Ocean County Leader

Residents and visitors in Ocean County seeking information on recycling programs can turn to the 2025 Ocean County Recycling Guide for answers. Deputy Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, Frank Sadeghi, stated, "In 2024, Ocean County received nearly 75,000 tons of recyclables." The guide, produced annually by the Ocean County Department of Solid Waste Management, addresses recycling, composting, and waste reduction.

The guide is available online at www.co.ocean.nj.us/recycle, and hard copies are distributed to municipal buildings, town recycling centers, and other locations. John P. Kelly, Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, emphasized the importance of information: "The more people know about this the more benefits we all derive from it."

Recycling is vital for the environment and economy in Ocean County. Sadeghi explained, "The more we recycle the more landfill space that is preserved for the future of the County." The guide includes details on popular programs such as document shredding and household hazardous waste collection. Sadeghi noted, "Last year we collected almost 92 tons of documents during our shredding program and more than 147 tons of household hazardous waste during that collection program."

The guide aims to simplify recycling for residents, encouraging proper recycling, waste reduction, and composting. It also informs about special waste drop-off facilities for items like batteries and paint. Sadeghi said new materials, including aerosols and more electronic waste, are now accepted.

Approximately 100,000 people utilized the county's regional recycling centers last year. Sadeghi expressed the ongoing effort to improve programs: "Our staff, in addition to providing presentations and outreach on our recycling programs, works to create unique and innovative programs that respond to the needs of our residents."