In an effort to capture only acceptable materials during curbside recycling collection, the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA), will implement a "Tag-it and Leave-it" inspection program later this year in the municipalities served by the MUA' s "all-in-one" single-stream curbside recycling collection program. Due to recent enforcement of rigorous restrictions banning unacceptable materials in curbside recycling bins, the MUA has been assessing contaminants in the recycling stream.

The most common and problematic unacceptable materials (contaminants) found mixed with acceptable recyclables include, plastic bags, plastic film/plastic packaging, foam (Styrofoam), hangers (plastic, metal, wood), food waste, wood scraps, and plastic bottles/containers coded #3, #4, #6 & #7 ( only plastic
bottles/containers coded #1, #2 & #5 are acceptable).

• For curbside collection, recyclables must be loose in a reusable container with handles (lids are strongly recommended to reduce moisture and to prevent litter)
• Recyclables must be empty, clean and dry (no food residue)

Earlier this year, the MUA released updated guidelines for the proper preparation of plastics for those municipalities participating in the MUA' s single-stream curbside recycling collection program. The revised plastics acceptability guidelines now limits plastic recycling collection to only bottles/containers coded #1, #2 & #5.

Due to strict requirements for collecting only acceptable materials in the recycling stream, the MUA will leave those recycling set-outs with unacceptable items in the recycling containers at the curb. After, contaminated recyclables are left at the curb, residents will have to CORRECT the issues and wait until the next scheduled collection day to put their now acceptable recyclables out for curbside collection.

The main goal is to avoid rejected loads at the local recycling facility, which first separates the single-stream recyclables into the individual materials that make up the recycling stream. Cleaner loads result in less cost while rejected loads, due to contamination, result in a greater cost for all involved.

When in doubt, throw it out and keep the acceptable recyclables clean, empty and dry! For additional information, and to obtain the single-stream recycling flyer, please visit www.MCMUA.com.

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