Gershowitz Recycling Faces New Lawsuit Over Environmental Violations

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, March 23rd 2026 at 17:38 GMT by Patch
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Cherry Hill, NJ - March 23rd, 2026 - Gershowitz Recycling, a Cherry Hill-based recycling business, is once again embroiled in legal battles with New Jersey authorities, facing accusations of repeated environmental violations that have allegedly led to fires and pose potential health risks to surrounding communities. The Camden County Prosecutor's Office has filed a new lawsuit against the company, following similar allegations made in November of last year, raising serious questions about the company's operational practices and regulatory compliance.

The current legal action stems from claims that Gershowitz Recycling has consistently failed to adhere to state environmental laws concerning the storage and handling of recyclable materials. Prosecutors allege this negligence directly contributed to multiple fires breaking out at the facility, creating both immediate danger and long-term environmental concerns. The details of the lawsuit, filed this week, reportedly seek both injunctive relief - an order forcing Gershowitz to rectify the issues - and substantial financial penalties intended to deter future violations.

This isn't an isolated incident. The November accusations resulted in a cease-and-desist order, indicating a pattern of non-compliance. While the specifics of the initial complaints remain under wraps, the recurrence of similar issues suggests that corrective measures, if implemented, were either insufficient or not consistently maintained.

Local residents have been vocal in their concerns, reporting noticeable smoke and unusual odors emanating from the facility. Camden County Commissioner William Moen addressed these complaints directly, stating, "We've received numerous complaints from residents regarding smoke and unusual odors emanating from the Gershowitz Recycling facility. We take these concerns very seriously and are working closely with the Prosecutor's Office to ensure the safety of our community." This collaboration between the Prosecutor's Office and the Camden County Commissioners underscores the seriousness of the situation and the commitment to protecting public health.

The implications of these repeated violations extend beyond immediate safety concerns. Improperly managed recycling facilities can contribute to air and water pollution, releasing harmful toxins into the environment. This poses risks to both human health, including respiratory problems and other illnesses, and the delicate balance of local ecosystems. Furthermore, the fires themselves release particulate matter and greenhouse gases, exacerbating air quality issues and contributing to climate change.

The legal battle is scheduled to begin with a court date set for March 27th, where Gershowitz Recycling will be expected to respond to the allegations. Currently, representatives from the company have not issued a public statement. The outcome of this case will likely set a precedent for environmental enforcement within Camden County and could have ripple effects across the state's recycling industry.

Industry experts suggest that the incident highlights the need for stricter oversight and enforcement of environmental regulations within the recycling sector. Recycling, while fundamentally beneficial, requires careful management to prevent hazards. The increasing volume of recyclable materials processed nationally has placed a strain on existing infrastructure and regulations, creating opportunities for negligence and non-compliance.

Some advocates are calling for increased investment in modern recycling technologies, including automated sorting systems and fire suppression equipment, to minimize risks and improve operational efficiency. Others suggest a tiered permitting system, with stricter requirements for facilities processing larger volumes of materials or those located closer to residential areas. A thorough investigation of Gershowitz Recycling's operational procedures and safety protocols is expected to be a key component of the legal proceedings. The public will be watching closely to see if the company can demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility and community safety. Until then, the residents of Cherry Hill and surrounding areas remain concerned about the potential health and environmental consequences of the ongoing issues at the Gershowitz Recycling facility.