Making the Most of Ridgewood’s Recycling Program

Living in Ridgewood, New Jersey means enjoying the vibrant community and beautiful surroundings. But with that comes responsibility – and that includes taking care of our environment! One crucial aspect of living green is recycling, and understanding how to do it right can make a real difference for our planet.

Ridgewood’s recycling program is designed to be simple yet effective, making the journey towards sustainability as smooth as possible. But navigating this system might feel overwhelming if you’re not sure where everything goes and what exactly counts. This article will serve as your personal guide, demystifying Ridgewood’s recycling calendar.

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s important to understand why recycling is crucial. Every time we recycle, we’re reducing our reliance on landfills. Landfills are massive repositories of waste that contribute significantly to air and water pollution. When materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metal are recycled, they get transformed into new products, saving resources and minimizing the need for raw material extraction. This translates to less environmental damage and a commitment toward a more sustainable future.

So, how does Ridgewood’s recycling program work? The key lies in understanding the different categories of recyclables. Each category will have its designated bin, which helps us sort waste efficiently. Here’s a breakdown of what you can recycle and where to place it within the Ridgewood system:

**Paper:** This is one of the most recyclable items on this list! From newspapers and magazines to cardboard boxes and junk mail, all these paper products fall under the “paper” category. Remember to flatten your paper for easier processing.

**Plastic:** Plastic recycling can seem tricky at first, but it’s not as complex as one might think! The key is knowing which plastics are accepted for recycling in Ridgewood: number 1 (PET), number 2 (HDPE), and number 5 (LDPE). You can easily identify these types of plastic by the numbers on the bottom. Look out for common items like bottles, jars, tubs, and containers with a recycle symbol.

**Glass:** Glass is another commonly recyclable material in Ridgewood. Empty glass bottles and jars, including food-related containers like juice bottles, salsa jars, and cooking oil containers, can all be recycled for reuse. Make sure to rinse out any food residues before placing the glass in the designated recycling bin.

**Metal:** The metal category encompasses aluminum cans, tin cans, steel cans, and even some other metallic items like foil. Recycling these materials takes a bit of effort as they can sometimes get tangled or mixed up. Therefore, it’s recommended to keep such recyclable materials separate from other items.

And finally, we’ll discuss another important aspect of Ridgewood’s recycling program: collection days. Knowing the schedule is crucial for your participation in this valuable initiative. Each week, different types of waste are collected at designated times, ensuring that everything gets processed and reused properly.

Here’s a peek into the typical Ridgewood recycling schedule. You can find detailed information on their official website or by contacting the local waste management company: [Official Ridgewood Recycling Website Link]

**Key Points to Remember:**

• Keep your recyclables clean and dry. This helps them get processed more efficiently.
• Remove any food residue from containers before recycling them.
• Don’t mix recyclables with regular trash. This can create confusion and hinder the entire process.

**The Benefits of Recycling in Ridgewood:**

Joining the Ridgewood recycling program brings a wealth of benefits, not just to the environment but also to you:

• **Environmental Protection:** Recycling helps reduce landfill waste and conserve valuable natural resources.
• **Financial Savings:** Many states offer tax incentives or rebates for those who recycle, making it even more rewarding.
• **Improved Community Health:** The reduction in air and water pollution from landfills promotes a healthier community overall.

Ridgewood’s recycling program is designed to be accessible and easy to understand, making it a truly rewarding experience for residents. By understanding the rules, sorting your waste efficiently, and participating consistently, you are contributing to a cleaner, greener Ridgewood – a testament to responsible living.

For more information on the program, visit them on their official website or contact the local waste management company directly.