Politics & Government

Chatham Could Win $100K in Reycling Program

Waste Management recommended the borough to Recyclebank.

The Council will vote on whether to participate in a program with Recyclebank.

Patrick Russell of Waste Management, the borough's vendor for recycling collection, brought Jason Buck of Recyclebank to speak to the council on Monday, May 14 about the program.

Recyclebank, a New York-based company, is holding a nationwide contest, "The 50 State Challenge." One town from each state will compete for a $100,000 grant from S.C. Johnson. The contest begins July 1 and runs through Dec. 31, and the grant will go toward a local green project.

Find out what's happening in Chathamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

When Recyclebank asked Russell to recommend a municipality from New Jersey for the contest, Russell said to the council, "I immediately thought of Chatham."

Overall participation will determine the winner of the contest, rather than tonnage of materials recycled. 

Find out what's happening in Chathamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Once the contest ends, the incentives for borough residents to recycle will continue. Chathamites can call or set up an online account with Recyclebank to report their recycling activity. The more residents recycle, the more points they accumulate—points which can be redeemed for products by Aveeno, Origins, Macy's, Bed, Bath & Beyond or with local vendors.

The incentive program to promote recycling will be free for the first 24 months, and Buck said the borough will be under no obligation to remain with Recyclebank after the free period elapses. 

The council expressed their favor of the program at the May 14 meeting, and they are expected to approve the resolution.

Also on the agenda for Tuesday night's meeting:

  • A resolution formalizing the borough council's opposition to S-1914, a bill which would require various municipal fees to be included in the state-mandated 2-percent tax cap.
  • A resolution settling tax appeals between the borough and Peapack-Gladstone Financial Corp. The borough will issue a settlement credit refund totaling $10,331.67.
  • A resolution approving a settlement of Wolosky v. Borough of Chatham, wherein the borough will receive a settlement of $945.
  • A resolution authorizing the sale of several items of surplus property, including three cars, two 24-foot soccer goals and 102 pieces of granite blog, all for sale at public auction on Thursday, June 14 at 10:30 a.m. at the borough's .

The Chatham Borough Council meets Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the . A complete copy of the agenda for the borough council's meeting can be found in the Photos & Documents section of this article.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here