Perth Amboy, NJ Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

Article II of Chapter 243 of the Perth Amboy City Code prohibits placing a dumpster or construction container on a sidewalk, street or highway by anyone other than City agents or employees unless every condition in § 243-15 is met. It must carry yellow reflective diamond-shaped panels at least 18 inches by 18 inches, mounted at both ends facing oncoming traffic, at least three feet from the bottom of the panel to the roadway. It cannot have a defect that creates a hazard, must stay covered with a hinged lid at all times except fill times, must be conspicuously marked with the owner's name and address, and cannot create offensive odors or a health hazard. The Department of Code Enforcement must specifically approve the location, which cannot block vehicular or pedestrian traffic. A loaded dumpster cannot be moved onto anything other than construction property or a City street.

The application under § 243-16 lists the applicant and any lessor, a description or diagram of the location, the manufacturer and capacity, the reflectors, the circumstance requiring the container, and the length of time, not exceeding 30 days. Under § 243-17, Code Enforcement issues the permit if the applicant has a reasonable need, after consulting the Police Director on traffic and safety, and no permit issues until the fee is paid. Section 243-18 sets no fee for garbage disposal dumpsters and $100 per week for construction dumpsters.

Insurance under § 243-19 must name the applicant and the City, with limits of at least $100,000/$300,000 for bodily injury and $50,000 for property damage, and 30 days' notice of cancellation to the Construction Official. A permit runs no longer than 30 days, with one additional thirty-day renewal for good cause under § 243-20. Section 243-22 bars placing materials, structures, shrubs or fences within 10 feet of a fire hydrant.