Kenilworth reports bulk-waste pilot reduced tonnage and saved tipping fees, committee to design hybrid plan

DPW representatives reported results of the borough’s 2025 bulk-waste pilot program. The pilot collected 75.56 tons of bulk waste in 2025 compared with 232 tons in 2024 and 330.03 tons in 2023 when different collection regimes were used. The pilot emphasized separation of recyclables and scrap metal; staff said each bulk collection cycle produced a full 30-yard dumpster of scrap metal that generated revenue and reduced landfill tonnage.

DPW noted operational constraints on frequency of pickups, warning that adding pickups could strain manpower and interfere with other services (street sweeping, sewer maintenance). The borough’s change in contractor and separation of materials reduced tipping fees by an estimated 60% from the prior year, producing approximately $50,000 in savings for the borough according to council discussion. Staff proposed a hybrid model for 2026 (combining scheduled pickups with resident drop-off options) and said they will present a proposal to the council committee for review.

Council members and the DPW discussed clearer communication to residents about item definitions (how "items" are counted), the pilot’s intent to avoid collecting complete house clear-outs, and options to increase recycling education in the borough newsletter.

Provenance: DPW’s pilot report and council discussion recorded in the DPW and subsequent public-comment segments of the transcript.