Composting: Edison vs Perth Amboy
How do composting rules compare between Edison, NJ and Perth Amboy, NJ?
Edison and Perth Amboy have similar restriction levels.
Edison, NJ
Middlesex County
Backyard composting in Edison Township is permitted and encouraged under the Township's solid-waste management framework. Edison participates in the New Jersey statewide yard-waste recycling system mandated by the Statewide Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act (N.J.S.A. 13:1E-99.11+). Compost bins should be set back from property lines, kept rodent-resistant, and avoid meat, dairy, and pet waste. Curbside yard-waste collection (leaves, brush) is provided seasonally.
View full Edison rules →Perth Amboy, NJ
Middlesex County
Backyard composting is legal in Middlesex County and encouraged statewide. New Jersey mandates that leaves be source-separated and recycled, and yard-waste handling is coordinated through the county Solid Waste Management Plan and each town's collection program.
View full Perth Amboy rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Edison | Perth Amboy |
|---|---|---|
| State Mandate | NJ Recycling Act 13:1E-99.11+ | - |
| Curbside Yard Waste | Seasonal (typically Oct–Dec) | - |
| Backyard Compost | Permitted, no specific permit | - |
| Setback (best practice) | 5–10 ft from property line | - |
| Open Burning | Prohibited (N.J.A.C. 7:27-2) | - |
| Backyard compost | - | Allowed and encouraged |
| Leaves | - | Must be recycled by law |
| State rule | - | N.J.A.C. 7:26A recycling |
| County role | - | Solid Waste Management Plan |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Edison FAQ
Can I compost in my Edison, NJ backyard?
Yes. Edison Township encourages backyard composting and does not require a permit for a residential compost bin. Best practice is to set the bin 5–10 feet from property lines, use a rodent-resistant design, and compost only plant-based scraps and yard waste — no meat, dairy, oils, or pet waste.
Does Edison pick up leaves and brush?
Yes. Under the New Jersey Statewide Mandatory Recycling Act, Edison provides seasonal curbside collection of leaves (typically October through December) and brush, plus a Township Recycling Drop-Off facility for year-round disposal. Schedules are posted on the Edison Public Works page.
Can I burn leaves in Edison Township?
No. Open burning of leaves, brush, and yard waste is prohibited statewide under NJDEP rule N.J.A.C. 7:27-2. Violations are enforced by NJDEP and the Edison Fire Prevention Bureau. Use the curbside collection program or the Township drop-off instead.
Perth Amboy FAQ
Can I compost in my backyard in Middlesex County?
Yes. New Jersey encourages home composting and exempts small backyard piles. Keep it nuisance-free to satisfy municipal rules.
Do I have to keep leaves out of the trash?
Yes. State law (P.L. 1987, c.102) requires leaves to be source-separated and recycled, such as by composting or municipal leaf collection.
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