Freehold, NJ Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)

Recycling in Monmouth County is mandatory for all residents under NJ law. The NJ Statewide Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act (N.J.S.A. 13:1E-99.11) requires separation of designated recyclables from trash. Accepted materials across Monmouth municipalities typically include: paper (newspaper, office paper, magazines), corrugated cardboard (flattened), glass bottles and jars (rinsed), aluminum and steel cans, and plastic bottles/containers #1 PET and #2 HDPE. Some Monmouth towns accept plastics #3 through #5; most do NOT accept plastic bags, film, styrofoam, or food-contaminated items. Plastic bags must be returned to grocery store bins, not curbside. Yard waste (leaves, grass) has separate seasonal collection in most Monmouth towns, especially fall leaf collection. Food scrap composting is emerging but not yet mandatory countywide. Multi-family buildings over 4 units and commercial entities must provide recycling under N.J.S.A. 13:1E-99.13. Monmouth County Department of Public Works and Engineering oversees county-level recycling coordination.