UPDATE: Recycling Curbside Pickups Will Now Continue

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Somerset County officials have changed their minds and will begin collecting recycling again on Thursday after taking into account the coronavirus spread.

"Out of an overabundance of caution, curbside recycling pickups were temporarily postponed while the county evaluated coronavirus safety precautions for all concerned, including recycling staff. We are pleased to announce that curbside pickups will continue on Thursday," Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders announced Wednesday.

Bridgewater residents, whose recycling was scheduled to be picked up on Wednesday, should leave their recyclables at the curb through Thursday. Collections will be completed as soon as possible.

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Many residents took to social media on Tuesday to express their frustration with the county's decision to stop all curbside recycling pick up.

"I don’t get the point exactly. Isn’t this unsanitary having heaps of garbage (recycling) piling up and aren’t we supposed to be about fighting germs now?" said one Patch reader.

"This is ridiculous," said another reader.

On Tuesday, Gov. Phil Murphy ordered closing all indoor malls and amusement parks and centers in New Jersey as cases reached 267, that is 89 more cases than previously reported. (See Related: Gov. Murphy: NJ Malls Closing Due To Coronavirus, 89 New Cases)

There are now a total of nine positive cases in Somerset County.

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