Elizabeth, NJ Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 8.36.020(A)
- Materials covered
- 23 residential recyclable categories
- Curbside items
- §8.36.050: cans, glass, paper, plastics, grass, brush
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine plus 90 days jail
- Multi-family requirement
- Marked recycling area, 4+ units (§8.36.080)
- Enforcement
- Public works, police, health dept, county agencies
Summary
Elizabeth runs a mandatory residential recycling program: City Code § 8.36.020(A) requires owners and occupants to separate twenty-three categories of clean, uncontaminated recyclables, from cans and glass to grass, tires, and electronics, from their household trash. Mixing recyclables into solid waste violates § 8.36.055.
A.Residential Separations and Collection Program Established. There is established a program for the mandatory separation and collection of the following clean and uncontaminated recyclable materials from residential solid waste by the owners or occupants of premises within the city:1.Aluminum cans;2.Ferrous cans;3.Pourable glass containers;4.Plastic; all pourable #1 and #2 beverage and laundry detergent containers;5.Newspapers;6.Corrugated cardboard;7.Mixed paper;8.Grass;9.Leaves;10.Vegetative waste;11.Roofing materials;12.Used motor oil;13.Antifreeze;14.Vehicle batteries;15.Consumer batteries;16.White goods;17.Other heavy irons;18.Construction and demolition materials;19.Tires;20.Cinder block, stone, concrete and brick;21.Motor oil filter;22.Wood; and23.Electronics (electronic devices such as TV's, monitors, computers, VCR's and desktop fax machines).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31).
Full Breakdown
020(A) establishes Elizabeth's mandatory residential recycling program, requiring owners and occupants citywide to separate twenty-three categories of clean and uncontaminated recyclable materials, including aluminum and ferrous cans, glass, PET and HDPE plastics, newspaper, corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, yard waste, tires, white goods, vehicle and consumer batteries, construction debris, and electronics, from their regular household trash. 040. 055 makes it unlawful for solid waste collectors to pick up trash mixed with recyclables, or to remove bags carrying a warning sticker flagging recyclable content. 060 makes them city property, and it is a violation for anyone besides city-authorized personnel or the contributing resident to collect them, with each unauthorized collection from a residence a separate offense. 080. 130.
Violations & Fines
Failing to separate the mandatory materials, or mixing recyclables into solid waste, is punishable under § 8.36.110 by a fine up to one thousand dollars and imprisonment up to ninety days upon conviction. Removing recyclables placed at the curb without authorization is a separate offense under § 8.36.060 for each residence affected, and solid waste haulers who pick up mixed loads violate § 8.36.055.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is recycling mandatory in Elizabeth?
What happens if I mix recyclables in with my trash?
Can I take my own recyclables to a scrap dealer instead of the curb?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Elizabeth
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