Kenilworth public works reports recycling and bulk-collection totals, sets new curbside rule

The Kenilworth Department of Public Works reported detailed May collection totals at the June 18 council meeting and announced a new curbside safety rule requiring resident trash cans larger than 32 gallons to have wheels and a handle.

The report matters because it details solid-waste and recycling volumes, program costs and an operational change that affects household curbside service.

Councilman Boyle reported that in May the borough collected 26.22 tons of cardboard recycling and 28.67 tons of commingled recycling (for a recorded cost of $2,150). The borough collected about 160 cubic yards of vegetative waste (recorded cost $3,630) and 251 tons of municipal solid waste (recorded cost $20,078). On the May bulk-waste route the borough collected 14.92 tons; on the June bulk-waste route the borough collected 16.59 tons. Councilman Boyle also said the borough gathered roughly 30 cubic yards of scrap metal separately from bulky waste for recycling revenue that helps offset program costs.

For crew safety and operational consistency, DPW will ignore cans larger than 32 gallons that do not have both wheels and a handle. The borough is sending a mailed newsletter to residents with bulk-collection information and updates about curbside services.

Councilman Boyle closed his report by reminding residents of the next bulk collection date and instructing residents on the 32-gallon rule; no vote was required to implement the curbside guideline, which was presented as an operational directive from DPW.