Paterson, NJ Trash & Recycling: Illegal Dumping (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited act
- Depositing litter on vacant private lots
- Cleanup order
- 10 days to remove after notice
- Max penalty
- $2,000 fine, 90 days jail/service
- City cleanup
- Cost becomes a lien on property
Summary
Paterson prohibits dumping litter, debris or refuse on any open or vacant private property, occupied or not, with violators facing fines up to $2,000 and up to 90 days in jail.
No person shall throw or deposit litter on any open or vacant private property whether owned by such person or not.
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
Section 313-14 of the Litter chapter makes it unlawful to 'throw or deposit litter on any open or vacant private property whether owned by such person or not': reaching both a dumper's own vacant lot and someone else's. If the litter isn't cleared, § 313-15 lets the Director of Public Works order the owner to remove it within 10 days and, on noncompliance, have the city clean it up and place the cost as a lien on the property. Violations of the chapter, including § 313-14, are punishable under § 313-18 by a fine up to $2,000, up to 90 days' imprisonment or 90 days' community service, with each day a separate offense.
Violations & Fines
Illegal dumping on a vacant or open lot under § 313-14 carries a fine up to $2,000, imprisonment up to 90 days or 90 days of community service under § 313-18, with each day of uncleared litter a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dumping trash on my own vacant lot in Paterson illegal?
What happens if a property owner doesn't clean up dumped debris?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
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