Paterson, NJ Trash & Recycling: Recycling Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Materials
- 12+ categories incl. paper, glass, metal
- Plan required
- Buildings over 4 dwelling units
- Plan updates
- Every three years
- 3rd violation
- City may halt trash service
Summary
Paterson designates newspaper, glass, cans, plastics, cardboard, scrap metal, tires, oil and yard waste as required recyclables, and buildings over four units must file a written recycling plan.
Residential: newspaper, glass, food and beverage containers, aluminum beverage containers, tin and bimetal cans, plastic containers, corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, white goods, ferrous and nonferrous scrap metals, construction and demolition debris, tires, used motor oil, automotive batteries, leaves, brush and grass.
B. Commercial: newspaper, glass, food and beverage containers, aluminum beverage containers, tin and bimetal cans, high-grade paper, mixed paper, corrugated cardboard, plastic containers, ferrous and nonferrous scrap, construction and demolition debris, tires, used motor oil, automotive batteries, leaves, brush and grass. Restaurants and taverns shall include all of the above items and food waste.
C. Institutional: newspaper, glass, food and beverage containers, aluminum beverage containers, tin and bimetal cans, high-grade paper, mixed paper, corrugated cardboard, plastic containers and film, ferrous and nonferrous scrap metal, construction and demolition debris, tires, used motor oil, automotive batteries, leaves, brush and grass.
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 427-19 lists what every Paterson household, business and institution must separate out for recycling: newspaper, glass, food and beverage containers, aluminum cans, tin and bimetal cans, plastic containers, corrugated cardboard, mixed paper, white goods, scrap metal, construction debris, tires, used motor oil, automotive batteries, leaves, brush and grass. It isn't optional, §427-20 requires any owner, landlord or association responsible for more than four dwelling units, plus designated commercial and institutional properties, to file a written recycling plan with the Recycling Coordinator and update it every three years. Once materials are set out for pickup, §427-22 makes them City property, and unauthorized scavenging is itself a violation.
Violations & Fines
Skipping the recycling plan or mandatory separation draws up to a $2,000 fine, 90 days, or community service; after three violations the City can halt regular trash pickup entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Paterson required to recycle?
Do landlords need a formal recycling plan?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
Compare Paterson to another location·View the New Jersey trash & recycling overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.