Stafford Township, NJ Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

Chapter 102, adopted 12-18-2007 by Ord. No. 2007-118, defines a DUMPSTER as a device or container used or intended to be used for the storage of bulky waste, construction debris, refuse or similar materials, which covers a roll-off box. Section 102-2 makes it a violation for any person to place, or to have another person place, one or more dumpsters, construction materials or portable storage facilities upon any public street or within any public right-of-way. The text reaches the person who orders the container as well as the one who sets it down. Construction materials include loads of stone or pavers or any other materials used in general construction, including items on skids or pallets, and a portable storage facility is a portable container used to store personal property. Chapter 102 prints no permit process for street placement. If a dumpster in the street is deemed a safety issue of an emergent nature by the Chief of Police and the Township Administrator, the Township can remove it or arrange to have it removed (§ 102-3C).

On private property, dumpsters fall under § 130-62.1. The person who controls a refuse container or dumpster must keep it covered at all times, prevent refuse from spilling out or overflowing, and prevent leaking of liquids, semiliquids or solids into the municipal separate storm sewer system. Exceptions include permitted temporary demolition containers, litter receptacles, individual homeowner trash and recycling containers and large bulky items placed curbside for pickup. The Township Police Department and other municipal officials enforce § 130-62.1.

For site plans, § 130-62C requires refuse storage areas to be surrounded by a uniform solid fence or masonry wall not less than five feet nor more than eight feet in height, with dense shrubs or trees planted around the enclosure. No refuse enclosure can sit in a front yard or in any area of a site that fronts on any street. Section 130-62F requires commercial establishments to provide for private garbage collection, because the Township provides no municipal garbage collection to them.