Recycling Requirements: Edison vs New Brunswick
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Edison, NJ and New Brunswick, NJ?
Edison and New Brunswick have similar restriction levels.
Edison, NJ
Middlesex County
Edison Code Chapter 21 enforces the New Jersey Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act (N.J.S.A. 13:1E-99.11 et seq.). All residents, businesses, institutions, and multifamily buildings must source-separate designated recyclables: newspapers, magazines, mixed paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum, tin/bimetal, and plastic #1 and #2. New developments of 50+ single-family units or 3+ multifamily units must include a recycling plan.
View full Edison rules →New Brunswick, NJ
Middlesex County
Recycling is mandatory statewide under New Jersey's Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act (N.J.S.A. 13:1E-99.11 et seq.). Every Middlesex County municipality must adopt a recycling ordinance requiring residents to separate designated recyclables, while the county coordinates programs and reports tonnage.
View full New Brunswick rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Edison | New Brunswick |
|---|---|---|
| State Authority | N.J.S.A. 13:1E-99.11 et seq. (Mandatory Source Separation) | - |
| Local Code | Edison Code Ch. 21 | - |
| Single-Stream Materials | Paper, cardboard, glass, plastic #1-#2, metal cans | - |
| Recycling Plan Threshold | 50+ SF units / 3+ MF units / 1,000+ sq ft commercial | - |
| Cardboard Rule | Cut/flatten, placed next to bin (not in plastic bags) | - |
| Local Fine | $250 - $1,000 per offense (each day separate) | - |
| Mandate | - | Statewide, N.J.S.A. 13:1E-99 |
| Ordinance | - | Required in every town |
| County role | - | Plan, coordinate, report |
| Separate | - | Paper, glass, metal, plastic |
| Reporting | - | Annual tonnage to NJDEP |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Edison FAQ
What plastics can I recycle curbside in Edison?
Edison's single-stream program accepts plastic containers marked #1 (PET, water/soda bottles) and #2 (HDPE, milk jugs, detergent bottles). Plastic bags, film, styrofoam, and plastics #3-#7 are not accepted - bags should be returned to a grocery store collection bin, and styrofoam should be disposed of as garbage or dropped off at a county recycling event.
Does my Edison condominium have to recycle?
Yes. Under N.J.S.A. 13:1E-99.13 and Edison Chapter 21, multifamily buildings (including condominiums) of 3 or more units must source-separate designated recyclables and maintain a contract with a licensed recycling hauler. Failure to do so subjects the association to township fines plus state enforcement, and the building cannot pass site-plan or certificate-of-occupancy review without a recycling plan.
New Brunswick FAQ
Is recycling mandatory in Middlesex County?
Yes. New Jersey's Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act requires every municipality to adopt a recycling ordinance, so all 25 Middlesex County towns require residents to separate designated recyclables from trash.
Who decides what I must recycle?
Your municipality's recycling ordinance lists the mandated materials, guided by the county District Recycling Plan. Typical items include paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans and designated plastics.
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