Garfield vs Ridgewood
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Garfield, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?
Garfield has fewer restrictions than Ridgewood.
Garfield, NJ
Bergen County
Garfield Chapter 249 makes recycling mandatory, requiring residents to separate recyclables from other solid waste and place commingled glass, metal, and #1 or #2 plastics in recycling barrels or clear plastic bags only.
View full Garfield rules →Ridgewood, NJ
Bergen County
Ridgewood requires all owners, lessees, and occupants to separate designated recyclables from trash with fines up to $1,000 for noncompliance.
View full Ridgewood rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Garfield | Ridgewood |
|---|---|---|
| Code chapter | Chapter 249 | - |
| Commingled bag | Clear plastic only | - |
| Plastics accepted | Numbers 1 and 2 | - |
| Mandate | Mandatory separation | - |
| Code Reference | - | Chapter 165 Article IV |
| Minimum Fine | - | $25 |
| Maximum Fine | - | $1,000 |
| Multiunit Compliance | - | Mandatory since 1990 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Garfield FAQ
Which plastics does Garfield accept in commingled recycling?
Only plastic containers marked #1 (PET) or #2 (HDPE) on the bottom. Other plastic numbers must go in regular refuse, not the recycling stream.
Can I use black trash bags for recyclables in Garfield?
No. Commingled recyclables must be placed in recycling barrels or clear plastic bags so collectors can verify the contents. Opaque bags are not accepted.
Ridgewood FAQ
What must Ridgewood residents recycle?
Residents must separate newspaper, mixed paper, corrugated cardboard, tin and steel cans, aluminum cans, glass, and plastic containers from other trash for recycling.
What are the penalties for not recycling?
Violators face fines from a minimum of $25 to a maximum of $1,000 per offense, with higher caps applying to construction and demolition debris violations.
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