Residential curbside recycling begins

Bill from Priority Waste tests one of the company’s new automated recycling trucks in preparation for the launch of Wayne’s new curbside recycling program begins the week of July 6.

By Sarah Shurge – For many years the citizens of Wayne have been asking for curbside recycling. You asked and now you have received.
The City of Wayne Public Works Department (DPW) is excited to announce that curbside recycling has started in Wayne.
At the city council meeting on Tuesday, June 16th, it was announced that Wayne has entered into a new contract with Priority Waste. This new contract will implement new programs, one of which is the recycling program, as well as route optimization.
Curbside recycling will not add any additional taxes or fees for Wayne residents. This program is designed to make recycling more convenient while helping reduce waste and support a cleaner community.
“I am personally sorry for the service that the residents have had to put up with for the last several weeks,” said Paul Ruthenberg, Priority Waste Director of Municipal Relations, at the council meeting. “There are corrective actions being taken, and I do believe that you will see a much better product coming out very shortly.”
Priority Waste is under new ownership, and the new CEO has purchased 91 vehicles, including a brand new ASL Automated Side Loader that starts the recycling in Wayne.
Recycling carts started being delivered on Monday, June 22nd. If you have experienced any issues with your cart delivery, please contact the DPW at (734)721-8600.
The flyer delivered with your recycling cart contains important information about the updated garbage and recycling collection schedule. Carefully review the calendar and map to verify your service day as it may have changed and to identify your designated recycling week (recycling collection in your neighborhood occurs every other week).
Your collection day may have changed to help improve service and collection efficiency throughout the city.
Curbside recycling pick-up will begin the first full week of July on Monday, July 6th.
“I’m sure it’s going to be a challenge in the beginning, but we’re going to work through it to have a successful program,” said Dave Schmidt, DPW Assistant Director.
On your service day, place your cart at least three feet from all other objects. This includes any additional carts, mailboxes, vehicles, etc.
Acceptable recycling materials include: paper (newspaper, magazines, junk mail, cardboard/paperboard boxes broken down), metal (aluminum, steel and tin cans – empty and rinsed), glass (clear and colored bottles and jars – empty and rinsed – can leave lids on), plastic (bottles, jugs, and containers/tubs – empty and rinsed – can leave lids/caps on) (ex: water/pop bottles, milk jugs, detergent containers, sour cream, cottage cheese, etc.), and consumer packaging (egg cartons, broth containers, coffee cups – empty and rinsed).
Absolutely do NOT put batteries – especially lithium batteries – or hazardous waste in your cart or trash. These items can lead to truck fires.
There is a battery recycling drop-off by the DPW, one at City Hall, and talk of possibly adding a third drop-off at the library.
“We are excited to be providing a new service to the residents of the City of Wayne,” said Schmidt. Schmidt has been with the DPW for 24 years and has been assistant director since the end of 2023.
Ruthenberg has been in the industry for over 40 years, the last five with Priority Waste. “I would like to do much better in the service levels of the city of Wayne,” said Ruthenberg. “This is a service industry. We have to deliver great service to survive.”
The DPW is located at 35200 Forest St and is open 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. The Recycling Center is located at the DPW next to the Animal Shelter. However, the Recycling Center will be closing which will save $50,000 a year.
For more information about the DPW, visit cityofwayne.com/185/Public-Works or call (734)721-8600.
For more information about Priority Waste, visit prioritywaste.com or call (586)228-1200.
There are updated maps and additional information on the City of Wayne website at cityofwayne.com/-295/Refuse-Collection-Services.
Mayor John Rhaesa would like to thank you for your patience and cooperation as we roll out this new service for our community. Don’t forget to reduce, reuse, and recycle!