Here’s How Nutley’s New Garbage Collection System Will Work (VIDEO)

NUTLEY, NJ — There’s less than a month remaining before Nutley changes the way it picks up garbage. And officials are already gearing up for what they say will be a money-saving move for the town.

Mayor John Kelly III and the Nutley Board of Commissioners recently announced that the township will be rolling out a new garbage collection system. Read More: Nutley Will Change Garbage Collection Amid ‘Alarming’ Cost Increase

New collection bins will be part of the switch. The delivery of the carts began on Dec. 2 and will continue over a two-week period. The new automated pickup system will take effect on Jan. 2, 2025.

Kelly said that several factors played into the decision, but highlighted a major motivator: money.

With the commissioner board seeking to be “proactive against record inflation,” the rising costs of trash collection set off alarm bells, he said.

“Some municipalities have seen, on average, increases of 52 to 54 percent on their garbage contracts, so we looked for ways to counteract that,” Kelly said.

According to the mayor, the new “semi-automated” garbage collection system will mean a 32-percent cost increase for the township, as compared to a 52 to 100 percent increase.

The new system will reduce – but not eliminate – the need for workers. Trucks will be staffed by one employee, who will physically position the carts onto a lift that will tip the contents into the truck, and will return the emptied cart to the curb.

This will help to minimize Nutley’s burden of workers’ compensation claims, which are passed onto the township by way of contract, Kelly said.

Meanwhile, the new carts – which have a 10-year warranty – will be assigned to a specific household or business using a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tracking system. This way, the township will be able to track routes to make sure that garbage is being picked up.

The new system will have environmental benefits as well, the mayor added:

“The new carts are sealed to prevent waste materials from absorbing rain water, reducing tipping fees at the dump by literally eliminating most of the water weight. The township pays for trash removal by the pound, and the township is expected to see savings at the dump by up to 20 percent. The sealed feature will also reduce odor and vermin.”

Nutley officials held a live demonstration of the new system on Nov. 21 (watch the video below or view it online here).

Environmental consultant Wayne DeFeo of DeFeo Associates said the town will save money by making the switch. Nutley is not the first municipality to implement this system, DeFeo said, adding that cities like Newark, West Orange and all five boroughs of New York City are moving to semi-automated garbage collection. See Related: West Orange Council Makes Decision On Garbage, Recycling Collection

Responding to questions about the carts, DeFeo said the township made the decision to not restrict residents by giving them something small – the 95-gallon carts are the largest available. The bins can fit up to 325 pounds of trash, the equivalent of three average-sized trash cans. It’s an amount that the average household won’t top on a regular basis, he said.

According to DeFeo, the lifting strength required to put a fully loaded cart out for pickup is 25 pounds, or the equivalent of one trash bag.

Here are some resources that provide some additional information about the upcoming change:

• Township of Nutley Garbage Information Link: https://www.nutleynj.org/garbage
• Recycle Coach: https://www.recyclecoach.com/

Town officials previously provided the following list of frequently asked questions:

1. What is the new garbage collection system?

The Township of Nutley is implementing a new automated garbage collection system starting January 2, 2025. This system is designed to be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly, while improving the community's appearance.

2. Why is Nutley changing its garbage collection system?

Rising costs of garbage collection prompted the Township to explore more viable options. The new system will save the Township hundreds of thousands of dollars and provide safer waste management solutions.

3. What type of carts will residents receive?

Each resident will receive a 95-gallon cart designed for the new automated system. These carts are durable, equipped with a lid to contain odors, and can hold up to 300 pounds of waste.

4. How many carts will each household receive?

Every residential household will receive one 95-gallon cart. Additional carts can be leased for a fee if more capacity is needed.

5. What about yard waste collection?

All single, two-, three-, and four-family homes will also receive vegetation carts for yard waste, which can include items like grass clippings, branches, and leaves.

6. When will the new carts be delivered?

The delivery of the new carts will begin on December 2, 2024, and will continue over a two-week period.

7. When does the new collection system go into effect?

The new automated pickup system will start on January 2, 2025. After this date, only waste placed in the Township-authorized carts will be collected.

8. How should residents prepare for the transition?

Residents should familiarize themselves with the new system and attend live presentations offered by the Township. Detailed information will also be mailed to residents and made available online.

9. Where can I find more information about the new garbage collection system?

Residents can visit the Township of Nutley’s Department of Public Affairs and Health Information page and click into the Garbage Collection link at https://www.nutleynj.org/garbage or access resources through the provided links, including the Recycle Coach app.

10. Who can I contact if I have questions?

Residents and businesses can reach out to the Nutley Health Department for any questions or concerns regarding the new garbage collection system.

11. What will happen if waste is placed outside the new carts?

After the new system begins on January 2, 2025, any waste not placed in the authorized carts will not be collected.

12. Will there be any public presentations about the new system?

Yes, the Township will hold live presentations in the upcoming weeks, which will also be available on the Township's website and social media platforms.

13. How can I stay updated about this new program?

Residents are encouraged to keep an eye on the Township’s website and social media for updates, and to look out for the mailing with detailed information about the new garbage collection system.

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