To protect public health, preserve the environment, and enhance the quality of life in New Jersey, the DSHW dedicates its efforts to environmentally sound and cost effective management of solid and hazardous wastes and recyclable materials. The Bureau of Recycling and Planning provides leadership, planning, educational. The responsibilities of the Recycling Unit include assisting the public and the business community in their recycling efforts. Working cooperatively with county recycling coordinators, the Unit provides guidance, financial incentives and technical assistance in establishing and promoting programs to educate or provide services, to the communities. This program is designed to promote a multi-level awareness of source reduction.
Emphasis is on education in the community and the business sector.
The unit provides basic information to callers and serves as the link between the callers and the counties. The Department links up with the Northeast Recycling Council to promote consistency, environmental awareness and compliance with regulations in recycling issues. The unit works closely with the Toxic Packaging Clearing House to insure that heavy metals are eliminated from materials used in the packaging process. Activities surrounding this project are in the preparatory stage. The unit attempts to monitor the progress of recycling in all the state agencies and institutions, believing that the state, by example, should send a very strong message to encourage recycling, reuse and source reduction.