Passaic, NJ Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 179-4, Chapter 179 (Littering)
- Minimum first-offense fine
- $100
- Maximum penalty
- $1,000 + up to 90 days jail
- Covers
- road/right-of-way & private-property dumping
- Private-property exception
- written owner consent + designated site only
- Continuing violation
- each day = separate offense (§ 179-13)
Summary
Passaic bars dumping solid waste, junk, tires, appliances or furniture along any road or right-of-way, and bars dumping on private property without the owner's written consent, under § 179-4. A first offense runs at least $100, and penalties top out at $1,000 and 90 days in jail under § 179-15, with Police, Fire, Public Works, Community Development, Housing, Health and Building Code Enforcement all authorized to issue complaints.
No person shall discard or dump along any road or street on or off any right-of-way any household or commercial solid waste, rubbish, refuse, junk, vehicle or vehicle parts, rubber tires, appliances or furniture, nor shall any person discard or dump such items on private property except by written consent of the owner of said property and then only in conformity with existing laws of the State of New Jersey and ordinances of the City of Passaic and in a place specifically designated for the purpose of solid waste storage or disposal.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4978046; v41 updated 2026-07-01; through 07-01-2026).
Full Breakdown
§ 179-4, part of Chapter 179 (Littering), specifically targets illegal dumping rather than routine littering: it bars discarding or dumping household or commercial solid waste, rubbish, refuse, junk, vehicles or vehicle parts, rubber tires, appliances or furniture along any road or street, on or off any right-of-way. § 179-15B directs sentencing judges to escalate penalties toward that maximum for repeat and habitual violators.
Violations & Fines
A first offense under § 179-4 carries a minimum fine of $100, and § 179-15A caps penalties at $1,000 and 90 days in jail for any single offense. Each day a dumping violation continues after notice is a separate offense under § 179-13, and § 179-15B directs judges to impose the maximum fine on repeat or habitual violators.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dumping furniture or tires on a Passaic street illegal?
Can I dump waste on private property in Passaic if I own it?
What's the penalty for illegal dumping in Passaic?
Who can cite me for illegal dumping in Passaic?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Passaic
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Illegal Dumping in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Passaic County handle illegal dumping.