Trash containers will be burgundy.
VENTNOR – Delivery of the 96-gallon recycling and trash carts will begin on May 13, according to a release from the city. Trash carts will be burgundy and recycling carts will be the traditional blue with burgundy lids.
The city partnered with the Atlantic County Utilities Authority to purchase the carts as a litter-prevention tool for the coastal community.
“The city is excited to introduce carts to our community. We look forward to seeing an increase in recycling rates and a decrease in litter. The new carts are easy-to-move, durable and will provide a cleaner appearance on trash day,” Mayor Beth Holtzman said.
Recycling carts will be blue with burgundy lids.
The carts were funded in part by a grant the ACUA secured from the Recycling Partnership. Ventnor will repay the remaining costs over the term of its seven-year shared services contract with ACUA.
“The Atlantic County Utilities Authority and the City of Ventnor are working together to set a strong example for how communities can invest in recycling, expand public services, and protect the coastal environment,” said Rob Taylor, director of Grants and Community Development at the Recycling Partnership. “Recycling with lidded carts decreases the likelihood that materials placed out for collection will become litter, thus protecting waterways and enhancing the coastal environment.”
Taylor said the Coca-Cola Foundation helped to make the grant possible.
Despite their size, sturdy wheels make the carts easy to maneuver. ACUA’s collection team will use a cart tipper on collection days to safely and efficiently lift and empty the containers into the truck, reducing the risk of injury for collection staff.
“Switching to carts, especially in our beach communities, makes sense to preserve our pristine coastline, reduce litter and increase recycling capacity for our residents,” ACUA President Rick Dovey said. “We look forward to expanding this effective and efficient collection system to another community in Atlantic County.”
Atlantic County communities that have already moved to carts have seen a 5% to 10% increase in recycling rates, which also leads to a decrease in trash costs – a win, win for the environment and municipal budgets, according to the release.
Despite the recent changes in recycling guidelines, there are many items that can and should be recycled. While some items have been eliminated, such as plastics #3-7, items such as cardboard boxes have increased in recent years due to the rise in online shopping.
The new carts should be the primary containers used by residents on trash and recycling day. The carts are considered property of the city and should remain at the address they are delivered.
Every cart will come with a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) number that can be read with a handheld device or truck mounted device. The numbers are linked to each address, which can help track down missing or stolen carts.
Residents looking to recycle old plastic recycling or trash bins, may do so through the bulky rigid plastic drop-off container at ACUA. Learn more at www.acua.com/rigidplastics.
Additional information will be provided with the cart when delivered, and residents can learn more at www.ventnorcity.org or by calling Ventnor Public Works Department at 609-823-7935 or ACUA at 609-272-6950.
