Trash & Recycling in Ridgewood, NJ: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Ridgewood or are thinking about moving there, trash & recycling are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Ridgewood has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of trash & recycling, and some of them might surprise you.

Recycling Requirements

Ridgewood requires all owners, lessees, and occupants to separate designated recyclables from trash with fines up to $1,000 for noncompliance.

Key details: Code Reference: Chapter 165 Article IV. Minimum Fine: $25. Maximum Fine: $1,000. Multiunit Compliance: Mandatory since 1990.

Failing to separate mandated recyclables, contaminating recycling streams, or noncompliance by multiunit residential properties subjects offenders to fines from $25 up to $1,000.

Compared to other cities, Ridgewood takes a harder line on recycling requirements. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Pickup Rules & Schedules

Ridgewood collects household garbage at the rear or side yard twice weekly under Chapter 165, with strict container weight and capacity limits.

Key details: Code Chapter: Chapter 165 Article II. Pickup Frequency: Twice weekly. Max Container Size: 32 gallons. Max Container Weight: 80 pounds. Pickup Location: Rear or side yard.

Using oversized or damaged containers, exceeding weight limits, or failing to maintain watertight containers can result in nonpickup and municipal fines under Chapter 1 general penalties.

Bulk Item Disposal

Ridgewood schedules bulk refuse pickup on certain Wednesdays and limits when oversized items may be placed at the curb for collection.

Key details: Pickup Day: Certain Wednesdays. Earliest Placement: 48 hours before pickup. Schedule Phone: 201-670-5579. Code Reference: Chapter 165.

Placing bulk refuse curbside more than 48 hours in advance, using unsuitable containers, or mixing recyclables with bulk refuse may result in nonpickup and fines.

Bin Placement Rules

Ridgewood restricts when garbage and rubbish containers may be placed at the curb and requires removal by midnight on collection day.

Key details: Earliest Curb Placement: 5:00 p.m. day before. Latest Placement: 6:00 a.m. collection day. Removal Deadline: 11:59 p.m. collection day. Code Reference: Chapter 165 Article II.

Placing bins at the curb too early, leaving them out past midnight on collection day, or using non-compliant containers may trigger municipal fines and warning notices.

The Bottom Line

Ridgewood's trash & recycling rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Ridgewood is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Ridgewood can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.