NEWS

Improving Recycling, One Bin at a Time

Sep 12, 2025

The Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) is connecting with local communities to increase and improve recycling.

Most recently, ACUA joined forces with the Pleasantville Public Works Department to perform curbside inspections at 160 homes in the community. On three recycling days, the team visually inspected curbside bins and recorded incorrect materials placed in recycling.  Good job tags were left for those doing well, and educational “oops” tags were given to those needing improvement. 



The results provided insights into the average person’s recycling habits and valuable feedback to ACUA's outreach team. The number one contaminant found in curbside bins was bagged material. 

“Bagged material is particularly bad for recycling sorting equipment,” said ACUA Vice President of Solid Waste Gary Conover. “Plastic bags get trapped in equipment, which can cause costly repairs and potential injuries. It’s important for residents to keep items loose in their containers.”

Leaving informative tags made a big difference. By the end of the project, there was a 55% decrease in bagged material and an overall 30% decrease in “oops” tags issued at the curb. 



“Engaging with the community through outreach initiatives like this is essential for the success of recycling in Atlantic County,” stated ACUA President Matthew DeNafo. “Recycling offers every resident a simple opportunity to positively impact the environment. It conserves resources, minimizes landfill space, and reduces waste disposal costs.”

In addition to the curbside audit, ACUA distributed an educational mailer, performed presentations to community groups, and distributed recycling bags to residents living in multi-family homes, which provides an easy way for residents to transport recycling material into communal dumpsters. 



By working closely with residents, ACUA and the Pleasantville Public Works Department were able to effectively communicate recycling guidelines and reduce contamination. ACUA plans to repeat this effort across more communities across Atlantic County. If your community is interested in learning more, please contact the ACUA Authority Relations Department at ar@acua.com.