Throw Out Coronavirus Trash Properly, Montclair Officials Warn

MONTCLAIR, NJ — It's not just a matter of convenience, it's a public health issue: throw out your coronavirus-related trash properly, Montclair town officials say.

On Monday, Montclair township officials issued the following advisory:

“The recycling facility that receives and processes Montclair’s recycling has reported receiving a large amount of latex gloves and masks in the recycling loads. Masks and latex gloves are not considered household recycling. They must be disposed of as trash. For the sake of the health of recycling facility crews who must remain healthy to continue this essential service, please dispose of these items properly – IN THE TRASH.”

It isn’t the first time a town in Essex County, one of the hardest-hit areas in New Jersey, has asked residents to clean up their acts when it comes to coronavirus-related garbage. As more people start to make face masks and gloves part of their daily routines, municipalities including Livingston, Bloomfield, Montclair and Cedar Grove have begun seeing problems when it comes to throwing out the trash.

Issues have included improperly discarded face masks, plastic gloves left on the sidewalks and non-recyclables mixed in with the recycling.

• See related article: People Are Leaving Coronavirus Garbage All Over Essex County

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Montclair Facebook page. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Sign up for Patch email newsletters.