Trash & Recycling in Union County, NJ (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Union County, New Jersey.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Union County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Illegal Dumping

Union County's Solid Waste Illegal Dumping Ordinance bars dumping more than 0.148 cubic yards of solid waste or 30 gallons of liquid anywhere without DEP authorization. A conviction is a disorderly persons offense: at least $2,500 for a first offense, up to $10,000 for a third, plus mandatory community service.

Union County Illegal Dumping Penalties

Heavy Restrictions

Laws of Union County §§ 129-5, 129-6

A. No person shall, regardless of intent, engage or be permitted to engage in the collection or disposal of solid waste in excess of 0.148 cubic yards of solids or 30 United States gallons of liquids, whether for profit or otherwise, except at a disposal site or any other place which has authorization from the Department of Environmental Protection or the Board of Public Utilities to accept sol...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Dumpster Rules

Union County requires every dumpster and refuse container to be covered at all times and to never leak or discharge into the county's storm sewer system, under Laws of Union County § 131-15 through § 131-21. Violators face a fine up to $500 per violation.

Union County Covered Dumpster Rule

Some Restrictions

Laws of Union County § 131-17

Any person who controls, whether owned, leased, or operated, a refuse container or dumpster must ensure that such container or dumpster is covered at all times and shall prevent refuse from spilling out or overflowing. Any person who owns, leases or otherwise uses a refuse container or dumpster must ensure that such container or dumpster does not leak or otherwise discharge liquids, semi-liquid...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Trash & Recycling by City in Union County

1 cities in Union County have their own trash & recycling rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

ElizabethPop. 137,298

9 verified rules • Bin Placement Rules, Collection Schedule

All Union County ordinances

See every category we cover for Union County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Union County Ordinance Hub →