Mayor’s Column
In Voorhees, we are proud of our recycling efforts and can boast one of the best recycling programs in Camden County. In 2016, our community recycled 61.02% of all of our municipal waste which represents a 6.7% increase from 2013. Beside the benefits to our environment realized by recycling, keeping this material out of the trash stream saved Voorhees $863,212 in disposal fees.
Several years ago, we adopted a single stream recycling system where paper, cardboard, bottles, cans and plastics are placed together in the Township supplied recycling container. We recycle plastic containers with numbers 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7. Look for those numbers inside the triangular recycling logo. Together, these changes have helped save our environment and our tax dollars. In addition, the Township recently converted our recycling collection to the automated/side arm system, making recycling efforts easier for our residents.
Please remember disposal of televisions and all personal portable computers, including lap top and notebook computers as well as computer monitors, is banned by state law. Camden County will collect electronic waste four times in 2017. The next collection date is Oct. 7 at the Camden County Public Works Complex, 2311 Egg Harbor Road, Lindenwold, 8:30am-12:30pm. For more information, visit the Camden County Recycling website at www.camdencounty.com/parks/recycling-info/electronic-recycling-collection-events.
Voorhees will accept your used motor oil and paint, which can be dropped off at the Public Works facility at 100 American Way. The drop off location is at the end of the dead-end street under a sign stating “Oil Drop Off.” Be sure to store your used motor oil and paint in a container that will not leak. Please do not mix other substances such as antifreeze or transmission fluid with the used oil. Remember to store used oil and paints away from children and sources of ignition.
Regular “Alkaline” batteries can be disposed of in the regular trash. However, rechargeable batteries, which can be found in such items as cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, camcorders, etc., cannot go into the regular trash. These items can be recycled at participating retail locations including Radio Shack, Best Buy, Staples, Target, Office Max, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Sears, Wal-Mart and Verizon Wireless stores. To find the nearest retail location to recycle your rechargeable batteries, visit www.rbrc.org.
Vegetation/garden waste can be placed curbside every Monday and will be picked up during the course of the week. Grass clippings and leaves must be placed in cans or biodegradable bags. Loose leaves will only be picked up during designated spring and fall collection schedules. Small branches should be bundled and must weigh less than 40 pounds.
There is no question that recycling protects our environment while saving money.
** The second show in our Summer Concert Series will be Thursday, July 20, and will feature Tusk The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute. Tusk covers the greatest hits of Fleetwood Mac and their more than 30 years of making music. The show is free and starts at 7:30 p.m. at Connolly Park. The “Beer Garden” and food trucks will open at 6:30 p.m. At 6 p.m. on the stage, the semifinal competition of “Voorhees Got Talent” will be held.
**On Thursday, July 27 at 7 p.m., the finals of “Voorhees Got Talent” will be held at Eastern Regional High School Theater. First Place Prize is $1,000 and second place prize is $500.
**Our 3rd Annual National Night Out will be on Tuesday, Aug. 1, beginning at 6 p.m. at Connolly Park. The VTPD does a great job in organizing this community event. The evening promotes police community partnership and neighborhood camaraderie while striving to make our neighborhoods safer. Residents get a chance to meet our police officers and enjoy carnival attractions, games, music, great food and more.
** Voorhees Township is offering discounted tickets to Morey’s Piers in Wildwood. Tickets are available in the Municipal Clerk’s Office at Voorhees Town Hall. Prices vary according to the type of ticket and several options are available to residents and non-residents. For more information about tickets visit www.voorheesnj.com.
