TOMS RIVER – For the new year, Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill has announced changes to the recycling schedule. The Department of Public Works will now begin picking up recycling every other week with the goal of reducing confusion and improving efficiency.

  Up to this point, collections took place every 1st and 3rd week of the month or every 2nd and 4th week of the month depending on which collection area a resident’s address fell into. The new schedule will not change the day of the week that collections take place, and it will result in the addition of two extra collections each year.

  “This change, which was recommended in the efficiency study approved by the mayor and council in 2021, will result in an 8% increase in service without increasing costs to the property taxpayers,” Mayor Hill said. “The recent reorganization which consolidated Parks, Buildings and Grounds into the Department of Public Works, allows for the more efficient use of equipment and the cross training of DPW employees.”

Hill is urging residents to download the Recycle Coach app, which is available to download for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Recycle Coach provides updated schedules for local trash and recycling collections, while also offering useful information to users about what, where, and how to dispose of different materials.

  On social media, some township residents have questioned the need for a new schedule and are skeptical of the app. Recycle Coach was launched in 2018 as part of a first of its kind statewide initiative. The Department of Environmental Protection allows free access of this app to local governments who wish to participate, and Hill is attempting to get more people on board with the hope of maximizing the benefits for the township.

  “As more residents use the Recycle Coach app for scheduling reminders and tips on appropriate waste disposal, we hope to experience more efficiencies and savings,” said Hill.