Composting: Fort Lee vs Garfield
How do composting rules compare between Fort Lee, NJ and Garfield, NJ?
Fort Lee and Garfield have similar restriction levels.
Fort Lee, NJ
Bergen County
Bergen County operates the Bergen County Utilities Authority composting program for yard waste collected by municipalities. Backyard composting is allowed countywide. Commercial-scale composting facilities need NJDEP approval under recycling rules at NJAC 7:26A.
View full Fort Lee rules →Garfield, NJ
Bergen County
Garfield's recycling code allows residential grass composting only in an approved location and limits the storage area to ten by ten feet.
View full Garfield rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fort Lee | Garfield |
|---|---|---|
| County operator | Bergen County Utilities Authority | - |
| Backyard rule | Allowed without permit | - |
| State exemption | NJAC 7:26A-3 Class A | - |
| Open burning | Prohibited statewide | - |
| Drop-off site | BCUA Moonachie facility | - |
| Max compost area | - | 10 ft by 10 ft |
| Allowed users | - | Residential owners only |
| Approval required | - | Recycling Coordinator |
| Code chapter | - | Chapter 249 Recycling |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fort Lee FAQ
Is backyard composting legal in Bergen County?
Yes. Residential composting of yard waste and vegetable food scraps is allowed under NJDEP's Class A exemption at NJAC 7:26A-3. It must not create odor, vermin, or runoff nuisances under local property maintenance codes.
Where can I drop off yard waste?
The Bergen County Utilities Authority operates a yard waste composting facility in Moonachie, and most municipalities offer curbside leaf and brush collection. Open burning of yard waste is illegal under NJAC 7:27-2.
Garfield FAQ
Can I compost grass clippings at my Garfield home?
Yes. Residential property owners may compost grass clippings if the location is approved by the Recycling Coordinator and City Manager.
How big can my Garfield backyard compost pile be?
The area used to store grass for composting or mulching may not exceed 10 feet by 10 feet under Garfield's recycling ordinance.
Compare other topics
See how Fort Lee and Garfield compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool