Less Garbage Means More Money for Montclair

Montclair Environmental Coordinator Gray Russell — who earlier this year was recognized as the state’s “Greenest Public Official” — has plans to make the township even greener. 

Russell presented his updated Sustainability Action Plan to the governing body at Tuesday night’s council meeting. The plan outlines how Montclair could become more sustainable, while saving taxpayers money.

The township could do more to reduce garbage and expand recycling, encourage composting, make buildings and vehicles more energy-efficient and improve storm water management, he said. 

Russell recommended inspections and enforcement of recycling, particularly at schools, businesses and multi-family properties. 

Recycling is not a "do-gooder" activity, he said, "It's the law."

Composting is an area where Montclair has been a model, but could do even better, he said. Some 900 composting bins have been distributed to residents and participation is believed to be 10 percent of the town. 

A "Leave It on the Lawn" campaign to encourage grass-cycling could be launched next spring. Russell said picking up grass clippings and composting them is "not cheap." Clipping tips of grass, rather than cutting lawns short, is a best practice commonly used by golf courses.

The township should also get a better grasp of its utility and fuel spending. There are 108 utility bills to sift through to determine which buildings are most efficient and which could use upgrades. 

As far as storm water management, more could be done to increase permeability as evidenced from a recent storm which flooded areas around town including Watchung Plaza. 

Third Ward Councilor Sean Spiller said he would like to see more concrete examples and learn what other towns are doing. 

"I would love to see more tangible things," Spiller said. "These are great goals."

For Robin Schlager, Second Ward councilor, there was a glaring void in the plan. Schlager said she could not accept a plan that does not include recycling in town parks.