New Jersey Borough, SC Johnson to Launch Curbside Plastic Film Pilot

The Borough of Bradley Beach, N.J., and SC Johnson just announced New Jersey's first pilot program for curbside plastic film recycling. Bradley Beach residents will be able to recycle their plastic bags, plastic film and plastic wrap as part of the community's curbside recycling program beginning November 13.

The pilot program, slated to run from November 2019 to November 2020, was passed unanimously by the Bradley Beach Borough Council in August 2019.

"This is a win for the environment, a win for Bradley Beach residents and a win for the plastic recycling market," said Gary Engelstad, mayor of Bradley Beach, in a statement. "By participating in this program, residents can help safeguard our coast and minimize our plastic waste. We thank SC Johnson for helping us make this a reality."

While plastic film is recyclable at thousands of retail locations across the U.S. through store take-back programs, residential curbside programs offer another convenient option for consumers to recycle their plastic film and drive up recycling rates. SC Johnson is providing funding for a collection vehicle, curbside bins and community engagement materials to raise awareness.

"Making it easier for people to recycle plastic is one of the best ways to reduce waste," said Fisk Johnson, chairman and CEO of SC Johnson, in a statement. "We're proud to join Bradley Beach in this effort, and we thank the community for its leadership. I hope this is the first of many more pilot programs around the U.S."

Beginning November 13, residents will be asked to put clean and dry plastic film items into a plastic bag, tie the top of the bag, put the bag in the provided curbside bin and place the curbside bin next to their recycling bin on the date of collection. The items will then be picked up by a collection vehicle and then transported for recycling. Once collected, the Bradley Beach Department of Public Works (DPW) will sell the film to an end-market purchaser.

Residents will receive alerts and reminders about the November 13 start date and postcards providing step-by-step instructions on how to participate in the program, according to the Bradley Beach DPW.

The community partnered with SC Johnson as the company is spearheading a series of commitments to help reduce plastic waste and support a more circular plastic economy.

Here are some of the company’s efforts to reduce plastic waste: