Recycling Information

In response to escalating costs the Borough incurs to process recycling materials, the drop-off recycling center on Jersey Ave. operated by Metuchen DPW is now closed. Recycling materials will not be accepted at the drop-off center. This change was made to minimize the financial impact of the drastic changes in the recycled materials market primarily caused by China’s decision to stop accepting recycled materials from the US and other countries.

Businesses, contractors, and condo/apartment complexes that currently use a private hauler for their garbage will need to contract with a 3^rd party hauler to remove their recycling materials, including cardboard. DPW will no longer pick up recycling from businesses that use private garbage haulers.

• For downtown businesses and condo/apartment complexes where DPW provides garbage pickup, DPW will continue to pick up recycling and cardboard
• Tire drop off centers are available at municipal recycling centers at the following locations in Middlesex County: Woodbridge, East Brunswick, Sayreville and Plainsboro
• Cooking oil is accepted at municipal recycling centers in South Plainfield, Woodbridge, East Brunswick, Old Bridge and Monroe
• Please check the Middlesex County Solid Waste Management website for updated information
• Recycling calendars are available on the Borough website and printed copies are available at the DPW building, Borough Hall, Metuchen Library and Senior Center
• DPW does not pick up TVs or electronics. See information below for facilities that accept electronics

Because of changes in the recycling market and the escalating cost to process the Borough’s recycling, the following update to DPW’s recycling program is now in effect.

Only the following materials are to be placed in the recycling container for pickup weekly by Metuchen DPW:

• Aluminum Cans
• Glass Bottles & Jars
• Steel Cans
• Plastic Bottles with #1 code or #2 code found on the bottom
  Common examples of code #1 & #2 plastics include but are not limited to: water, soda, milk, and juice bottles, laundry detergent and most toiletry bottles. Be sure to check for the recycling symbol on the bottom of your plastic containers. The number inside of the recycling symbol indicates the type of plastic

PLEASE NOTE: Clean recycling only - the above listed materials need to be clean in order to be recycled. Please rinse to remove any food or beverage before placing in recycling container. Anything that contains food or beverage must go into the garbage.

• Newspaper
• Corrugated cardboard – cardboard must be clean
• Mixed paper (magazines, office paper, junk mail, cereal boxes)
• All other materials, including plastic bottles not marked #1 or #2 and non-corrugated cardboard, must be discarded in the regular trash