Hackensack vs Ridgewood
How do recycling requirements rules compare between Hackensack, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ?
Hackensack has fewer restrictions than Ridgewood.
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 →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 | Hackensack | Ridgewood |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Code Reference | - | Chapter 165 Article IV |
| Minimum Fine | - | $25 |
| Maximum Fine | - | $1,000 |
| Multiunit Compliance | - | Mandatory since 1990 |
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.
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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