About our Office Mandates

Last Updated: 10/13/04

Newspaper, radio and cable television opportunities along with displays of materials at local libraries and Municipal facilities are used throughout the year to help highlight special events, achievements and general program information. The Office of Natural Resource Programs focuses on a broad based outreach campaign twice yearly, in the Spring and Fall.

In order for the public to have access to information and referral services on source reduction, recycling and waste management telephone support services were expanded during 1990.A message recorder is available 24-hours so that professional staff can handle inquiries in the most efficient manner possible. The Environmental Hotline has proven to be invaluable for providing up to date information on special events as well as to provide a convenient method for residents to get information and directions for the County's Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events.

Passaic County Kids Recycle School Curriculum

A resource guide for use by the local school districts was compiled during 1991. The "Passaic County Kids Recycle" Programs Resource Guide contains information on the services available through the County, a step by step method for setting up a recycling program in a school setting, the "Kids to Kids" Program lesson plan (where high school age teenagers present lessons to second and third graders), selected lessons and activities and recycling resource materials. The concept behind "Passaic County Kids Recycle" is to encourage students to become active participants in planning and carrying out source reduction, recycling and waste management programs and projects.

County
Mandates

Every day we hear about environmental problems. . . at work, at school, in the newspapers, on television and on the radio. Garbage is just one of these environmental concerns. We hear more about trash when our taxes are affected by the shipping costs for garbage. We see the impact of it first hand every time we take our garbage out to the curb.

In the late 1960's and throughout the 1970's, the long term effect of the loss of our natural resources and pollution became a cause for concern by the public in general. During that time more and more landfills were closed, some because of stricter environmental regulations and others because they were filled. With the passage of the Statewide Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act in 1987, districts in New Jersey were asked to formulate long-term plans for trash disposal. These plans were put in place as the best alternatives for the district.

No matter which alternatives were chosen, the ability to maximize the chosen alternatives had to be of utmost importance.

So in the late 1970's and early 1980's, recycling went from a "grassroots" volunteer level with the slogan "Recycling Pays" to become a Municipal and County responsibility. The dynamics of recycling as well as its economics underwent a drastic change. Additionally, programs were established in surrounding States and overseas exports grew so that in economic terms, supply started to exceed demand for some recyclable materials and the prices paid for recyclables fluctuated

But even though it is true that marketing recyclables can actually cost money, this charge remains lower than the fees charged at the landfill for dumping these materials. This is a savings known as "Cost Avoidance". Add in the environmental benefits such as reduced pollution and conservation of resources, as well as saving landfill space for other, non-recyclable materials and recycling is the clear winner.

The original Passaic County Recycling Plan written in October of 1987 and approved by the State in June of 1989. Municipalities were required to take responsibility for all recycling activities in their jurisdiction. Since then, many changes have taken place. In 1991 the Governor’s Emergency Solid Waste Assessment Task Force Report encouraged a commitment to district self-sufficiency, a 60% reduction in solid waste through recycling and a hold on per capita waste generation.