In Voorhees, we are proud of our recycling efforts and can boast one of the best recycling programs in the state. In 2013, our community recycled 57.18 percent of all of our municipal waste. The 12,006 tons we recycled last year saved our township $720,406 in disposal fees.
The township has adopted a single stream recycling system where paper, cardboard, bottles, cans and plastics are placed together in the township supplied recycling container. We recycle plastic containers with numbers 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7. Look for those numbers inside the triangular recycling logo.
Beginning in January 2011, the Electronic Waste Management Act banned the disposal of televisions and all personal portable computers, including lap top and notebook computers as well as computer monitors, in regular household waste. Camden County will collect electronic waste four times in 2014. The next collection date is September 27 at the Camden County Public Works Complex, 2311 Egg Harbor Road, Lindenwold, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information, visit the Camden County Recycling website at www.camdencounty.com/parks/recycling-info/electronic-recycling-collection-events.
Voorhees will accept your used motor oil and it can be dropped off at the Public Works facility at 100 American Way. The drop off location is at the end of the dead-end street under a sign stating “Oil Drop Off.” Be sure to store your used motor oil in a container that will not leak. Please do not mix other substances such as antifreeze or transmission fluid with the used oil. Remember to store used oil away from children and sources of ignition.
Regular “Alkaline” batteries can be disposed of in the regular trash. However, rechargeable batteries, which can be found in such items as cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, camcorders, etc., cannot go into the regular trash. These items can be recycled at participating retail locations including Radio Shack, Best Buy, Staples, Target, Office Max, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Sears, Wal-Mart and Verizon Wireless stores. To find the nearest retail location to recycle your rechargeable batteries, visit www.rbrc.org.
Vegetation/garden waste can be placed curbside every Monday and will be picked up during the course of the week. Grass clippings and leaves must be placed in cans or biodegradable bags. Loose leaves will only be picked up during designated spring and fall collection schedules. Small branches should be bundled and must weigh less than 40 pounds.
There is no question that recycling protects our environment while saving money.
The next show in our 2014 Summer Twilight Series is Thursday, Aug. 7 (rain date Thursday, Aug. 21) and will feature Almost Queen for the first time. This group succeeds in blending the vocal layering and studio precision that is a signature of the band with the energy and spectacle of a live stage production. Elaborate lighting effects and costumes aptly frame the seasoned musicians who step into these very large shoes to render an authentic “Queen experience.” The show is free and starts at 7:30 p.m. on the “Great Lawn” at Connolly Park. For more information, visit www.voorheesnj.com.