Orange Recycling Committee Reviews New Curbside Collection Service

ORANGE, CT — The Orange Recycling Committee discussed the town's transition to a new curbside recycling contractor, reviewed recycling collection data and began planning several upcoming recycling events during its July 15 meeting.

Committee members reviewed the first weeks of service by Enviro Express, which began collecting residential recycling July 1. Chair Mitch Goldblatt said Town Hall and the committee had received complaints from residents about pickup times and missed collections. He reported that Enviro Express had been contacted and made adjustments, including plans to begin collection routes at 6 a.m.

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The committee encouraged residents to place recycling carts at the curb the night before collection to reduce the chance of missed pickups. Members also said they plan to use the town's website, Facebook page and the Milford Orange Times recycling article to educate residents about the new service. Goldblatt said he also discussed the possibility of offering larger blue recycling bins for purchase. He added that if collection crews identify contamination in a recycling container, they photograph the contents and notify Town Hall rather than emptying the bin into the truck.

Committee members also discussed the town's food scrap recycling program. Goldblatt said the current vendor, Interstate Waste Services, has remained inconsistent with pickups at the transfer station and typically responds only after he contacts the company. He reported that Quantium Organics remains under consideration as a possible vendor and that discussions continue with Enviro Express about potentially assuming food scrap collection services.

Under old business, the committee reviewed Connecticut's Cylinder Collective program, which began Oct. 1, 2025, to expand the collection and recycling of propane, propylene, butane and helium cylinders. Goldblatt said towns participating in the program must install secure fencing at their transfer stations and that he hopes the agreement will be approved at a future Board of Selectmen meeting after further legal review.

Members also discussed the Connecticut Tire Stewardship program, a statewide initiative intended to collect and recycle discarded tires. Goldblatt said he has also spoken with Public Works Director Jim Zeoli about implementing the program at the transfer station and hopes it will be presented to the Board of Selectmen for approval.

The committee reviewed recent recycling statistics, reporting that 1,260 pounds of glass and 1,100 pounds of food scraps were collected in June. Bay State Textiles collected 17,310 pounds of textiles through June 2026, generating $1,038.60 for the committee. The committee's recycling account balance stood at $2,109.58 after recent expenditures, including business cards and Orange Country Fair booth expenses.

Planning also continued for the Orange Country Fair, scheduled for Sept. 19 and 20. Committee member Mark Moyher secured the committee's booth and asked volunteers to sign up for two-hour shifts. Members also confirmed the next community shredding event will be held Oct. 24 and will include Bye-Bye Mattress, Orange Community Women, Buy Nothing and Take 2 Electronics.

The committee approved the minutes of its June 17 meeting by a 3-0-1 vote, with Alicia Mozaian abstaining, and adjourned at 7:37 p.m. Its next meeting is scheduled for Aug. 19 at 7 p.m.