Edison, NJ Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 34-3A.3, Prohibited Conduct
- Penalty
- Fine up to $2,000 per violation
- Enforced by
- Division of Police; Health and Human Services
- Adopted by
- Ord. No. O.1801-2012 § 2
- Exemptions
- 5 categories, incl. homeowner cans, demolition bins
- Applies to
- Owners, lessees, or operators of containers
Summary
Edison Township requires every dumpster or refuse container kept outdoors to stay covered at all times and to never leak, spill, or discharge liquids, semi-liquids, or solids into the storm sewer system. Anyone who owns, leases, or operates the container is responsible, with five narrow exemptions and fines up to $2,000 per violation.
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-liquids or solids to the municipal separate storm sewer system(s) operated by the Township of Edison. Exceptions to Prohibition: a. Permitted temporary demolition containers. b. Litter receptacles (other than dumpsters or other bulk containers). c. Individual homeowner trash and recycling containers. d. Refuse containers at facilities authorized to discharge stormwater under a valid NJPDES permit. e. Large bulky items (e.g., furniture, bound carpet and padding, white goods placed curbside for pickup).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4904708; v19 updated 2026-03-25; through 03-25-2026).
Full Breakdown
Township Code § 34-3A, adopted by Ord. No. 1801-2012 § 2, targets dumpsters and refuse containers that sit outdoors or are exposed to stormwater. 3, any person who controls a refuse container or dumpster, whether owned, leased, or operated, must keep it covered at all times and prevent refuse from spilling out or overflowing, and must ensure it does not leak or otherwise discharge liquids, semi-liquids, or solids into the municipal separate storm sewer system (MS4) operated by the Township. The section defines a 'refuse container' broadly as any waste container a person controls, including dumpsters, trash cans, garbage pails, and plastic trash bags.
4: permitted temporary demolition containers, litter receptacles other than dumpsters or bulk containers, individual homeowner trash and recycling containers, containers at facilities holding a valid NJPDES discharge permit, and large bulky items such as furniture, bound carpet and padding, or white goods set curbside for pickup. 1, is to stop dumpsters and containers from discharging pollutants into the Township's MS4 or the waters of the State, protecting public health, safety, and welfare.
Violations & Fines
Section 34-3A.6 sets a fine of up to $2,000 for anyone found in violation. Section 34-3A.5 assigns enforcement to the Edison Township Division of Police and the Department of Health and Human Services, which can cite a property owner, tenant, hauler, or contractor who controls an uncovered, overflowing, or leaking container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this rule apply to my household trash can at the curb?
Is a rented demolition dumpster exempt?
Who investigates an uncovered or leaking dumpster complaint in Edison?
What's the maximum fine for a leaking commercial dumpster?
Are curbside furniture and white goods covered by this section?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Edison
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