Middlesex named top recycling county in N.J.

NEW BRUNSWICK - Middlesex County has been named the top Recycling County in the State, according to the latest data from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

With a recycling rate of 62.3 percent, Middlesex County ranked first among the 21 counties for a third time since 1995, the first year data was compiled. The data also marks the ninth time since 1995 that Middlesex County has met or exceeded the State's 60 percent recycling goal. No other county has achieved this record.

"This is good news for our county and great news for our environment," Freeholder Camille Fernicola said in a press release. "Our recycling programs help us conserve energy, preserve natural resources and by keeping 62.3 percent of all our waste out of the landfill, save money and lengthen the life of the landfill."

The data released by the NJDEP last week represents 2005 totals, the latest year for which data is available. Of the 2,515,806 tons of waste generated in Middlesex County in 2005, 1,567,684 tons (or 62.3 percent) was recycled.

The Middlesex County Improvement Authority operates the curbside recycling collection program in 16 municipalities throughout the county. In 2005, more than 30,140 tons of material, such as glass, plastic, aluminum, cardboard and newspaper, were collected from more than 97,000 single-family homes, multi-family units and small businesses.

The MCIA also operates a successful yard waste recycling program, which generated more then 40,000 tons of leaves, brush and grass in 2005, and promotes grass-cycling, which asks homeowners to cut grass and leave it where it lay instead of collecting it and throwing it into the waste stream.

The county's Division of Solid Waste Management conducts collection events for paint, household batteries, used tires, consumer electronics, such as televisions, computers and VCRs, and for household hazardous waste, such as motor oil and antifreeze.

The county also has sponsored a number of paper shredding events that have grown in popularity among residents looking to shred financial and other personal papers before discarding them. Since July 2005, 131,047 pounds of paper have been shredded and recycled as part of the events.

The Solid Waste Division and the MCIA are sponsoring book recycling programs with various school districts throughout the county. Outdated hardcover and soft-cover books that can no longer be used, sold or given away are being recycled in this program that is being embraced by the schools.