Parsippany Recycling Center Will Stay Open On Weekends After All

PARSIPPANY, NJ — The Parsippany Recycling Center will stay open on weekends after all. The township reversed on a decision that would have closed the center on Saturdays until November.

The township announced the closures on Friday, citing budgetary constraints. But the decision would have inconvenienced residents who work Monday to Friday and cannot make it weekday mornings.

Instead, the Recycling Center will continue to operate on its normal schedule, which includes 8 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Saturdays. The center is open from 7 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on weekdays.

"There was concern that keeping the Recycling Center open on Saturdays could result in deeper financial consequences, based on early budget speculations," Mayor Michael Soriano said at Tuesday's Township Council meeting. "Finance has now assured us that this won’t be the case."

The township faced a public outcry after initially announcing the closures, with many commenting on social media that their work schedules would prevent them from getting to the Recycling Center on weekdays. Read more: Parsippany Recycling Center Closes Weekends; Residents Incensed

Soriano said he sympathized with those residents, especially since he used to report to work by 7 a.m. on weekdays and work on weekends.

"I know how much personally it impacts residents and how difficult it is," Soriano said. "But making fiscally responsible decisions — they’re not easy, they’re not popular, even when they are the right decisions."

Soriano noted that the Department of Public Works has a labor shortage. The department is hiring for seasonal positions, which could turn into permanent employment with full benefits.

Anyone interested in applying should contact Marge or Michelle at 973-263-7273 or mwoelk@parsippany.net or mhess@parsippany.net.

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