Recycling Program

Recycling Program Overview

Cumberland County has been the leader in recycling for the State of New Jersey, thanks to the residents, organizations, and businesses. NJDEP statistics recently showed Cumberland County as number one in the state for seven years in a row from 2010 to 2017.

New Jersey’s mandatory recycling law (the New Jersey Statewide Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act), which was enacted in 1987, requires recycling in the residential, commercial (business) and institutional sectors (schools, hospitals, prisons, etc.). For more information on recycling in your town, contact your municipal recycling coordinator.

Since 2014, residents of Cumberland County can combine all recycling materials in one container, otherwise known as single stream recycling. Recycle plastics #1, #2, and #5, steel/tin, aluminum, glass, newspapers, magazines, cartons, beverage/food containers, clean cardboard, and other paper. As more and more packaging become recyclable, it’s up to each individual to dispose of these items properly and keep as much out of the trash stream as possible. Remember to rinse out and dry all bottles and cans before placing them in the recycling bin to avoid contamination.

While all the items above can be recycled, there are many items that can not be recycled. Plastic bags, food waste, styrofoam, ceramics, and bulk plastic are not recyclable. Disposable masks, rubber gloves, and wipes are to be placed in the trash, as they are not recyclable.

Be sure to keep plastic bags out of your recycling bin. Plastic bags contaminate the recyclable items and jam the separating machinery. New Jersey lawmakers have passed legislation banning single-use plastic and paper bags, as well as plastic foam containers beginning in May 2022. You can reduce, reuse, and recycle your plastic bags by returning them to your local retailer. Many stores have plastic bag drop-off stations.

Recently, the first localized Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) on the East Coast was constructed at The Authority’s Solid Waste Complex. As a result of a public-private partnership, The Authority teamed up with circular economy-focused investment firm, Closed Loop Partners, and Canusa Hershman, a leading recycling company, to finance New Leaf, which will empower communities to manage valuable materials locally through small-scale recycling units, manufactured by Revolution Systems. The MRF will receive and process recyclable materials from Cumberland County, and then sort, store, ship, and market the recovered materials.

For more information on the MRF click here.

Recycle Right Instructional Video

The Authority—Recycle Right 30 seconds

A look at Cumberland County's recycle guidelines, accepted items, and more. Don't trash our future, do the right thing—recycle!

The Authority—Recycle Right 30 seconds

A look at Cumberland County's recycle guidelines, accepted items, and more. Don't trash our future, do the right thing—recycle!

Recycle Coach

Electronic Waste Guidelines

The Authority strives to provide a safe and accessible way of disposing electronic waste. The State of New Jersey defines electronic waste (e-waste) as all computers, monitors, laptops, portable computers, desktop printers, fax machines, and televisions. The Authority goes above and beyond what is acceptable as defined by the state by providing collection centers for other electronics and peripherals. Authority staff work with municipal coordinators in the 14 municipalities to schedule, receive, sort, organize, wrap, and ship e-waste to a designated facility.

Residents who wait to bring their electronics to one of the Household Hazardous Waste events will be happy to know that they can drop off their e-waste throughout the year to their local public works and municipal “convenience” or “drop off” centers. The Authority recommends contacting your municipal recycling coordinator or center for specific details prior to your visit.

The following electronics are accepted: computer monitors, computer towers, laptops, desktop printers, fax machines, TVS including projection, wooden console, tube, flat screen, cell phones, copiers, printers, VCRs, DVD players, radios, computer keyboards, mouse, speakers, networking peripherals, boxes, cables, battery backup systems, stereos (not wooden consoles).

The Authority recommends contacting your municipal recycling coordinator or center for specific details prior to your visit.

Testimonial

“The best part of my job is that it keeps me busy! I do not do the same thing everyday; there is a variety of what I do! I have enjoyed developing good relationships with the municipalities while building schedules and organizing the e-waste department.”

—Nathan Farrell, Household Hazardous Waste and E-Waste Coordinator

Proper Disposal

Paint Disposal

Latex Paint (also known as water-based paint) is non-hazardous. Here’s how to properly dispose of it.

Make sure the paint can is half full or less. If the can has more than that, pour excess into another container such as a milk jug or coffee can.
Add clay-based kitty litter or Speedy Dry so the can is three-fourths full.
Stir the paint/kitty litter or Speedy Dry mixture.
If liquid pain remains, add more kitty litter or Speedy Dry and stir.
Allow the paint/kitty litter or Speedy Dry mixture to dry until it is no longer pourable.
Replace paint can lid and dispose of the paint can with your household trash.

Oil-based paint can only be disposed of at one of the Household Hazardous Waste and Document Shredding Days sponsored by The Authority.

Used Oil and Antifreeze Disposal

The Authority provides local public works and municipal convenience or drop-off centers with containers for disposal of used oil and antifreeze. There’s no need to wait for a Household Hazardous Waste event to dispose of these items properly. The Authority recommends residents contact their municipal coordinators with any questions specific to anti-littering programs or issues in their town and community.