Paterson, NJ Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed hours
- 3:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Zone restriction
- B-3A Zone only
- Max street width used
- 1/3 of the street
- Labeling required
- Owner name, address, phone shown
- Max fine
- $1,000 plus possible jail
Summary
Paterson allows debris boxes and roll-off dumpsters on the public sidewalk or street only in the B-3A commercial zone, only from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m., and only if labeled and reflectorized.
In a B-3A Zone, nothing in this article shall be construed to prohibit the placement of containers and debris transfer bodies, including Dempsey Dumpsters, on the public sidewalk and street during the hours of 3:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., provided that such do not occupy more than 1/3 of the street, that such containers prominently display the name, address and telephone number of the owner of the container and that said body is reflectorized for night safety.
§ 435-91. Promulgation of rules and regulations by Department. The Department of Public Works is hereby empowered to develop reasonable rules and regulations regarding the alignment and maintenance of such stands, bins, barrels, crates and other similar containers used by commercial establishments selling perishable foods, as well as the alignment and maintenance of debris transfer bodies in the B-3A Zone.
§ 435-92. Permit to obstruct streets and public places required. [Amended 12-19-1995 by Ord. No. 95-068] No person shall encumber or obstruct any street or other public place in the City by placing therein or thereon any building materials or any article or thing whatsoever without having first obtained a permit from the Director of Public Works or his designee.
§ 435-93. Prerequisites for granting of obstruction permits. No permit shall be granted under this article to place:
A.
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
Under Chapter 435's obstruction article, containers and debris transfer bodies, including Dempsey Dumpsters, may sit on a B-3A Zone sidewalk or street only between 3:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., and may not occupy more than one-third of the street width. Each container must display the owner's name, address and phone number and be reflectorized for night safety (§ 435-90C, § 435-93B). Placement elsewhere, or outside those hours, requires a separate obstruction permit from the Director of Public Works (§ 435-92).
Violations & Fines
Violating this article is punishable by a fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to 90 days, community service up to 90 days, or a combination; each day of continuing violation is a separate offense (§ 435-98).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave a roll-off dumpster on the street overnight in Paterson?
Does a dumpster on the sidewalk need a permit outside B-3A zones?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
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