Bloomfield, NJ Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)

Section 491-7 of the Bloomfield Township Code tells residents of the Township of Bloomfield, Essex County, how to prepare each recyclable. Commingled and mixed paper and leaves are kept separate from regular refuse, which is collected separately. Newspapers are bundled separately, not in paper or plastic bags, and tied securely in bundles not exceeding 30 pounds. Mixed paper goes in brown paper bags or a container and is put out with the newspapers. Residents can still wrap solid waste in newspaper and discard it with regular trash, even if the wrapping makes that newspaper unusable for recycling.

Leaves are placed in biodegradable bags only, along the curbside of the street, and the section names the periods of April 1 through May 15 and October 1 through December 31 of each year. Grass clippings, brush, branches and other vegetative matter cannot be placed loose or in piles on sidewalks, gutters or streets. They are separated from other matter and placed in biodegradable bags weighing no more than 50 pounds or tied in bundles no longer than four feet and no heavier than 50 pounds. Landscapers must follow the same requirements.

Electronics are kept separate from regular refuse and taken to the Department of Public Works and Park Maintenance garage. Metal items are kept separate, and residents call Public Works for a scheduled pickup. Used motor oil and lead acid batteries are kept separate and taken to the county household hazardous waste days (§ 491-7(F) and (G)). Section 491-8 limits curbside collection to the Township and its authorized collectors: a person unauthorized by the Township cannot collect or pick up recyclables, and each collection from one or more residences is a separate offense. Section 491-7 was last amended 3-16-2009 by Ord. No. 09-22.