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

Article II of the Solid Waste chapter implements the county recycling plan required by the state Recycling Act, N.J.S.A. 13:1E-213 et seq. (§ 420-7), and § 420-9.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. Section 420-9.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.

Household batteries go out with curbside recycling while auto batteries must go to a Township drop-off location (§ 420-9.F). Once recyclables reach the curb they become the property of the Mercer County Improvement Authority under § 420-9.D, and only a registered private recycler may pick them up instead of the county program (§ 420-9.E). Landlords and property managers running multifamily complexes must arrange their own recycling collection, provide adequate storage space, and notify residents at least annually of pickup manner, time and place (§ 420-9.G).

Violations of the recycling plan carry the penalties set out in § 420-14: a first-time warning, then a halt in garbage pickup from a noncompliant household, then a fine of up to $500 per day of continuing violation, assessed under N.J.S.A. 13:1E-9.