OCEAN COUNTY – County officials are clearly getting the message out when it comes to recycling in Ocean County. So much so that they recently received an award for it.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection presented the Ocean County Board of Commissioners and the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management with their 2021 Recycling Award in the “Outstanding Educator/Educational Program” category.
County officials accepted the award during a virtual awards ceremony organized by the Association of New Jersey Recyclers. Ocean County received the award in acknowledgement of its educational efforts through initiatives like the “Recycling Guide for Vacationers (and locals too),” “Recycling Guide for Boaters,” and the “Be Shore to Recycle Right” recycling igloos.
Anthony M. Agliata, director of the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management said, “our ‘Vacationers Guide’ was created by the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management to acknowledge the ways in which vacationers’ home recycling programs may differ from the program in Ocean County.”
“More than 4,000 guides were distributed to real estate offices, municipal buildings, and local stores throughout Ocean County. With such a large influx of visitors in the summer months, this guide has proven to be very helpful in encouraging everyone to continue their recycling efforts, no matter where they are,” he added.
Ocean County has more than 180 marinas which sparked the creation of a “Boaters Guide” and the unique recycling needs of marinas and boat owners alike. More than 6,500 guides were distributed to marinas, municipal buildings, and boat-related businesses including local bait and tackle shops.
The recycling igloos are also a great way to promote recycling in public spaces, Agliata noted.
“We are proud to report that more than 37 tons of recyclable material was collected from over 100 igloos placed throughout the County in 2020,” said Gary Quinn, Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners. “Our educational and outreach efforts have led to measurable improvements in the overall recycling rate and a greater capture of recyclables, which provides tremendous financial and environmental benefits for Ocean County and its resident.
“As a result of this helpful information our recycling rates are climbing again and our residents continue to embrace this program especially for its environmental benefits,” he added. “We have an outstanding team in our Department of Solid Waste Management that work collectively in providing updated and accurate information to our residents and visitors so everyone can participate in our recycling programs in Ocean County. This award truly highlights the ongoing efforts of the staff, who show their dedication daily making certain recycling continues to grow and remains easy and accessible to residents and visitors alike.”
