JACKSON – Residents will soon see a long-anticipated change in their curbside service, as township officials announced that weekly recycling collection is set to resume in January after more than a decade.
Mayor Jennifer Kuhn and Council President Mordy Burnstein said the move reflects a renewed effort to improve services, negotiate better contracts, and respond directly to residents’ concerns. The township reached an agreement with its recycling contractor to increase pickup frequency with only a minimal cost increase that officials say will not affect taxes.
The announcement follows a recent call for public feedback on the expiring recycling contract. Kuhn said the response reinforced what many already knew: biweekly recycling no longer meets the needs of a community where online shopping and home deliveries have dramatically increased the volume of cardboard and packaging.
“When I took office in October, I began reviewing our contracts to find areas where we could improve service and save money,” Kuhn said. “Weekly recycling is a basic municipal function, and with the amount of material residents generate today, it’s more necessary than ever.”
Township officials said the new deal will also allow recycling districts to be redrawn to improve efficiency for both the vendor and residents. The change is expected to ease demands on the Department of Public Works, freeing staff to focus on other essential services throughout the year.
Councilman Ken Bressi welcomed the return to weekly pickup, noting that the township’s needs have grown significantly since recycling was reduced to every other week for budget reasons. “Going back to weekly service will help everyone,” he said.
Burnstein credited the swift turnaround to the administration’s hands-on approach. He said what previously might have taken months was accomplished in less than 30 days.
“This is a big win for our residents,” Kuhn said, calling the move a quality-of-life improvement that will help reduce litter and support cleaner neighborhoods.
Burnstein added that the change will better position the township to handle increasing recycling demand driven by online ordering. Fewer overflowing bins, less windblown cardboard, and reduced need for weekend drop-offs at the DPW facility are among the expected benefits.
Council Vice President Giuseppe Palmeri said the update shows the value of resident feedback and transparent decision-making. Councilman Nino Borrelli also praised the agreement, calling it a cost-effective step toward a “cleaner and greener” community.
With the renewed schedule set to begin in January, officials said Jackson is restoring an essential service in a way that is both efficient and financially responsible.
