Resources
Morris Recycling: Be an Informed Recycler to Keep Our Environment Clean this Summer
Keep Summer Trash and Non-Recyclables Out of the Recycling Stream
The state DEP and Morris County MUA ask residents to be vigilant about keeping trash and unwanted items –those that are not recyclable — out of recycling containers. While you may have the best of intentions, if you are not sure if an item is recyclable, err on the side of caution: When in doubt, throw it out.
To Read More follow the link below:
MCMUA- Household Hazardous Waste Recycling
The MCMUA operates one of NJ’s most comprehensive household hazardous waste (HHW) programs. This F.A.Q. page and information on hazardous materials is intended as a guide about HHW materials as well as the MCMUA’s HHW program. This information is a general guide and does not constitute official rule, regulation or law.
DEP – Recycling Information
State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Recycling Information.
Air
Animals
Environmental Resources
Lawns, Landscape, Pesticide & Rain Barrels
Healthy Lawns & Landscape
View the documentary film “A Chemical Reaction” (showings are hosted by our Chatham Township Environmental Commission with Chatham Borough’s Green Initaives Committee
Chatham Township’s Healthy Lawns and Landscapes Brochure Link (edition August 2010.psc) listed below . Topics covered in the brochure are: Beautiful Healthy Lawns and Landscapes: Natural Organic Lawn Care, What are the main differences between synthetic and natural organic lawn care?, What is natural organic fertilizer?, What are the benefits of natural organic fertilizers, Ten Tips for a Healthy Pesticide Free Lawn, The Pesticides Free Program-Chatham Township, NJ, Scientific References on the Health Risks of Pesticides, Recently Banned Pesticides, New Jersey School Pesticide Law, Reporting Pesticide Spill or Misapplication, Sewage Sludge in Fertilizer Warning, Commercial Compost: Pesticides Warning, Organic Lawn Care Products Available, Helpful Links, Documentary “A Chemical Reaction”
Invasive Species (2006)
“Invasive species” are plants that are able to thrive and spread outside their natural range; our forests, streets and gardens are filled with them. They are often able to gain an ecological edge, since the insects, diseases and foraging animals that naturally keep their growth in check in their native habitat are not present here. Some invasives spread so fast that they crowd out most other plants, changing forests, meadows or wetlands into a landscape dominated by one species. This is neither healthy nor desirable.
- The Worst Invasive Offender
The worst invasive offender in our area is a showy, spiky flower called Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum Salicaria). In the same way as the American south is being overrun with kudzu, Purple Loosestrife is our biggest plant bully. Although attractive to the eye, Purple Loosestrife causes ecological havoc, invading wetlands and altering water chemistry so that amphibians, such as toads, don’t develop normally. It also crowds out the native cattails, which are essential to many birds’ nest-making. Sadly, Purple Loosestrife is still sold at some garden centers. The best defense against it is to cut it down when it blooms; even a partial root left in the ground is likely to re-grow. - Other Invasive Shrubs, Flowers, Vines
Other invasive offenders include Japanese Barberry, Asiatic Bittersweet, Autumn Olive, Japanese Knotweed, Common Reed, Multiflora Rose, Porcelain Berry, the above-mentioned Kudzu Vine, and the Tartarian, Japanese and Amur Honeysuckles. Garden favorites like English Ivy, Exotic Wisterias, Periwinkle, Day Lily, Winged Burning Bush, Butterfly Bush, and Mimosa Tree are not native to the area and, although beautiful, are ecologically disastrous if not controlled. (For scientific names, see below.) - Trees to Avoid
Our area’s major invasive trees are Norway maple (Acer platanoides), Princess tree (Paulownia tomentosa), Tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima), Mimosa Tree (Albizia julibrissin), Sawtooth Oak (Quercus acutissima), Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), and Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana). Norway spruce is not native to North America (and, although it doesn’t spread and invade natural areas, it is vunerable to blowdown and has been overly planted in our region). - Still Sold
Many garden centers and landscaping companies still promote and sell invasives. Bring this list with you when you shop for plantings or plan any landscaping, so you’ll have a handy list of what species to avoid. Keep in mind that some invasives are controllable with consistent attention to restricting their area of growth and pruning them back frequently. When in doubt, consult an arborist; not only will you benefit the ecology and environment, but you may save yourself a lot of garden work as well as money spent watering thirsty invaders.
Composters & Rain Barrel Program
Save it to Spade it! and Soak it–Don’t Send it! Program Information:- Update June 2011: the program for 2011 has ended. For information on our past years programs and information on where you can buy rain barrels (or composters) view pdf below. For information about rain barrel use and installation, view the document below.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Help Reduce Use of Disposable Plastic Beverage Containers
Questions or Want To Join?? Email CTEC
- Respect your community’s efforts to reduce disposable plastic water/ beverage containers. Yes, there are a few instances when such use is necessary, but most everyone now recognizes that it is merely a habit that we’ve gotten into—we do not need these types of bottles all the time, at all events.
- Advise adults or children who plan to come to visit, volunteer, or work at your facility, or your field, playground, school, church, party, office, game, meeting, or event that “Our facility is a ‘green’ one, so please brings your favorite mug or reusable beverage container, rather than a disposable plastic beverage container.”
- Bring your “reusable beverage containers” everywhere you go–sporting events, school events, meetings, parties, Scout and Club events & meetings, and at community events. Hot or cold, bring your reusable beverage container to where you work, play, worship, learn, visit, volunteer!
- Use beverage dispensers, cooler dispensers, jugs, pitchers, or coffee/tea urns at large gatherings, sports, or special events for refilling attendee’s reusable containers. Provide paper cups (not plastic please) for those few who may have forgotten to bring their own beverage container.
- For use of Loaner Dispensers for school or community events, or for information on purchasing dispensers, coolers, jugs, pitchers, etc., email . The School District of the Chathams may also be another source of dispensers (loan).
- Spread the word to your friends, families, schools, teammates…Join the efforts of your schools, sports teams, friends, recreation departments, places of worship, municipalities, businesses, clubs, etc.
When necessary to use disposable beverage containers, use ones that can be recycled by the recycling vendors in Chatham Township and Chatham Borough and by the recycling vendor used by your public or private schools.
Thank for your support and cooperation.
Why is this commitment important
- It will reduce the amount of waste generated and costs.
Nationwide, 77% of the disposable plastic bottles end up in the trash, not recycling. - It will preserve Earth’s limited resources.
Disposable plastic water bottles are made out of oil which is a finite resource. They require energy to make and transport. You will be helping the environment by reducing oil consumption and also air and water pollution created in this process. - Health benefits are likely
Some plastics leach harmful chemicals. Consider safer alternatives such as stainless steel “food grade” bottles which are non-reactive (no lining necessary), non-leaching, leak proof, lightweight, 100% recyclable, and keep drinks cool and fresh tasting.
Tap water is closely regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean Water Act of 1977. Bottled water is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not subject to all the same testing requirements.
Additional Resources:
Renovating/New Construction — “Green” Tips
Planning Questions for Residential and Commercial Construction Projects
Building Home Remodeling Guidelines: The Rutgers Center for Green Building recognized the need for Green Guidelines for home refurbishment in New Jersey. Through a grant from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), a team of staff members, grad students and an expert advisory group researched and brainstormed over a two year period and produced a comprehensive guide for homeowners and professionals on how to remodel homes with green techniques.