Maya Ellison
New Jersey has a complex recycling landscape, with different regulations and accepted materials across its counties and towns. For instance, some areas may require corrugated cardboard to be separated from general recycling, while others do not. This variability extends to the recycling of plastics, specifically #5 plastics, which was previously dependent on markets outside the USA. However, with China's implementation of the National Sword policy in 2018, these plastics are now rarely recycled and often end up in landfills. Despite this setback, some towns in New Jersey continue to recycle #5 plastics, and residents are encouraged to check with their local recycling coordinator to confirm.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Towns | Cranbury, Dunellen, Helmetta, Jamesburg, Middlesex, Milltown, Monroe, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, Old Bridge, Piscataway, Plainsboro, Sayreville, South Amboy, South Plainfield, South River, Spotswood, Carteret, East Brunswick, Edison, Highland Park, Metuchen, Perth Amboy, South Brunswick, Woodbridge, Camden County, Union County, and Middlesex County |
| Recyclable Plastics | Plastic bottles, jars, jugs, tubs (1 gallon or less), soda bottles, water bottles, milk jugs, laundry detergent bottles, and yogurt tubs |
| Non-Recyclable Plastics | Plastic containers #4, #5, and #7, plastic bags, pizza boxes, molded plastic furniture or toys, and plastic egg cartons |
| Other Recyclable Materials | Paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and electronic devices |
| Other Non-Recyclable Materials | Food waste, takeout containers, dishware, mirrors, paper towels, clothes hangers, flower pots, video tapes, pots and pans, light bulbs, batteries, hoses, shredded paper, and syringes |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags and plastic film
In addition, some towns in Middlesex County, including Cranbury, Dunellen, Helmetta, Jamesburg, Middlesex, Milltown, Monroe, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, Old Bridge, Piscataway, Plainsboro, Sayreville, South Amboy, South Plainfield, South River, and Spotswood, may recycle plastic bottles, jars, jugs, and tubs (1 gallon or less). However, it is important to check with your local municipality for specific recycling guidelines, as rules may vary by town.
It is worth noting that the recycling rules for plastics have changed significantly due to market restrictions, particularly with the implementation of China's National Sword policy in 2018, which restricted the importation of recyclables. As a result, some plastics, such as #4, #5, and #7, are no longer accepted in many recycling programs, and residents are asked to place these containers in their trash receptacles.
To properly recycle plastic bags and film in New Jersey, it is recommended to check with your local municipality or county website for specific guidelines and drop-off locations. Additionally, you can reuse plastic bags for other purposes, such as bathroom trash bags or picking up after pets, or put them in your regular garbage.
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Plastic buckets
In 2018, China implemented a policy known as the National Sword, which restricted the importation of recyclables of any kind. This resulted in a significant change to the types of plastic containers that could be recycled in Camden County, New Jersey, and other counties statewide. As a result, plastic containers with the #4, #5, and #7 symbols are no longer accepted in many recycling programs, including those in Camden County. These containers should be placed in the trash receptacle.
However, it is important to note that some towns and counties in New Jersey may still recycle #5 plastics. For example, Jersey City recycles #5 plastics, in addition to #1 and #2 plastics. Additionally, Union County's website states that some recyclers in the county also take #5 plastic, and residents should check with their local recycling coordinator.
Regarding plastic buckets, specifically the 5-gallon plastic buckets that often contain paints, pool chemicals, or foods, these are typically not accepted in curbside recycling containers. Camden County, New Jersey, instructs residents to place these rigid plastic containers in their trash receptacles.
It is always important to check with your local municipality or recycling coordinator to confirm which types of plastics are accepted in your area, as guidelines may vary between towns and counties. Additionally, it is worth exploring drop-off recycling options for items that cannot be recycled through curbside collection.
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Plastic containers
In Union County, plastic containers labeled #1 and #2 are accepted for recycling. Some recyclers in the county also take #5 plastic, but it's important to check with your local recycling coordinator to confirm. These containers must be clean and empty, with lids removed and disposed of in the regular household trash. Additionally, plastic bags, bubble wrap, and other plastic films can be brought to drop-off sites throughout the county.
In Camden County, the recycling of plastic containers #4, #5, and #7 was previously accepted, but due to changes in the market, these plastics are no longer recycled. This change is not unique to Camden County but is being implemented statewide. However, plastics #1 and #2, which make up most plastic containers, still have strong domestic markets.
In Middlesex County, plastic bottles, jars, jugs, and tubs of 1 gallon or less are accepted for recycling. Examples include water bottles, soda bottles, juice bottles, detergent bottles, mayonnaise jars, yogurt tubs, and milk jugs. It's important to note that recyclables should not be placed in plastic bags, and there should be no plastic bags or film in the recycling bin, as they can cause tangling in the machinery at recycling facilities.
While New Jersey has made significant progress in recycling, with a recycling rate of 40% for municipal waste and 60% for solid waste in 2017, it's important to be aware of the specific rules and regulations in your town or county to ensure proper recycling practices. Some materials, such as electronic waste, have specific disposal procedures, and certain items like plastic furniture and toys are not accepted in curbside recycling and should be donated or placed in the regular trash.
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Plastic bottles
In Middlesex County, NJ, plastic bottles, jars, jugs, and tubs (1 gallon or less) are accepted for recycling. This includes containers for water, soda, juice, detergent, mayonnaise, yogurt, margarine, and milk. Residents in certain towns, such as Cranbury, Dunellen, and Middlesex, can contact their municipal recycling coordinator to find out their local pickup schedule and setout requirements. It is important to note that recyclables should not be placed in plastic bags and must be placed directly into the curbside recycling bin.
In Camden County, plastic bottles and jars with #1 or #2 on the bottom are accepted for recycling. However, plastic containers with #4, #5, and #7 are no longer accepted due to changes in the market for recycled materials. These plastics are often sent to landfills as there are limited markets for their recycling.
Union County also accepts plastic bottles or jugs labeled #1 and #2 for recycling. Some recyclers in the county may also take #5 plastic, so it is recommended to check with your local recycling coordinator. Metal cans, glass bottles, and jars must be clean and empty, with lids removed and placed in the regular household trash.
It is important to note that recycling programs and accepted materials can vary across different towns and counties in New Jersey. Therefore, it is always best to refer to the guidelines provided by your local municipality or county website for specific information on recycling plastic bottles in your area. Additionally, proper preparation of recyclables, such as rinsing and emptying containers, is crucial to ensure they can be effectively recycled.
Furthermore, New Jersey has implemented a bill targeting the recycling of electronic waste (e-waste), which often contains plastic components. This bill makes manufacturers responsible for the cost of recycling e-waste, and it is illegal for consumers to place e-waste in the general trash. Electronic devices, such as computers and TVs, can be recycled, and the plastic components can be separated and repurposed into new products.
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Plastic food waste
However, there is a growing concern about the environmental impact of plastic food waste. Single-use plastic packaging contributes to pollution and waste, especially when it forces consumers to buy more than they need. A study by Wrap, a sustainability charity, found that plastic wrap did not prolong the life of uncut fresh produce and could even increase food waste. It is also suggested that selling certain fruits and vegetables without plastic packaging could save thousands of tons of plastic and food waste annually.
To address the environmental concerns associated with plastic food waste, some companies are exploring the creation of biodegradable plastic packaging. For instance, Mango Materials, founded by Molly Morse, PhD, aims to utilize methane from food waste to create biodegradable, compostable polymers. Full Cycle Bioplastics is another company committed to using food waste to produce PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoates), a biodegradable alternative to single-use plastics.
In terms of recycling, some counties in New Jersey, such as Camden County, have stopped recycling plastic containers #4, #5, and #7 due to the restriction on importing recyclables implemented by China in 2018. However, there are still strong domestic markets for plastics #1 and #2, which make up most plastic containers. It is important to note that recyclables should not be bagged in plastic bags and that pizza boxes, if contaminated with grease, should not be recycled.
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Frequently asked questions
It is unclear which towns in New Jersey recycle plastics #5. However, some counties in New Jersey, such as Union County, have recycling centers that accept plastics #5. It is recommended to check with your local recycling coordinator or refer to specific town and county websites to find out the latest information on their plastic recycling policies and accepted materials.
Recycling guidelines can vary across different towns and counties in New Jersey, but here are some general recommendations:
- Plastic bags, film, and bubble wrap can typically be brought to drop-off sites in many counties.
- Cardboard should be clean, dry, and free of staples, packaging bubbles, and plastic wrap.
- Food waste is generally not accepted in curbside recycling bins.
- Electronic waste (e-waste) should be brought to designated drop-off sites or handled through the manufacturer.
- Metal cans, glass bottles, and jars are often recyclable.
Common plastic items that are typically recyclable in New Jersey include:
- Plastic bottles (water, soda, juice, detergent, etc.)
- Plastic jars (mayonnaise, peanut butter, etc.)
- Plastic tubs (yogurt, margarine, etc.)
- Plastic jugs (milk, laundry detergent, etc.)
Yes, certain plastic items are not typically accepted for recycling in New Jersey:
- Plastic bags should not be placed in curbside recycling bins as they can clog sorting systems.
- Molded plastic furniture and toys are generally not recyclable and should be donated or placed in the trash.
- Plastic containers with the numbers #4, #5, and #7 are often not recyclable and should be disposed of as trash.
According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the state recycled about 4 million tons of municipal waste in 2017, resulting in a recycling rate of 40%. Additionally, New Jersey residents recycled approximately 1.6 million tons of paper and corrugated cardboard in the same year. While recycling rates vary across different counties and towns, New Jersey also has "Pay-as-you-Throw" programs that encourage higher recycling rates and reduce waste disposal.
