Ethan Clarke
In Middlesex County, New Jersey, plastic bags cannot be put in the curbside recycling bins as they can get tangled in machinery at recycling facilities. However, plastic bags can be used to store clothing and other textiles such as sheets and towels before being placed in the recycling drop boxes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic bags recyclable | No |
| Plastic bags in curbside recycling bins | Can get tangled in machinery at recycling facilities |
| Plastic bags in drop-off boxes | Allowed |
| Plastic bags for clothing | Allowed |
| Plastic bags for batteries | Allowed |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags are not recyclable in Middlesex County
While plastic bags cannot be placed in curbside recycling bins, there are other types of plastic that can be recycled in Middlesex County. Plastic bottles, jars, jugs, and tubs of one gallon or less are accepted for recycling. Additionally, plastic film and stretch/shrink wrap can be recycled, but only by warehouses, retail establishments, and supermarkets with 25 or more employees.
It is important to note that the recyclability of plastic bags is not determined by Middlesex County itself but by the private facility operators who handle the county's recycling. The county has stated that if there is confidence in the future that other types of plastic can be reliably recycled, they will consider adding them to the mandated items list.
In Middlesex County, recycling is mandatory for residents and businesses, and ordinances mandate that certain items must be recycled instead of being sent to landfills. Businesses are responsible for separating and marketing their own recyclables, and residents can participate in curbside recycling programs or bring their recyclables to drop-off centers.
While plastic bags cannot be recycled, there are other specific items that residents can recycle. Used textiles, such as clothing, sheets, and towels, can be brought to the Recycling Center or placed in secure plastic bags and deposited in clothing drop boxes located around the town. Motor oil and used cooking oil can also be brought to the Recycling Center or a County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection event.
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Plastic bags can be reused for other purposes
Plastic bags cannot be put in curbside recycling bins in Middlesex County as they can get tangled in the machinery at recycling facilities. However, they can be reused for other purposes or put in your regular garbage. Here are some ways to reuse plastic bags:
Storage
Plastic bags can be used to store items such as small toys, jewellery, or toiletries, Christmas tree branches, or even fragile items like vases or ceramic platters. They can also be used to separate wet items from dry items, such as wet bathing suits or to wrap shoes when packing for a trip.
Arts and Crafts
Plastic bags can be used to create various crafts, such as coasters, wreaths, pompoms, rugs, or even a handbag. They can also be used for artwork, creating designs with markers or other art supplies.
Painting
When painting, plastic bags can be used to wrap paintbrushes to prevent them from drying out. They can also be filled with vinegar and used to soak showerheads and sink faucets to clean hard water buildup.
Pet Waste
Plastic bags can be used for picking up after pets, saving money on buying dedicated poop bags.
Shopping
Plastic bags can be reused for shopping, either as a bag for fruits and vegetables or to line compost bins for greens and berries.
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Plastic bags can be put in regular garbage
Plastic bags cannot be put in curbside recycling bins in Middlesex County. This is because they can get tangled in the machinery at recycling facilities, causing a mess and even forcing the facility to shut down for cleaning and repairs.
However, plastic bags can be put in regular garbage. If you would like to recycle your plastic bags, you can reuse them for other purposes, such as using them as bathroom trash bags or for picking up after pets.
In Middlesex County, New Jersey, recycling is mandated by law for both residents and businesses. Businesses are responsible for separating and marketing their own recyclables. The Recycling Center in South Plainfield has limited capacity and accepts paper, bottles, and cans. Recyclables must be collected loose for sorting, so they should not be placed in plastic bags for curbside collection.
Textiles are also mandatory recyclables in Middlesex County. Clothing and other fabric textiles, such as sheets and towels, can be brought to the Recycling Center or placed in one of the clothing drop boxes located around town. It is important to put clothing in plastic bags and tie them securely before placing them in the drop box. Only fabric textiles are accepted; non-cloth items, such as shoes, children's toys, or baby car seats, are not allowed.
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Plastic bottles, jars, jugs, and tubs are recyclable
Plastic bags are not recyclable in Middlesex County. They can get tangled in machinery at recycling facilities, causing messes and even facility shutdowns for cleaning and repairs. However, plastic bottles, jars, jugs, and tubs are recyclable. Residents of Middlesex County, New Jersey, are mandated by county and borough ordinances to recycle these items instead of sending them to landfills.
The acceptable plastics include, but are are not limited to, water, soda, juice, and detergent bottles; mayonnaise jars; yogurt and margarine tubs; and milk jugs. These containers must be 1 gallon or less in volume.
Recycling programs in Middlesex County vary by town. For example, in South Plainfield, the curbside recycling program is "single-stream," meaning that bottles and cans can be mixed with paper in the same recycling bin. However, recyclables must not be placed in plastic bags at the curb. Instead, materials must be collected loose for sorting.
Other towns in Middlesex County may have different rules for their recycling programs. For example, some towns may require paper to be separated from bottles and cans. It is important for residents to contact their respective municipal recycling coordinators or refer to specific town guidelines to ensure proper recycling practices.
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Plastic film is recyclable for businesses with 25+ employees
In Middlesex County, New Jersey, plastic bags cannot be put in curbside recycling bins as they can get tangled in machinery at recycling facilities. However, plastic film is recyclable for businesses with 25 or more employees, including warehouses, retail establishments, and supermarkets. This is in addition to the mandatory recycling of other materials such as textiles, motor oil, and food waste for large generators.
The Recycling Center in Middlesex County has limited capacity and is open to Borough businesses. Businesses are responsible for separating and marketing their recyclables. The County and Municipal Recycling Coordinator are available to assist, but the generator, such as apartment complex managers, is responsible for ensuring their residents are recycling properly.
The Middlesex County Public Health Department has a successful recycling inspection program, with inspectors visiting every business establishment and multifamily unit to ensure compliance with the Recycling Act and County Solid Waste Management Plan. Businesses that repeatedly fail to comply with any recycling requirements may be issued a notice of violation and fined.
To recycle plastic film, businesses with 25 or more employees can separate it from other recyclables and bring it to the Recycling Center. It is important to note that plastic bags should not be used to contain recyclables, as they can cause issues in the recycling process. Instead, recyclables should be collected loose and placed directly into the recycling bins.
Overall, Middlesex County encourages proper recycling practices and provides resources to assist residents and businesses in their recycling efforts. By following the guidelines and working together, the county can reduce waste and promote sustainability.
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Frequently asked questions
No, plastic bags cannot be recycled in curbside recycling bins in Middlesex County. Plastic bags can get tangled in machinery at recycling facilities, causing a mess and even forcing a facility shutdown for cleaning and repairs.
You can reuse plastic bags for other purposes, such as bathroom trash bags or picking up after pets. Alternatively, you can put them in your regular garbage.
Items that must be recycled by residents and businesses include clothing and other textiles, motor oil, and cooking oil. Plastic bottles, jars, jugs, and tubs (1 gallon or less) are also recyclable.
Yes, items such as shoes, children's toys, and baby car seats cannot be recycled in Middlesex County and should not be placed in the recycling bins. Additionally, leaves, brush, textiles, batteries, tires, electronics, computers, and white metal goods cannot be put in the cart.
