Hackensack vs Mahwah
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Hackensack, NJ and Mahwah, NJ?
Hackensack and Mahwah have similar restriction levels.
Hackensack, NJ
Bergen County
Hackensack mandates source-separated recycling under New Jersey's Mandatory Source Separation Act. Residents must separate paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and plastic containers from regular trash for scheduled curbside collection.
View full Hackensack rules →Mahwah, NJ
Bergen County
Mahwah Township's mandatory recycling ordinance requires every household, apartment, and commercial generator to source-separate designated recyclables and present them properly for municipal or private collection.
View full Mahwah rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hackensack | Mahwah |
|---|---|---|
| State law | NJ Recycling Act mandatory | - |
| Required materials | Paper, glass, metal, plastic | - |
| Plastics accepted | Numbers 1 and 2 | - |
| Pickup schedule | Alternates with trash | - |
| First-offense fine | Starts at $25 | - |
| Commingled container | - | Glass, metal, plastic together |
| Paper/cardboard | - | Separated from commingled |
| Maximum fine | - | Up to $2,000 per violation |
| Multifamily duty | - | Provide labeled bins |
| Authority | - | NJ Recycling Act and Ordinance 1193 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Hackensack FAQ
What plastics can I recycle in Hackensack?
Hackensack accepts plastic containers marked with recycling symbols 1 (PET) and 2 (HDPE). Other plastics are not accepted in curbside recycling and should go in regular trash.
Do I need to separate paper from cans and bottles?
Hackensack uses source-separated collection, meaning paper and commingled containers may have different pickup days or bin requirements. Check the DPW recycling calendar for current rules.
Mahwah FAQ
Do I have to separate glass and plastic in Mahwah?
No. Since January 2008 Mahwah accepts commingled glass, plastic, tin, and aluminum in the same container. Paper and corrugated cardboard, however, must still be set out separately for curbside pickup.
What are the penalties for mixing trash and recyclables?
The Township may issue summonses with fines up to $2,000, plus possible community service. Each day a violation continues counts as a separate offense, so prompt correction is important to limit exposure.
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