Howell, NJ Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)

The dumping rule in Howell Township is § 192-17, Dumping on vacant property prohibited, in Chapter 192, Littering. Subsection A forbids throwing, depositing, leaving or abandoning litter, refuse, rubbish or junk upon any open or vacant property or any other place within the Township, whether owned by the dumper or not. The chapter defines refuse as all putrescible and nonputrescible solid wastes except body wastes, including garbage, rubbish, ashes, street cleanings, dead animals, abandoned automobiles, and solid market and industrial wastes.

Evidence is built into the rule. Anything in the pile that identifies its source, such as envelopes or other items with a name or address, creates a rebuttable presumption that the named person owns the litter, refuse, rubbish or junk, and subsection B adds a rebuttable presumption that the person whose ownership is established did deposit it. Subsection C protects ordinary collection: placing appropriate receptacles of refuse or rubbish at or near the curb for pickup by a licensed scavenger is not a violation.

Sister sections close other routes. Section 192-6 bars throwing litter from a vehicle onto any street, public place or private property. Section 192-7 requires a truck or other vehicle to be constructed or loaded so no load, contents or litter is blown or deposited on a street, alley or public place. Section 192-9 bans litter or junk in any fountain, pond, pool, lake, stream or other body of water, and § 192-15 prohibits litter or junk on private property except inside a building, structure, container or receptacle in a way that keeps it from being carried by the elements and out of sight.

Cleanup runs through § 192-19. The Township Health Officer, Code Enforcement Officer or police officer can notify an owner by registered or certified mail to dispose of litter or junk that is dangerous to public health, safety or welfare. If the owner has not acted within 10 days after receipt or mailing, the Health Inspector and Code Enforcement Officer can pay for disposal or order it. Under § 192-20 the actual cost plus interest at 6% per annum goes on the owner's next regular tax bill. The Township Code Enforcement Office and Police Department enforce the chapter under § 192-21.