Fair Haven Opens Newly Renovated DPW and Recycling Center

1538
Fair Haven’s new Department of Public Works center now offers clothing donation collection and electronic waste disposal. Stephen Appezzato

By Stephen Appezzato

FAIR HAVEN – Fair Haven’s newly renovated Department of Public Works and Recycling Center officially opened to residents Aug. 1, marking the completion of the borough’s threepronged facilities project overhaul.

The renovation of the DPW facility had been years in the works and coincided with the borough’s new police department headquarters and community center. Ground was broken on those projects, totaling $8.2 million, in October 2023. A $1.25 million federal grant helped pay the Community Center bill.

Initially, borough officials expected to rebuild the DPW facility from the ground up, operating under the assumption that the main structure was no longer structurally sound. A closer evaluation revealed that the existing building was in better condition than anticipated.

After the structure was deemed sound, the borough opted for a renovation instead of a full rebuild. The building was reconstructed to better accommodate DPW operations while reducing the facility’s overall industrial footprint.

“We appreciate your patience and cooperation in helping to keep our community clean and environmentally responsible,” a statement from the borough to residents read.

The revamped DPW and Recycling Center is now open from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays. It remains closed Sundays.

Residents can dispose of a range of recyclable materials at the site, including cardboard, which must be placed in a designated area with no packing materials, newspaper and mixed paper, plastic and glass bottles and aluminum cans.

Two new features were also added as part of the facility’s upgrade. Residents can now recycle electronic waste through a partnership with Monmouth Wire & Computer Recycling Inc., and donate unwanted clothing through a partnership with Helpsy, an organization dedicated to keeping clothing out of the trash.

Residents are reminded not to dispose of household trash, construction materials and debris, bulk items, scrap metal or tires at the facility. Motor oil and paint can be taken to Monmouth County’s Household Hazardous Waste recycling site for proper disposal.

The DPW project was part of a broader infrastructure upgrade that included the new Fair Haven Police Department, which has been open for a few months, and the community center.

The borough confirmed that construction of the new community center is complete and, according to borough administrator Christopher York, a date for its grand opening will be announced soon. While the main facilities are finished, some final site work remains ongoing at the com- munity center property.

The article originally appeared in the August 7 – 13, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.