By JEFFREY L. NASH
One thing on the upswing these days is recycling in Camden County. Tonnage, at 36,250, is up by about 9 percent over last year in the collection of recyclable fiber and bottles and cans.
This is due largely to the switch to single stream recycling by most of the 37 municipalities in the county, resulting in increased participation among residents.
It’s a win-win for everybody, especially the municipalities. For one thing, they share in nearly $1 million in revenue and, in many instances, they can cut costs by using only one truck instead of two for collection of recyclables.
Within county government itself, we saved about $13,000 in tipping fees last year because county offices recycled 191.8 tons of fiber, bottles and cans.
The increased level of recycling was the most encouraging development in 2008, but there was more:
• We diverted 286,214 pounds of household special waste on six collection days.
• A total of 153,779 pounds of electronics waste were collected on three separate electronics recycling collection days.
• More than 950 tree saplings were given to Camden County third grade classrooms as part of the New Jersey Forestry Arbor Day activities.
• Children and adults learned about environmental protection and had a great time at the Eco Fair/Mamapalooza concert last spring.
Probably the most thrilling development was the growth of volunteer commitment from dozens of residents throughout Camden County. One of the leaders in this movement is Lori Braunstein of Cherry Hill, who has presided over the growth of Sustainable Cherry Hill with its nearly 700 community supporters and a board of more than 25 local and regional stakeholders.
Lori Braunstein’s vision, energy, dedication to community has provided a tremendous impact on Cherry Hill township, educating residents on sustainability and rallying them around the mission to forge a sustainable future.
Jeffrey L. Nash is the freeholder liaison to the Division of Environmental Affairs.
