Blawnox teen plans to reintroduce local recycling service

A Blawnox teen, Simon Passerrello-Carnevali, is working to reintroduce a recycling service that was cut two years ago due to cost issues. The borough's new garbage contract, approved in September 2023, eliminated recycling to reduce expenses. Simon, appointed as a junior council member in September 2024, is collaborating with his mother and the borough to set up recycling bins for plastics, glass, and cardboard. They plan to use starter containers from the borough’s food pantry. The recycling program will partner with Kabeer Chopra, a fellow student who runs a nonprofit recycling initiative. Simon will survey residents about their interest in recycling, with results expected in mid-March.