Styrofoam Recycling Program Policy

Watchung Resolution R7

MISSION
The Borough Council of the Borough of Watchung, in coordination with the Watchung Environmental Commission, in an effort to enhance community awareness of and promote sustainable practices in an ecologically safe manner, believes it is in the best interest of the residents of the Borough of Watchung to establish a Styrofoam Recycling Program.

INTRODUCTION
The Environmental Commission of the Borough of Watchung has been working diligently to design a Styrofoam Recycling Program that would complement its numerous achievements and those of the Green Team to assist the Borough in becoming a “green” community and achieve Sustainable Jersey certification.  This program will contribute additional “points” toward achieving those goals.  This policy accompanies Watchung Borough Resolution #7 adopted on December 2, 2021.

SUPERVISION
It will be the responsibility of the Watchung Environmental Commission to maintain the program under the supervision of the Watchung Borough Administrator or designee, in coordination with the Department of Public Works.  It will be the responsibility of the Public Works Department Manager or designee to oversee the operations of the Styrofoam Recycling collection site and delivery of recyclable materials.

The program will follow all proper protocols required by law and the receiving facility.  Documentation will be maintained by Watchung Borough’s Recycling Manager who will submit the tonnage records to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for proper accounting.

The Borough Administrator will notify Watchung Police Department and request an on-duty police unit to monitor the event.

LOCATION
The Watchung Borough Department of Public Works garage at 880 Somerset Street will be the central recycling facility.  Any off-site recycling within Watchung Borough will be delivered to this location.

FREQUENCY
Initially, the program will take place twice per year, once in January and once in September.  At least 30 days prior to the scheduled collection days, the Borough will ensure that the program is posted on the Borough Calendar, its website, Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram accounts, as well as on the electronic sign in front of Borough Hall and with local media in accordance with the attached press release.

STAFFING
One Public Works employee, and two trained attendants (at least one of whom will be an Environmental Commission member) will be present at all times during the collection process.  Additional volunteers will be welcome to assist.  All personnel who will be on-site will receive training in proper procedures prior to the scheduled dates (training process to be determined), and wear traffic safety vests and identification cards that will be supplied by the Borough.

PROCEDURE
This program will be limited to Watchung residents only and proof of residency may be required prior to off-loading recyclable materials.  Drivers will access the DPW facility from the main entrance on Somerset Street and proceed to the STOP sign to check-in.  They will then be guided to the proper location to unload the recyclable Styrofoam.  TRAFFIC PATTERNS MUST BE STRICTLY ADHERED TO.  Residents will exit their vehicles and remove the Styrofoam and place it in the designated inspection area.  Watchung Borough representatives will ascertain whether the materials are appropriate for recycling and return to the resident any unacceptable items, which must be disposed of by that resident offsite. 

*ONLY WHITE, CLEAN, DRY POLYSTYRENE (PACKING MATERIAL, BUT NOT PEANUTS) THAT HAS NOT BEEN USED FOR FOOD STORAGE WILL BE ACCEPTED.  ALL TAPE, STICKERS, AND LABELS  MUST BE REMOVED.

Recyclable materials will be loaded into clear plastic bags that will be provided by the receiving facility and transferred to a Watchung Borough DPW vehicle.  At the conclusion of the drop-off period, the vehicle will be secured inside the public works garage.  The materials will then be transported in a timely manner to the receiving facility.  The receiving facility will provide Watchung Borough personnel with the information required for submission by Watchung’s Recycling Manager to NJ DEP.

HOURS OF OPERATION MUST BE STRICTLY ADHERED TO.  NO MATERIALS CAN BE DROPPED OFF OUTSIDE THE SPECIFIED HOURS.  VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED.

SITE
Preparation of the site, including installation of all traffic control measures and proper placement of the DPW vehicle in the garage bay, will be accomplished by the close of business on the Friday before the scheduled collection.  The site will be secured at the conclusion of the collection period.  The site will be maintained in a safe, clean, and orderly condition.  A schematic of the site is attached.