Business Recycling

THE ISSUE – RECYCLING CONTAMINATION

Thanks to the recycling efforts of New Jersey’s businesses, millions of tons of recyclable materials – such as corrugated cardboard, office paper, aluminum and steel cans, plastic containers and glass bottles – are recycled each year. However, recycling contamination is negatively impacting the marketability and price of the collected recyclable materials.

WHAT IS RECYCLING CONTAMINATION?

Recycling contamination occurs when non-acceptable items are mixed with recyclable materials. Manufacturers of recycled content products will not accept or utilize loads of recyclable materials that are contaminated with coffee cups, plastic bags, trash, and other non-acceptable items.

THE SOLUTION

Businesses can help reduce recycling contamination by:

• Educating employees and customers about recycling program requirements.
• Providing clearly labeled containers for recyclable materials and trash.
• Posting easy-to-understand signage about the recycling program.
• Periodically inspecting recycling containers and trash for cross-contamination.
• Training new employees about what is expected of them in regard to on-the-job recycling.
• Coordinating with haulers to ensure the recyclable materials generated at their business meet the quality control standards of recycling markets.
• Continually reinforcing the Recycle Right NJ message at their business establishment.

REMEMBER, RECYCLING IS REQUIRED BY LAW

New Jersey businesses, along with residents and institutions, have been required by law to recycle since 1987. Your municipal or county recycling coordinator can answer questions about your local recycling requirements.

RECYCLING RESOURCES

Information and resources on waste reduction and recycling are available at recycle.nj.gov. The resources available include promotional and educational graphics, a list of county and municipal recycling coordinators, benefits of recycling and more.

NJDEP, Division of Climate Change Mitigation and Monitoring Bureau of Sustainability
609-633-0631

Download: Recycle Right NJ Businesses Tip Card