than traditional methods of waste disposal. It also is required by law in New Jersey. Somerset County sells recycled materials to generate revenues that help to offset recycling costs for taxpayers. Recycling also saves residents money by reducing landfill disposal costs.
Somerset County’s solid waste management strategy is more than recycling. Since 1985, we’ve offered periodic Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Days at different locations around the county.
We hope you will find this newsletter informative and helpful. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact our Division of Solid Waste Management at (908) 231-7109 or at solidwaste@co.somerset.nj.us. Please help us to even further improve one of the best county recycling programs in New Jersey.
Please click here for the 2012 "Talking Trash" Recycling Newsletter.