A North Jersey borough has suspended curbside recycling pickup, citing the risk coronavirus poses to the department of public works.
Residents in Glen Rock will now have to bring their recycling directly to the towns recycling center after pick-up was suspended last week.
There is significant concern for our employees who come into contact with unsecure items at your curb. We have seen towns with entire departments out sick - we do not want this to happen in Glen Rock, Mayor Kristine Morieko said in an alert to residents sent out on March 25. Bulk pick-up has also been canceled in the borough.
Its not clear which towns Morieko was referring to in her alert. Morieko did not respond to NJ Advance Medias request for comment, and borough administrator Lenora Benjamin did not have them available.
Some residents have expressed concerns that driving to the center provides less social distancing than curbside pickup, but Benjamin says the borough has taken steps to rectify distancing issues.
We wave heard those concerns, and they have been addressed by encouraging residents to be patient and wait their turn, Benjamin said, calling on residents to be considerate of the changes.
Every other parking spot at the center has been blocked off to provide more space between residents, Benjamin said.
Residents with hardships, including those with disabilities, can still have their recycling picked-up, she said.
New Jersey State League of Municipalities executive director Michael Darcy said he was unaware of any towns that saw their entire DPW unable to work because of the coronavirus, but that it could be difficult to social distance while trash collecting.
An entire towns department being out of work would leave the town vulnerable to emergencies, such as large potholes or fallen trees, Darcy said.
Its a challenge, its no doubt about it, Darcy said, adding that some towns were adjusting their crews to limit close contact.
Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share.
If you would like updates on New Jersey-specific coronavirus news, subscribe to our Coronavirus in N.J. newsletter.
Katie Kausch may be reached at kkausch@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @KatieKausch. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Have a tip? Tell us: nj.com/tips. Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.coms newsletters.
Follow this link:
Drive your recycling to us. Were not picking it up, N.J. town says citing coronavirus. - NJ.com
