Resident-friendly garbage schedule far from trashy Garbage, recycling pickup touted as more convenient BY KATHY CHANG Staff Writer Woodbridge Township residents can expect a "resident-friendly" 2008 garbage and recycling schedule and a new look to the traditional township-wide spring cleanup program in April. "Our recycling and trash collection schedule is more 'resident friendly' than ever before," said Mayor John E. McCormac, who announced the schedule at the Public Works Recycling and Convenience Center in Keasbey on Jan. 9. The new schedule is expected to start on Feb. 4. "Trash pickup for every household continues twice a week, and recycling is now easier and more convenient - commingled bottles, cans and plastics one week, and mixed paper in the same blue container the following week," said McCormac. The mayor noted that there would be no change in the residential trash pickup schedule, which occurs twice a week - Monday and Thursday, and Tuesday and Friday. Township-wide recycling pickup will be held Wednesdays, with commingled materials (glass, aluminum and plastic) one week, and mixed paper (newspaper can now be placed in the blue container) the following week. McCormac and council President andWard 2 Councilmen Richard Dalina also detailed the township-wide spring cleanup program, which will feature permit-free Saturday and Sunday garage sales followed by free curbside bulk waste pickup on Thursday and Friday. "The tradition of spring cleaning has a new look in Woodbridge this April, with the opportunity for residents to have a permit-free garage sale and free bulk waste collection … what you don't sell or give away on Saturday and Sunday will be picked up at curbside for free the following Thursday or Friday," said Dalina. Township officials added that this year's program is also easier and more "resident friendly": the garage sales and following bulk waste pickup will be section by section, so residents don't need to know which ward they live in. Dennis Henry, director of the township Department of Public Works, said the municipal requirement of a $30 permit for a garage sale will be waived for the Saturday and Sunday spring cleanup program (March 29-30 and the month of April) and waived for the Thursday and Friday curb-side pickup. Henry said bulk waste pickup includes items such as furniture, carpeting, wood (must be cut to a 4-foot length, with nails removed, and must be tied and bundled and weigh not more than 75 pounds) appliances and mixed metals (metals should be placed separately). Henry added that other bulk waste should be bundled or tied, or placed in bags and containers weighing not more than 75 pounds. "Bulk waste that will not be picked up includes hazardous waste, paint containers, and tires," said Henry. McCormac said that during his travels through the 10 sections of the township, he has seen a real effort by residents to maintain their neighborhoods and to keep them clean and free of junk and debris. "We will continue to provide municipal services to help in those efforts," said McCormac. The 2008 garbage and recycling schedule and the spring cleanup program schedule are posted on the township's Web site at www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us.