Waste Not
How to swap, compost, repair—and recycle the tricky stuff
DECLUTTER
* On Madison's popular Facebook Swap and Share page, some 4,000 members give away items. If you don't see what you need, ask. Chances are a fellow resident who has it in their closet--or will lend it to your for a party or event.
* Town-Wide Yard Sales occur in spring and fall. Madison and the Chathams partner to create a digital map. Residents can list their sales with a $10 tax-deductible donation to the Great Swamp Watershed Association. Details will be listed in their events tab.
COMPOST
Food scrap pick up is available through Java's Compost, either through curbside pick up or a drop-off hub on Kings Road. Acceptable items include meat, dairy, compostable single-use items and pizza boxes.
REPAIR
In spring and fall, the Rotary sponsors popular Repair Cafes. Free repairs are offered for lamps, jewelry, fabrics, bikes, toys, wooden items, small furniture and small appliances. In addition knife sharpening and tech support for electronics is offered. Check our Events page for upcoming dates.
RECYCLE
Curbside recycling: Recycle Coach is the town's go-to app. It is helpful for recycling dates and specifics. The general rules are:.
* On Madison's popular Facebook Swap and Share page, some 4,000 members give away items. If you don't see what you need, ask. Chances are a fellow resident who has it in their closet--or will lend it to your for a party or event.
* Town-Wide Yard Sales occur in spring and fall. Madison and the Chathams partner to create a digital map. Residents can list their sales with a $10 tax-deductible donation to the Great Swamp Watershed Association. Details will be listed in their events tab.
COMPOST
Food scrap pick up is available through Java's Compost, either through curbside pick up or a drop-off hub on Kings Road. Acceptable items include meat, dairy, compostable single-use items and pizza boxes.
REPAIR
In spring and fall, the Rotary sponsors popular Repair Cafes. Free repairs are offered for lamps, jewelry, fabrics, bikes, toys, wooden items, small furniture and small appliances. In addition knife sharpening and tech support for electronics is offered. Check our Events page for upcoming dates.
RECYCLE
Curbside recycling: Recycle Coach is the town's go-to app. It is helpful for recycling dates and specifics. The general rules are:.
- Plastics #1 #2 and #5 can be recycled along with glass and metal cans and bottles.
- Paper and cardboard are accepted on alternate weeks.
- Styrofoam - (#6 EPS Expanded Polystyrene) - must be clean and white. No food service items are accepted.
- Textiles - Textile (worn and torn) and shoes are collected by Green Tree Textiles, a nonprofit that donates usable items to charity partners—and turns worn fabrics into many other items.
- Electronics--TVs and Computer Monitors: New Jersey law mandates that all TVs must be recycled. Bring those, as well as computer monitors, to the Recycling Center.
- Batteries - Go to call2recycle.org, which includes info on why batteries should be recycled.
- Books can be donated to the semi-annual AAUW sale (collection boxes will be at the YMCA). They can also be taken to the bin in the Ambulance Squad parking lot.
- Clothing - Used clothing and textiles (worn and torn) can be brought to the Madison Recycling Center and placed in the Green Tree Textiles bin. Shoes are accepted as well. In addition, Helpsy has bins (reusable items only) in the Ambulance Squad parking lot.
- Electronics and batteries can be brought to P.C. Problems at 50 Main Street.
- Electronics/Small Appliances/Computers/VCR, CD, DVD, Cassette Tapes - Green Vision, Inc. collects and recycles electronic items ("anything with a plug") and uses component parts for downstream use. They are 98.5% landfill free - the highest in the industry.
- Electronics--TVs and Computer Monitors: New Jersey law mandates that all TVs must be recycled. Bring TVs and computer monitors to the Borough Recycling Center on Station Road.
- Hazardous Waste - The Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority offers 2-3 collections dates throughout the year for hazardous waste disposal. Call 973-285-8390 or 973-631-5109.
- Mattresses can be recycled. For details, go to earth911.com/recycling-guide/how-to-recycle-mattresses/
- Medical Equipment from crutches to splints can be donated to Goodwill Home Medical Equipment.
- Prescription Medicine can be brought to the Police Department.
- Prescription Pill Bottles can be repurposed at Liberty Drug, 195 Main St. in Chatham. They distribute the empty bottles to Sisters of Charity in Convent Station so they can be repurposed.