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Kenilworth says recycling changes cut curbside costs and freed funds for tree work
Summary
Officials reported roughly $52,000–$53,000 in annual savings after switching to dual-stream curbside recycling and proposed using leftover recycling funds for tree removal and trimming; DPW staff described plans to buy a cardboard compactor to increase revenues and reduce transfers.
Councilman Boyle and borough public works staff reported that a switch from single-stream to dual-stream curbside recycling reduced processing costs and produced revenue that can be redirected to the borough's tree-cutting budget.
The change produced a sizable operating improvement: "It was 40 and, like, $52,000 to $53,000," said Greg, a borough public works staff member, describing the annual savings from separated bottles/cans and cleaned cardboard. He said cardboard generated roughly $12,000 in net revenue in 2024.
The savings, Greg and Councilman Boyle said, allowed the borough to generate a roughly $41,000 purchase order late in the year to remove storm-damaged and hazardous trees and to finish outstanding tree work. Councilman Boyle told the council he had requested that funds not spent in the current fiscal year be reallocated to the tree budget for 2025 so crews can continue that work.
Public works staff also described a plan to site a fully enclosed cardboard compactor at the recycling center. According to Greg, the enclosed compactor would keep cardboard dry, increase load density and reduce transfer trips (the borough currently pays about $250 per dumpster transfer). He said the compactor would reduce transfer frequency and therefore lower hauling costs while increasing revenue from clean, compacted cardboard. He said he was negotiating terms with a vendor and would put details in writing for the borough purchasing agent.
Council members asked for the compactor cost and for a written procurement plan. Greg said he would provide paperwork and coordinate with the purchasing agent before any final commitment.
The public works report also noted operational issues that briefly reduced recycling pickups during a truck shortage; the DPW said new trucks are now in service and routes have returned to full operation.
Why it matters: The recycling changes produced near-term savings that the borough is proposing to apply to visible public works needs (tree removal and trimming). The compactor, if purchased, would be a capital move intended to reduce recurring hauling costs and boost net revenue from recyclable cardboard.
Looking ahead, public works staff said they will present a written compactor proposal and procurement plan to the borough purchasing agent and will return to council with costs and contract terms.
