[Fair Lawn] Recycling Thefts on the Increase

[news at fairlawn.org]

The Mayor and Council are asking for resident's cooperation in deterring and
apprehending scavengers who are removing the Borough's recycling from the
curb.  Residents are asked to put their recycling out by 7 am the morning of
their collection instead of the night before. Fair Lawn's collection
vehicles are yellow and are identified with black or blue lettering on the
doors. Residents are requested to report any other vehicles collecting
recyclables to the Fair Lawn Police. The known individuals have been
targeting recycling and garbage sections the night before their collection. 

Due to metal and paper prices being near all-time highs, the value of the
recyclables has increased making them an easy target for theft. Ron
Lottermann, Fair Lawn's Recycling Coordinator, estimates that Fair Lawn lost
$2,500 in June from its scrap metal recycling program and expects that
number to increase in July. Lottermann also expressed concern for the
environment. "These individuals are breaking apart the air conditioners,
releasing the Freon into the atmosphere, to get to the copper and aluminum",
he said. Freon is an ozone depleting gas that needs to be properly recycled
by State and Federal law. 

When placed at the curb for collection, recyclables, including paper,
cardboard, commingle, metal and electronics, become the property of the
Borough. The sale of these items helps offset the cost of the Recycling
program. Residents are reminded that any items over 50% in metal or are
electronics are mandatory recyclables and their collection must be scheduled
through the Recycling Division. 

For more information regarding the Fair Lawn recycling program, contact the
Recycling Division at 201-794-5366 or through e-mail at
recycling at fairlawn.org. 

The Fair Lawn Mayor and Council are Mayor Steven Weinstein, Deputy Mayor
Joseph Tedeschi, Deputy Mayor Lisa Swain, Councilmember Ed Trawinski and
Councilmember Jeanne Baratta.