Irvington, NJ Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing article
- Township Code Ch. 550, Art. II
- Core rule
- Covered at all times, no leaks
- Enforcing agency
- Department of Public Works
- Bulk item exception
- Furniture, white goods curbside OK
- General penalty cap
- $2,000 fine / 90 days
Summary
Irvington requires every outdoor dumpster or refuse container to stay covered at all times and forbids leaks or overflow into the storm sewer system. The Department of Public Works enforces the rule, with narrow exceptions for temporary demolition boxes and curbside bulk items.
A. 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. B. 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, semiliquids or solids to the municipal separate storm sewer system(s) operated by the Township of Irvington. ... This article shall be enforced by the Department of Public Works of the Township of Irvington.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4996945; v39 updated 2026-07-13; through 07-13-2026).
Full Breakdown
Article II of Chapter 550, added in 2010 by Ord. No. MC 3420, exists specifically to keep dumpsters and refuse containers from polluting Irvington's storm sewer system (§ 550-10). Anyone who owns, leases or operates a refuse container or dumpster, defined broadly to include dumpsters, trash cans, garbage pails and plastic trash bags, must keep it covered at all times and prevent refuse from spilling out or overflowing, and must also ensure it does not leak or discharge liquids, semiliquids or solids into the municipal separate storm sewer system operated by the Township (§ 550-12A, B).
The article carves out five specific exceptions where the covering rule does not apply: permitted temporary demolition containers, litter receptacles other than dumpsters or bulk containers, individual homeowner recycling containers, refuse containers at facilities already authorized to discharge stormwater under a valid NJPDES permit, and large bulky items such as furniture, bound carpet and padding, or white goods placed curbside for pickup (§ 550-13A-E). The Department of Public Works is designated as the enforcing agency for the whole article (§ 550-14).
Violations & Fines
Section 550-15 subjects anyone found in violation of the dumpster-covering article to the general penalty set out in Chapter 1, Article III of the Township Code, which under § 1-17A is a fine not exceeding $2,000, imprisonment not exceeding 90 days, or both, plus up to 90 days of community service, with each day of a continuing violation treated as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an outdoor dumpster in Irvington have to stay covered?
Are curbside furniture piles exempt from Irvington's dumpster-covering rule?
Who enforces the dumpster-covering rule in Irvington?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Irvington
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How other cities in Essex County handle dumpster rules.