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

Section 248-13A lists the 14 categories every resident must recycle: acceptable paper, glass containers, aluminum containers, plastic containers, tin-plate steel containers, bimetal containers, tires, vehicle batteries, white goods, leaves, grass, used motor oil, ferrous automotive scrap and batteries. Residents must separate acceptable paper, glass, aluminum, plastic, tin-plate steel and bimetal containers on the designated recycling collection days or in provided containers, and private contractors servicing multifamily complexes must collect the same materials as the Improvement Authority (§ 248-13B). Tires, vehicle batteries, white goods, leaves, grass, used motor oil, ferrous automotive scrap and batteries must be recycled in the manner the Department of Public Works prescribes, and the Recycling Coordinator must advise residents at least every six months how to do it (§ 248-13C).

In multifamily complexes, the landlord, building owner, property manager or private association is jointly responsible for ensuring recycling collection service is provided and that enough space exists to store recyclables, and for informing residents at least annually of the manner, time and place of collection (§ 248-13D, E). Residents may donate or sell designated recyclables to anyone, but the recipient cannot perform curbside collection of them unless the Mercer County Improvement Authority has authorized it to do so (§ 248-13F).