EPA Recognizes New Jersey City’s Recycling Efforts

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will again honor Clifton, N.J., for a successful recycling program.

The WasteWise program, which urges businesses, trade associations, and governments to cut the amount of garbage they produce, has designated Clifton as its national Endorser of the Year for the second year in a row.

"Basically it looks at how we reduce waste, how we recycle, and how we make items that release less toxic materials," said Al Dubois, Clifton's recycling coordinator.

In the past year, the city has worked with 15 companies to adopt the WasteWise program, he said. Dubois also has taken the message to Clifton schools, educating students about recycling.

Clifton also has been named Climate Change Program Champion, which recognizes efforts to reduce waste that releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, and a Local Government Program Champion, which honors municipalities for their recycling programs.

Clifton spends about $400,000 on staff and equipment for its recycling program, Dubois said. However, the city recoups about half of that cost by selling its recyclable garbage to recycling companies.

While recognition as Endorser of the Year does not carry any monetary award, Dubois said it could potentially help the city win grants.

Clifton has been active in WasteWise for the last seven years.

It would be difficult to quantify Clifton's reduction in waste because various factors, such as excess moisture, can affect the weight of the garbage, Dubois said.

The city gained recognition in part because of its outreach in trying to reduce waste, and for the work it does to publicize the program, said WasteWise representative Ron Vance.

Vance said the program received several applications for Endorser of the Year. He did not know the exact number.

Clifton is among 140 WasteWise endorsers, a group that includes municipalities, states, trade associations, and companies that encourage others to use recycling to reduce the volume of garbage.

The WasteWise program has worked with 1,500 organizations since its inception in 1994.