Cape May City Council Moves Toward Limiting Curbside Recycling Pickup

CAPE MAY – The Cape May City Council is considering a new ordinance to regulate the amount of recycling picked up from homes and businesses at curbside. The proposal, introduced at the March 18 meeting, sets limits for single-family and dual-family homes at 192 gallons, with individual containers capped at 96 gallons. Additionally, all containers must be fitted with lids, and any cardboard outside of containers must be tied, bundled, or secured. For mixed-use or commercial properties, recycling limits will vary depending on the property’s size and nature. However, no property will have more than six containers picked up by the city. Any excess material beyond the limits will need to be handled by a private hauler. The ordinance was revised before its formal introduction, granting the city manager the authority to adjust recycling pickup limits at the Washington Street Mall. Additionally, the update formalizes the practice of allowing property owners to transport excess recycling to the city’s facility during designated hours. This effort to establish a new recycling ordinance has been ongoing for the past seven months. In September 2024, City Manager Paul Dietrich emphasized the importance of finding a balance between the city’s responsibilities and the need for businesses to arrange their own recycling services. Although the ordinance is not yet finalized, the council is expected to hold a public hearing and vote on the matter at its April 15 meeting.