NJDEP Honors Monroe for Recycling Leadership
Award Highlights Curbside Recycling Program and Recycling Center Upgrades
MONROE TOWNSHIP – October 27, 2025 – The Township of Monroe is being recognized for achieving a 65 percent recycling rate, outpacing the latest available state statistics, thanks in part to its curbside recycling program and new Center for Hard to Recycle Material, known as “CHaRM.” Monroe was also commended for its municipal paper shredding events, providing drop-off bins for old clothing and textiles and its polystyrene densifying machine, FoamCycle.
The recycling rate is the percentage of waste that is recycled or composted compared to the total amount of municipal solid waste generated.
On Oct. 22, Monroe was among nine recipients of the state Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Recycling Awards Program, which, according to state officials, honors remarkable recycling and sustainability achievements.
“We are pleased and humbled to be recognized as a leader in New Jersey for our ongoing commitment to recycling,” said Monroe Mayor Stephen Dalina. “Our goal is to steadily increase our recycling rate through innovative initiatives, such as CHaRM. Our top-notch recycling team works hard every day to make it easy for our residents to dispose of unwanted items in the safest, most environmentally friendly way possible.”
The mayor expressed appreciation to municipal recycling coordinator, Carolyn Barna and Department of Public Works Superintendent, Greg Slavicek for leading recycling efforts in the Township, noting these initiatives significantly contribute to Monroe’s Sustainable NJ certification each year.
Last year, Monroe constructed CHaRM to increase the local recycling rate, supported with funds from Middlesex County. The center is based at 76 Gravel Hill-Spotswood Rd., at the Department of Public Works.
The center accepts plastic film, books, batteries, eyeglasses, cell phones, light bulbs and more. Several bins are set up for different materials, each clearly labeled as a guide for sorting the recyclables.
Residents can also drop off other recyclables, like scrap metal and electronics during its operating hours: Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. and Saturdays from 8- 11:30 a.m.
To further public knowledge and prevent contamination of recycled materials, Monroe refers residents to the free Recycle Coach information system. It provides a helpful ‘What Goes Where’ tool that can be found on the Township website at www.monroetwp.com.
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