Recycling scofflaws beware
When it comes to being green, some in Brick aren't.

The first Earth Day was back in May 1970, 38 years ago and counting. Recycling became a habit in many households in the United States in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

But some Brick residents haven't quite caught on yet that they are not supposed to chuck that soda bottle in the garbage can or surreptitiously cram those old newspapers into a garbage bag and hope no one notices.

Someone is noticing. The Public Works Department now has employees scanning neighborhoods on recycling pickup days to report back on just who is not lugging their recyclables to the curb.

Township Councilman Michael Thulen was the latest public official to lambaste recycling scofflaws when he broached the subject at the July 8 Township Council meeting.

"Recycling over the last couple of years has gotten worse and worse," he said.

What those out of the recycling loop may not realize is that each time they don't do the right thing, it ends up costing them money.

What goes in the garbage goes to the Ocean County Landfill in Manchester Township, where towns pay big money in tipping fees to dump their trash.

Brick received a paltry $35,000 rebate from the state for its recycling efforts last year.

That's pretty sad for the 12th largest municipality in the state. Thulen was right when he said the check should have been closer to $300,000.

Past practices of leaving gentle reminders to recycle and educational pamphlets obviously aren't working.

It's time to hit the scofflaws where it hurts - in their wallets.

Look for an ordinance in the near future that will enforce recycling for commercial properties in the township.

But Brick needs one for residential properties too. There's NO excuse in this day and age not to recycle. This is not a new concept.

Brick residents who don't want to take the time can kick themselves when their tax bill arrives.