Nutley Will Change Garbage Collection Amid ‘Alarming’ Cost Increase

NUTLEY, NJ — It will be a big switch for Nutley residents. However, due to “alarming” cost increases, it’s time to make some changes to the way the town collects garbage, officials say – including new bins.

Mayor John Kelly III and the Board of Commissioners recently announced that the township will be rolling out a new garbage collection system beginning in January.

Officials said the new system is “significantly more cost-effective” and will provide a “cleaner, more attractive community image.”

“This is a significant change for our residents and we want to make sure everyone is aware of the reasons why we have chosen to move forward with this program,” Kelly said.

“First of all, the cost of garbage collection has been rising at an alarming rate, which necessitated that we look into all viable options,” Kelly said. “Fortunately, we were able to secure a new system that will not only save money, but will also be environmentally safe and keep our homes secure from wildlife.”

New collection bins will be part of the switch. The delivery of the carts will begin on Monday, Dec. 2 and will continue over a two-week period.

The new automated pickup system will take effect on Jan. 2, 2025. After this deadline, no waste will be removed other than what is in township-authorized carts.

Here are some other details to know, according to a statement from Nutley officials:

“The Township has purchased and will distribute new carts which are specially constructed to be used in an automated collection system. The cart is designed for durability and ease of handling, with a lid which keeps odors in and moisture out. It is the only container which can be used with the new system. Each cart, which is the property of and will be provided by the Township, will include a serial number that corresponds to each residential address. Each resident will receive one 95-gallon cart with a capacity more than three times that of a standard residential garbage can with the ability to accommodate 300 pounds of waste. (Typically, a cart filled with standard household waste will not exceed these limits). Notably, each cart is equipped with wheels for ease of use; despite the cart’s ability to hold up to 300 pounds of waste, residents able to lift 25 pounds will be able to easily bring a fully loaded cart to the curb for pickup.”

If one bin isn’t enough for a household, additional carts may be leased for a fee, officials said.

Vegetation carts (designated yard waste consisting of tree limbs or branches, grass clippings, incidental leaves, straw, shrubs, bushes, plants and sod) will be also distributed to all single, two, three and four-family homes, officials said.

Nutley officials shared the following video link for people seeking a demonstration of the new carts. The township will be holding live presentations on the new system in the next few weeks. The presentations will also be available on the Township of Nutley’s website and social media sites.

“We realize it is a major change, so we ask our residents to be patient,” Kelly said, adding that the township will try to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Here are some resources that may provide some additional information:

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

Town officials 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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