West Orange Environmental Commission

10/08/2026

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A Modified Approach to Leaf Collection for 2026Mayor McCartney is pleased to announce updated leaf collection procedures for 2026. These have been implemented to provide residents with timely informat

10/08/2026

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09/27/2026

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07/26/2026

07/26/2026

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New Jersey’s Skip the Stuff S.3195 &A.5157
Signed into law by Governor Murphy on January 20, 2026

Key Provisions of New Jersey’s Skip the Stuff Law:
● Food service businesses can only provide single-use cutlery and condiments when requested and shall only
provide the types and amounts expressly requested.
● Self-serve condiment stations may be utilized when they dispense individual single-use utensils.
No cutlery bundles may be provided beginning August 2027. An open tray or other similar system may be
provided in sports arenas and entertainment centers.
● Applies to all take-out businesses, as well as dine-in full-service restaurants with seating capacity of 10 or more.
● Applies to food service businesses regardless of whether the customer’s meal order is placed in person, over the
phone, online, or using other available means or methods. The default selection for online ordering must be “no
utensils or condiments”.
● Temporary Exemption: Food Courts are temporarily exempt until August 1, 2028.Public or nonpublic preschools
through 12th grade schools, county or State correctional facilities, and health care facilities are exempt.
● Any pre-packaged food item with condiment or single-use utensil attached during manufacturing is exempt.
● Single-use sauce cups for dine-in are exempt.
● This bill pre-empts any municipal policies pertaining to distribution of single-use cutlery and condiments (over 60
municipal policies helped lead to this legislation).
● A 180-day education campaign will be developed to educate people on the financial and environmental benefits
of reducing single-use utensils and condiments.
● Penalties of non-compliance are as follows: a warning followed by $100 fine with 3rd and subsequent fines of $250 during a period of 12 months. Monies collected from penalties shall be deposited into the Clean Communities Program Fund. Municipalities or entities certified pursuant to County Environmental Health Act
may retain 30 percent of the penalty funds.
● This bill was signed by Governor Murphy on January 20, 2026, and shall take effect on August 1, 2026.

07/16/2026

Mayor Susan McCartney announced today that the Township has achieved Platinum Level EV Adoption Leadership (EVAL) Certification for two locations: Township Hall and the West Orange Dog Park.

At Town Hall, two Level 3 ChargePoint fast chargers support the transition of the Township's fleet from fossil-fueled vehicles to electric. At the West Orange Dog Park, two dual-port Tesla charging stations provide four public charging spaces, offering convenient and affordable access at $0.25 per kWh for residents and visitors while encouraging broader EV adoption.

West Orange launched its clean transportation program in 2024 with the installation of EV charging infrastructure and the introduction of its electric Jitney service. These initiatives support the Township's broader vision of environmental and economic sustainability, including expanded transportation options such as Complete Streets, diverse land uses, varied housing choices, and accessible community amenities, parks, and open spaces.

"The Township of West Orange is proud to be EV Adoption Leadership-certified," said Mayor McCartney. "This recognition reflects our commitment to reducing fossil fuel use, improving community health, expanding EV charging access for residents and employees, and providing electric commuter shuttles that connect residents to transit and rail service."

EVAL certification also enables communities to earn valuable Sustainable Jersey points, strengthening grant applications and access to future funding opportunities. West Orange joins a growing network of communities advancing EV adoption, with EZ Ride assisting with the certification of more than 100 sites across New Jersey.

05/12/2026

Call-for-volunteers to help the West Orange Environmental Commission & the WO Kiwanis International sort and clean the West Orange Environmental Commission's 20' trailer full of toys to be donated to Second Chance Toys on Saturday, May 16 at the WO Environmental Center located at 590 Mt. Pleasant Avenue. See less

05/10/2026

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1.7K likes, 126 comments. "Jimmy Buffet Mother Ocean"

04/24/2026

Celebrating Arbor Day.

Arbor Day Announcement

West Orange is planning to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary by planting 250 trees throughout the township. The plantings draw inspiration from a community initiative recently adopted in Ewing Township, Mercer County.

The town’s oldest documented tree currently stands on Main Street in front of the West Orange Community House and dates to at least 1787. A plaque behind the tree suggests it could even be older. The new tree plantings will add to this legacy.

The oldest tree underscores the importance of tree stewardship and the vital role trees play in sustaining a green environment. The planting of 250 new trees from the Township’s existing inventory will significantly enhance West Orange’s tree canopy.

Beyond their natural beauty, trees provide measurable benefits to the community by helping to reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, enhance property values, and contribute to overall community well-being.

Planting trees to mark America’s 250th anniversary aligns with a broader statewide effort to commemorate the REV NJ 250 partnership established by the New Jersey State Legislature in 2018. It was created to promote tourism and highlight each community’s unique Revolutionary War history.

Mayor McCartney registered West Orange as a participating REV NJ 250 community after presenting a resolution to the Township Council in 2023. A weeklong REV NJ 250 traveling exhibit came to the West Orange Public Library in January, followed by a March program exploring the Township’s Revolutionary War connections. Artifacts highlighting West Orange’s role in the War for Independence are currently on display in the library lobby at 10 Rooney Circle.

The West Orange tree plantings will carry forward the spirit of the commemoration of America’s 250th by establishing a lasting investment in the Township’s future. These trees will serve as a visible and enduring legacy by enriching the community for generations to come while inspiring residents to explore and appreciate New Jersey’s Revolutionary War history.