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

Section 22-2.3 establishes 'a program for the mandatory separation of solid waste consisting of steel cans, plastic containers, mixed paper, textiles, brush, corrugated cardboard from residential, office and commercial sources, newspapers, aluminum cans, glass containers, leaves, motor oil and high grade office paper from commercial sources.' Section 22-2.4 spells out how residents must set materials at the curb: newspaper and cardboard in tied bundles no taller than 12 inches, mixed paper in the designated mixed paper container, and glass, aluminum, plastic and steel containers commingled in a commingled container, while multi-family buildings with five or more units, schools and public buildings deposit recyclables in owner-provided on-site containers when directed by the Recycling Coordinator.

Additional mandatory source-separated items under Section 22-2.4e include masonry and paving debris, rechargeable batteries, tires and white goods for all generators, plus electronics, fluorescent bulbs, plastic film (for warehouses, retailers and supermarkets with 25 or more employees) and unfinished wood scrap for commercial, industrial and institutional generators. Section 22-2.6 makes it a violation for anyone unauthorized by the Township to collect recyclables set out for pickup. Section 22-2.7 sets the penalty: a first-offense notice of violation for failing to separate materials, escalating to a warning and then municipal court exposure of up to $500 or 30 days in jail per subsequent offense, while illegal unauthorized collection itself is punishable by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000, or up to 90 days imprisonment, per day of violation.