Recycling Operations

The O.T.C. Regional Recycling Program has been the cornerstone of the O.T.C.'s expansion into community based service contracts. The program was initiated in 1982 when then Freeholder, Robert C. Shinn, opened related discussions with O.T.C. Executive Director, Joseph Bender. Concerns from Board members regarding the loss and instability of subcontract packaging work resulted in the O.T.C.'s agreement to assume county recycling operations.

Trainees at the O.T.C.'s Recycling Program go on the road with drivers to collect recyclables from curbside that will then be processed at the material recovery facility located at the Robert C. Shinn, Jr. Recycling Center.

In 1995, after signing a 20 year agreement with the county to operate the Recycling Program, the O.T.C. moved its operations to the Robert C. Shinn, Jr. Recycling Center. State of the art equipment enabled the O.T.C. to begin collecting plastics at curbside, in addition to tin, aluminum, glass and paper products which were previously being collected.

More than 100 trainees work at the recycling program. Trainees will either travel with a driver/supervisor and assist in curbside collection in over 40 municipalities in Burlington County, or work at the recycling facility where recyclable materials are sorted and bailed for shipment to recycling mills. Approximately 200 tons of recycled product is processed daily at the Robert C. Shinn, Jr. Recycling Center.

In addition to operations at the recycling center, the O.T.C. also oversees Bulky Waste Recycling Operations at the County Landfill. Trainees assist in recycling bulky waste products including scrap metals, wood waste, freon recovery, paint, batteries and tires. Approximately 225 tons of scrap metals are processed monthly at the landfill.