The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is urging businesses to prevent recycling contamination as part of the "Recycle Right" campaign. The DEP has released a downloadable handout designed to assist business owners in avoiding contamination that affects the marketability of recycled materials.
Recycling contamination occurs when recyclable items like corrugated cardboard, office paper, aluminum and steel cans, plastic containers, and glass bottles are mixed with non-recyclable items. Contaminants include coffee cups, used pizza boxes, plastic bags, electrical cords, hoses, paint cans, car parts, clothing, and other trash.
Manufacturers of recycled content products will not accept contaminated loads. Incorrect recycling can also damage machinery, cause fires at recycling centers, and result in contaminated loads being sent to landfills.
To help reduce recycling contamination, businesses are encouraged to:
- Educate employees and customers about recycling program requirements
- Provide clearly labeled containers for recyclable materials and trash
- Post easy-to-understand signage about the recycling program
- Periodically inspect recycling containers and trash for cross-contamination
- Train new employees about on-the-job recycling
- Coordinate with haulers to ensure collected recyclable materials meet quality control standards
New Jersey law has mandated recycling for residents and businesses since 1987. Municipal and county recycling coordinators are available to answer questions about proper recycling practices.
For more information or to download the “Recycle Right” handout, visit the DEP's website where additional promotional materials for social media use are also available.
