Cumberland County Improvement Authority

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2007

RECYCLING IS GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND CREATES JOBS

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, NJ: Through a number of innovative environmental programs and an aggressive educational campaign, Cumberland County has continued to rank among the top recycling counties in the State. While the environmental benefits of recycling are often discussed, the economic benefits of recycling are also significant. Placing your recyclables at the curb for pick up or taking them to your local convenience center is just the first in a chain of events that generates a host of financial, environmental, and social benefits.

“ We take the view that the materials collected through our various recycling programs are not ‘garbage or waste,’ they are valuable commodities,” said Albert B. Kelly, Improvement Authority Board Chairman. “Recycling has made a vital contribution to economic development and job creation in Cumberland County and throughout the State. Although statewide recycling rates have been declining in recent years, this is not the case in Cumberland County. In fact, we have a good natured, ongoing argument with Burlington County as to who is the number one ‘Recycling County’ in New Jersey. Currently we are number one.”

“ The Cumberland County Improvement Authority has led the way in establishing a number of award-winning recycling programs and has demonstrated a strong commitment to progressive and enlightened environmental decision making,” said Steven R. Wymbs, Improvement Authority Executive Director. “Through our recycling initiatives, residents and businesses are conserving energy, extending the life of the landfill, preserving natural resources, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As a result of our innovative programs and the cooperation of County residents and businesses, Cumberland County continues to set an example for the rest of the State.”

A recent study conducted by the Northeast Recycling Council and the United States Environmental Protection Agency found that almost 27,000 individuals in New Jersey are employed by recycling and reuse establishments with receipts in excess of $5.9 billion annually.

“ According to industry studies, sorting and processing recyclables alone sustains 10 times more jobs than landfilling or incineration on a per ton basis,” Wymbs continued. “Recycling–based manufacturers (paper mills, glass product, and plastic product manufacturers) and product reuse industries (computer reuse, textile reclamation, etc.) are even more job-intensive, sustaining as many as 60 times more jobs than landfilling or incinerating the waste.”

“ The sale of recycled products is an increasingly important component of the retail sector and commerce in general,” said Virginia E. Curliss, Improvement Authority Board Recycling Committee Chairperson. “There are over 1,000 different types of recycled products on the market, most of which meet the highest quality standards. Recycled products are more readily available and affordable than ever before. For example, through our many recycling and environmental programs, the Authority purchases a variety of products made from recycled materials including, picnic tables, park benches, playground equipment, shirts, signs, containers, printed materials, and many more. By purchasing recycled products, local consumers can also help to create long-term stable markets for the recyclable materials that are collected from Cumberland County homes, businesses, and institutions.”

“ The economic and environmental benefits of recycling also have positive societal impacts both today and in the future,” said Bruce T. Peterson, Improvement Authority Freeholder Co-Liaison. “Job creation, pollution reduction, and energy conservation all serve to improve the quality of life in our communities. It is within our power to leave a stronger economy, encourage greater biodiversity, and reduce global warming by recognizing the value of recycling and passing this knowledge on to our children. If we do not recycle, the repercussions of our actions will fall on future generations.”

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For more information about this press release, please contact Dennis DeMatte, Jr. at 856-825-3700.