MORRIS COUNTY — The Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority is announcing an important 2019 change in its plastic container recycling rules for its single stream curbside recycling program.

Starting this month, only plastic containers (bottles and non-bottle) coded 1, 2, and 5 are acceptable in residential curbside recycling.

Look for the recycling symbol on the bottom of the plastic container, advised Morris County’s Recycling Coordinator Liz Sweedy.

The MCMUA’s guidelines apply to the following 20 municipalities, which have MUA curbside pickup: Boonton, Boonton Township, Hanover, East Hanover, Florham Park, Chatham Borough, Chatham Township, Chester Borough, Denville, Mine Hill, Morris Plains, Netcong, Pequannock, Rockaway Borough, Wharton, and the recycling depots in Harding, Mt. Arlington, Randolph, Rockaway Township, and Washington Township. ***

Acceptable plastic bottle/containers include the following:

• Containers that are coded #1 (PET, Poly-EthyleneTerephthalate) include water, soda and salad dressing bottles, microwavable food trays, and peanut butter container.

• Containers coded #2 (HDPE, High Density Polyethylene) include milk jugs, shampoo bottles, and butter and yogurt tubs.

• Containers coded #5 (PP, Polypropylene) include ketchup and syrup bottles, and some yogurt containers.

Due to restrictions imposed by China on imported recycling commodities, the MCMUA’s market has been negatively impacted, and some plastic containers are no longer accepted in the curbside program.

Unacceptable plastic bottles/containers include the following:
• Plastics with no container code (no number in a recycling symbol);
• Plastics coded #3 (V, PVC Vinyl), which include cooking oil and mouthwash bottles, clear food packaging, and PVC piping;
• Plastics coded #4 (LDPE, Low Density Polyethylene) used in plastic shopping bags and trash bags;
• Plastics coded #6 (PS Polystyrene) used in disposable cups, plates, egg cartons, and clamshell take-out containers;
• Plastics coded #7 (Other) used in three-to-five gallon water jugs and some food containers.

“Plastic bottles and containers that are coded with the numbers 3,4,6,and 7 are not mandated recyclable materials in the Morris County Solid Waste Management Plan and are not acceptable in the MCMUA’s single-stream recycling program,’’ said Sweedy.

Morris County’s mandated recycling materials are plastic bottles and containers coded 1 and 2 (and containers coded #5 are being accepted), plus aluminum cans, glass bottles and jars, steel (tin) cans, newspaper, corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, and organics that include leaves, grass clippings, brush, logs, stumps, branches and tree parts.

The MCMUA also requests that residents make sure their recyclable items are empty, clean and dry before putting them at the curb in reusable containers (loose, and not in plastic bags). There is only one exception for use of plastic bags: shredded paper can be placed inside of translucent plastic bags.

When plastic grocery bags and other flexible plastic film gets to the recycling center, they can be caught in the machinery and cause delays and increased processing costs. Clean, dry plastic bags can be recycled at local stores that have designated drop-off bins for plastic bags.

For additional information about acceptable and unacceptable materials in the MCMUA’s “all-in-one’’ single-stream curbside recycling program, visit www.mcmua.com or visit your municipal website.

For additional information, click here.

*** Residents in the county’s other 19 towns, which do not employ the MCMUA for single- stream pickups, should check their municipal website for recycling guidelines.

MORRIS COUNTY — The County College of Morris Board of Trustees, along with the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, regional and state officials, industry leaders, students and faculty, marked the groundbreaking today for a state-of-the art Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center.

Some 200 100 people gathered at CCM to celebrate the plans for the $11 million center designed to address employment needs and growing industry demands.

Funding for the center is being provided by the State of New Jersey, Morris County and private donations.

The 31,500-square-foot facility is expected to open spring 2020.

Developed with the input of industry leaders, the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center will feature the latest technology and equipment to prepare the workforce of the future, provide current employees with cutting-edge training and offer faculty, students and industry the opportunity to work collaboratively on solutions and new developments.

The center is being constructed on property the college owns near 675 Route 10, which houses the Public Safety and Information Systems departments.

“This new facility, like all of our buildings, is more than a structure. It is a resource for the community. As such, it is intended to support regional manufacturers by providing an innovative and inspiring learning environment where today’s students become tomorrow’s engineers,” said CCM President Anthony J. Iacono.

“It will allow CCM to expand upon its work of producing a pipeline of skilled workers. And, equally important, it provides a home-base for all regional manufacturers who seek to ensure that their current employees have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge training so their companies can remain industry leaders.”

“This facility will fully prepare our students for new and good-paying jobs,” added Morris County Freeholder Director Douglas Cabana. “It also is a response to the workforce demands of county and regional employers in addressing the need for skilled workers, with the most up-to-date training.”

Also included in the program were Assemblyman Anthony M. Bucco; Assemblywoman BettyLou DeCroce; New Jersey Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development Robert Asaro-Angelo, Deputy Secretary of the Office of Higher Education Diana Gonzalez, Morris County Chamber of Commerce President Meghan Hunscher, Glenbrook Technologies CEO Gil Zweig, and CCM Electronics Engineering Technology Major and former Glenbrook Technologies intern Cindy Rampersad.

Manufacturing and engineering are vital parts of the Morris County economy, but meeting the need for skilled employees is challenging as those industries continue to grow and new demands develop. The center is designed to address a multitude of needs within the manufacturing and engineering sectors.

The facility will feature two electronics labs, two prototyping labs, two computer labs, a 3D printing room, an analysis lab, an automation and controls/robotics/emerging technologies lab, a measuring and materials testing lab, a welding lab, maker space, conference rooms, classrooms and offices. Serving as architect for the project is USA Architects of Somerville.

Currently, CCM offers associate degrees in Electronics Engineering Technology, Engineering Science and Mechanical Engineering Technology.

Through its Division of Workforce Development, the college also provides an extensive offering of skills training in such areas as Auto CAD, Program Management, Shop Math and Measurement, Six Sigma, Supply Chain Management and more.

Construction of the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center will free up space in the college’s current engineering and manufacturing lab, which will allow for the construction of The Paragano Family Foundation Healthcare Simulation Center. Through the CCM Foundation’s “Forward” Campaign, the Paragano Family Foundation provided a leadership gift to support that initiative. Along with development of the simulation center, CCM will be expanding its healthcare programs.

For more information on the college’s Manufacturing and Engineering programs click here. For information on its Workforce Development programs click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — The NJ Coalition for Education and Positive Choices is rapidly becoming a household name in Morris County.  Word is spreading about the many initiatives being instituted by this unique, powerful group that provides the community with facts and information in the fight against drug and alcohol abuse. Everyone is quickly realizing the benefit to families when they sign-on. The importance of introducing kids to new activities and promoting substance-free events that keep them occupied (such as sports, exercise, career days, teen dances and activities with law enforcement) is of paramount concern when it provides ways to uphold a child’s self-esteem.  The Coalition is a proactive team comprised of elected officials, law enforcement, educational leaders and concerned citizens who are up to date on the latest crazes and abuses that are plaguing our children.

Please join officers and police departments from all over the state at the Coalition’s Annual Law Enforcement Night, on March 8, at 7:00 p.m. to be held at Mennen Sports Arena, 161 East Hanover Avenue, Morristown.

It is at this event that youngsters get to see firsthand how law enforcement officers are positive influences in our community.  Law Enforcement Night has been known to further develop these relationships often providing career opportunities for teens who might not have ever considered such a path.

The equipment on display at this event is known to even awe adults.  Never will one see such an array of machinery like this at one location.  Kids are able to ride the horses provided by the Park Police, see the Morris County Hope Van, jump in helicopters, ambulances, emergency vehicles of every shape and size, wear riot gear, try on handcuffs and comingle with the law enforcement community in a fun atmosphere.

The important aspect to remember here is that law enforcement is trained to make these kids feel safe and important.  Confidence and self-esteem go a long way in helping a child say no to his peers when the time arises.

MORRIS COUNTY — Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26) questioned Governor Murphy’s motive to provide a multi-million dollar tax subsidy to Hollywood’s film industry while simultaneously increasing taxes that negatively impact New Jersey’s shore homeowners and the summer tourism industry.

Senator Joe Pennacchio questions Governor Murphy’s motive to provide a multi-million dollar tax subsidy to Hollywood’s film industry while simultaneously increasing taxes that negatively impact New Jersey’s shore homeowners and the summer tourism industry.

“Governor Murphy’s tax break for the Hollywood film industry stands in stark contrast to his tax hike on New Jersey shore house renters,” Pennacchio said. “While the Hollywood-connected elite will enjoy $425 million in subsidies, beach renters could pay up to an additional 14 percent in taxes. This could amount to hundreds of dollars in fees on what was once an affordable family vacation. The owners of these shore rentals are also paying an unfair price, on top of the already high taxes and operational costs required to maintain their properties.

“Why is Governor Murphy bankrolling Hollywood millionaires, while raising taxes on the little guy? This is completely unfair. If anyone should be given a tax break, it’s the hardworking families who have to scrape together extra funds just to afford a Jersey Shore rental. Governor – forget about your friends in Hollywood. The people you were elected to serve in New Jersey deserve your help first.”

Months before the recent release of the State Comptroller report, which shed light on New Jersey’s disastrous system for awarding tax breaks, Senator Pennacchio sent a letter to the New Jersey State Auditor requesting that the office examine the return on investments that are associated with the New Jersey film tax credits.

According to the non-partisan Office of Legislative Services, the New Jersey film credit could result in a net loss of $425 million to the state. OLS was also unable to quantify if and what revenue New Jersey could expect to gain from this program.

Numerous studies have questioned the effectiveness of state tax breaks on the film industry.

The number of states offering similar film tax credits has fallen from 44 to 31 in the past ten years, according to the National Conference of State Legislators.

Pennacchio added that this film tax break comes at a time when the state is raising taxes on families, business owners, corporations, and short-term shore house rentals.

New Jersey’s tourism sector is a $43 billion dollar industry, with a large portion of revenue being made in the summer months at the beach. Jersey Shore homeowners are already feeling the impact of the renters’ tax, with fewer renters signing up than previous seasons.

“There is no excuse for continuing to raise taxes on everyday people who live and work and vacation in New Jersey. It’s outrageous. They are already paying the highest taxes in the country,” Pennacchio added. “Let’s be clear: OLS has determined that the film tax credit has no guarantee of producing a return on investment, so why do it? If they really want to create jobs, Governor Murphy and his fellow Democrats should focus on creating a business-friendly climate, rather than creating programs that pick winners and losers, or handing out favors to their friends and donors in the private sector.”