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Hybrid Cars, Recycling Efforts Helping Ocean County Go Green
By Bill McLaughlin
Ocean County government is taking the lean toward green seriously.
Sweeping changes in recycling were announced at the board of chosen freeholders pre-board meeting last Wednesday, and the board also heard from Jim Pine, director of the county Vehicle Services Department, on hybrid cars.
Pine told the freeholders that nine hybrids currently in the county fleet have so far passed every test. He said preliminary results show an amazing 75 percent increase in fuel efficiency, an important factor with rising gas prices.
They have satisfied, he said, all the cost factors that might make them easier to incorporate into the fleet in larger numbers. As for performance, Pine told the board, the hybrids can do the same job as fossil fuelburning vehicles.
The freeholders were delighted to hear that news.
"These hybrids have really improved," said Freeholder James Lacey. "In recent years, the fuel savings and gas mileage have actually doubled. It is to our advantage to look at where we can use these vehicles in high mileage situations. They could be the best thing for us right now."
Freeholder Director Joseph Vicari said the costs are reasonable and the technology has grown by leaps and bounds.
"It is proven technology now," Vicari said. "They're being road tested to see if they meet our satisfaction. Good news. So far they seem to be doing the job."
Lacey said the green cars are becoming more attractive by the day, with smaller, more efficient batteries and better engine pickup. Gone are the days when owners were afraid to ride the highways because the engines had so little "oomph."
"(The batteries) pack 330 volts," Lacey "That's the key: they're lighter, smaller and re-charge more quickly. My overall sense is it's a clean program."
Pine said the nine hybrids will be supplemented by four more currently on order. He said the preliminary results also show maintenance has been a snap with no major problems discovered so far.
Changes To Recycling Efforts
As for recycling, it's a new day in Ocean County. Beginning this month, residents will no longer have to tie newspapers, cardthe board, computer paper, brown bags, junk mail or other paper products for recycling. Excluded are pizza boxes, plastic bags, paper plates and trash. All bottles and cans would go into a separate can.
Freeholder James Lacey said a pilot program by a private carting company in Lacey has produced encouraging results. Towns that have public works departments will phase in the new program. Toms River, Seaside Park and Seaside Heights began dual stream recycling on February 4.
"We recommend residents contact their municipal recycling coordinators to find out when these changes will come to their town and if there is anything the town recommends to implement these changes," Lacey said.
The freeholder urged those who currently don't recycle to get on board. He said the changes should stimulate greater participation by all residents.
"Our residents have to realize that recycling has economic and environmental benefits that are good for all of us," he added. "I am hopeful these changes will be embraced by those who already recycle and will help to encourage participation from those who do not."
A county study last year suggests that onefifth of county households toss their paper trash out with the regular garbage. That includes newsprint and cardboard.
Recycling in the county has generated about $8 million to participating municipalities through a revenue sharing program based on tonnage recycled.
The recyclables also result in tipping fee savings at the local landfill. Every recycled ton, Lacey said, results in nearly $70 saved in disposal fees. It generates $17.28 in revenue or a beneficial $87 for consumers.
"We will do all we can to get the word out," Lacey said. "Now we ask that our residents do all they can to make this work."
Visit the county Web site at www.co.ocean. nj.us or call 732-506-5047 for more information.
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