Bridgewater Reinstates Bulky Trash Drop-Off

After it became one of the most commented-on concerns in the 2011 elections, the council unanimously approved a resolution Thursday to reinstate the bulky trash drop-off for the residents.

"I would like to point out that during the past campaign, Mayor [Dan] Hayes made this one of the major issues," said councilman Matthew Moench. "It was one of the things we heard about when we were going around the township, the number one thing residents wanted."

Hayes negotiated an agreement with BRI Resources Inc. to reinstate the bulk trash drop-off, and the company will provide for a total of six drop-off dates in 2012. The program, according to a release from the township, will be operated by BRI at the company's facility on Polhemus Lane.

The program had initially been eliminated in 2010 because of budgetary issues. Residents have been asking for it to be restored since then to help them dispose of large items that are beyond curbside trash.

The program is being restored at no cost to the township.

"I am pleased to be able to partner with BRI to deliver the return of this desired service to our residents with no direct cost," Hayes said in the release. "While campaigning door to door, restoring this service as soon as possible was a consistent request and a commitment."

The program will be operated by BRI for three Saturdays in spring and three Saturdays in fall. BRI will continue to operate the program for four years.

"We are glad to reach this agreement with the township and pleased to support the community and Mayor Hayes by providing this service," BRI Resources Vice President Mike Mastrangelo said in the release. "We are well suited to operate this program for the township today and for years to come."

Items that can be disposed of through this program are rugs, appliances, furniture and household trash. Air conditioners, refrigerators and tires will not be accepted, nor will brush, electronics or recyclables, except metals, paints and chemicals.

According to the schedule, the area west of Route 206—Bradley Gardens, Country Club and Meadow Road areas—will be done April 28. Drop-off from Martinsville—the area north of Route 22 between Route 206 and Chimney Rock Road—will be held on May 12.

Finally, the area east of Chimney Rock Road and south of Route 22—Thomae and Finderne—will have drop-off May 19.