The Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) is expanding its free recycling drop-off options for Atlantic County residents! Beginning May 1, 2026, residents will be able to conveniently recycle bulky rigid plastics, books, and oyster shells at designated bins located at ACUA’s Environmental Park in Egg Harbor Township.

“ACUA’s expanded drop-off area will provide additional opportunities for residents to divert waste from the landfill,” said ACUA President Matthew DeNafo. “We’re excited to bring back our bulky rigid plastic program and offer special recycling opportunities for books and shells.”

What’s New

BULKY RIGID PLASTICS
Large plastic items like laundry baskets are made with valuable plastic material. However, their size makes them difficult to capture in curbside recycling bins and can damage equipment at sorting facilities. When captured separately, bulky rigid plastics are highly recyclable. The new drop-off container will help to reduce plastic waste by diverting large plastic items from the landfill.

What to bring: plastic lawn furniture, plastic hampers, plastic buckets, plastic toys (with no electronic components), and plastic crates.

BOOKS AND MEDIA
Although books are made of paper, the binding makes many of them unacceptable in curbside recycling programs. The Used Book Company, based in Egg Harbor Township, helps divert this material from the landfill by selling or donating them with proceeds going to nonprofit organizations.

What to bring: hard or softcover books, DVDs, CDs, music, and video games. A portion of the proceeds from the donation bin at ACUA will go to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

Existing Drop-Off Bins

Residents may continue bringing single-stream recycling items, which include metal cans, glass jars, paper, cardboard, and #1, #2, and #5 plastics, as well as shredded paper, which must be bagged, to the designated bins currently available at ACUA’s free drop-off area.

VISIT ACUA’S RECYCLING DROP-OFF AREA

HOURS: 7 AM – 4 PM MON – FRI
7 AM – 12 PM SAT
LOCATION: ACUA Environmental Park 6700 Delilah Road Egg Harbor Township, NJ