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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Mandatory materials
glass, metal, plastic, paper, tires, batteries
Curb recyclables become
property of the County
Multifamily obligation
landlord must arrange own service
First violation
warning only
Repeat violation fine
up to $500/day
Enforced by
Township, County, NJDEP

Summary

Hamilton requires every resident in a designated recycling area to separate glass, metal and plastic containers, mixed paper and cardboard, tires, white goods, batteries, used motor oil, ferrous scrap and yard waste from household trash and set it out on the Township's designated recycling days.

A. Duties of residents. On and after the official commencement date of the County recycling system within the Township, each person residing in areas designated for recycling collection shall separate for curbside collection on designated collection days and such additional days as may be designated by the County Improvement Authority those materials designated in the county recycling plan, as listed in this section, and shall do so in the manner as set forth in this article. B. Recyclable materials; collection. (1) All residents shall recycle or cause to be recycled, at a minimum, the following categories of recyclables: (a) Acceptable glass containers. (b) Acceptable metal containers. (c) Acceptable plastic containers. (d) Acceptable mixed paper. (e) Tires. (f) White goods. (g) Leaves. (h) Batteries. (i) Used motor oil. (j) Ferrous automotive scrap. (k) Grass clippings. (l) Corrugated cardboard.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4984352; v35 updated 2026-06-16; through 06-16-2026).

Full Breakdown

A. A obligates every resident of an area designated for recycling collection to source-separate the materials on the county's list on the Township's designated collection days. B(1) spells out the minimum categories residents must recycle: acceptable glass, metal and plastic containers, mixed paper, tires, white goods, leaves, batteries, used motor oil, ferrous automotive scrap, grass clippings and corrugated cardboard. F). E). G). A. 13:1E-9.

Violations & Fines

A resident found violating the recycling plan gets a warning on the first offense under § 420-14.A; after that the Township can stop collecting garbage that still contains recyclables from that address, and can assess a fine of up to $500 per day of violation under N.J.S.A. 13:1E-9. The rule is enforced individually by the Township, the Mercer County Improvement Authority and the state Department of Environmental Protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials must I recycle in Hamilton Township NJ?
Section 420-9.B(1) requires residents to separate glass, metal and plastic containers, mixed paper and corrugated cardboard, tires, white goods, leaves, grass clippings, batteries, used motor oil and ferrous automotive scrap for curbside collection on the Township's designated recycling days.
Who owns my recycling once I put it at the curb?
Under § 420-9.D, recyclable materials placed at the curb or streetside of a residential unit become the sole property of the Mercer County Improvement Authority the moment they are set out, treated as the resident's contribution to the county recycling system.
What happens if I don't separate my recycling?
Section 420-14.A gives a first-time warning, then can stop garbage collection from that household until recyclables are separated, and layers on a fine of up to $500 per day of continuing violation under N.J.S.A. 13:1E-9, enforced by the Township, County Improvement Authority and the state DEP.
Do apartment buildings have to provide recycling in Hamilton?
Yes. Section 420-9.G makes landlords, building owners, property managers or associations responsible for arranging recycling collection service and adequate storage space for multifamily complexes, and for telling residents at least once a year how, when and where recyclables are collected.

Sources & Official References

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