Paterson, NJ Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)
Key Facts
- Composting method
- On-site, on owner's property
- Alternative
- Curbside per Art. V/VI
- Bin standard
- Not specified in code
- Materials covered
- Leaves, grass, brush, tree limbs
Summary
Paterson lets residents compost leaves, grass clippings, brush and tree limbs on their own property instead of setting them out for curbside collection, with no city bin or size requirement.
Leaves, grass clippings, brush and tree limbs shall be recycled by composting on the property of the owner, lessee or occupant or by placing them at the curbside in accordance with the provisions of Articles V and VI of this chapter. [Amended 2-24-2004 by Ord. No. 04-016; 11-9-2005 by Ord. No. 05-077]
(a) Leaves, grass clippings and minimal brush placed at curbside shall be contained in either clear plastic or biodegradable bags. The bags shall be intact and not torn by their contents.
(b) Bulky brush and tree limbs placed at curbside shall be cut and tied. Each separate tied unit for collection shall not exceed 50 pounds.
(2) Newspapers.
(a) Newspaper shall be tied securely in bundles with twine, rope, cord or such other binding or shall be securely placed in paper bags or boxes to facilitate handling and ensure that bundles will not be windblown or distributed onto the public streets. A bundle shall not exceed 50 pounds.
(b) Bundles may not be placed in plastic bags.
(c) Bundles shall be placed at curbside for collection not earlier than 6:00 p.m. on the day preceding those days designated for collection in accordance with applicable regulations.
(3) Glass and metal containers.
(a) Glass and metal containers shall be rinsed clean of all residue. Glass containers will have all caps and rings removed therefrom. Metal containers will have all paper and/or plastic labels removed.
(b)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Paterson's recycling ordinance designates leaves, grass clippings, brush and tree limbs as recyclable yard waste and gives owners, lessees or occupants two compliance paths: composting the material on the property where it's generated, or bagging and setting it at the curb under the collection rules in Articles V and VI of Chapter 427. The code sets curbside bagging specs, clear plastic or biodegradable bags, tied bundles under 50 pounds, but does not prescribe a bin type, size or method for on-site composting itself.
Violations & Fines
The ordinance sets no separate composting violation; skipping composting simply shifts the leaves and brush to curbside rules, where non-containerized placement outside the collection window draws Public Works enforcement under Article VI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Paterson require a specific compost bin?
What's the alternative to composting?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
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