Jersey City, NJ Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Curb placement window
- 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. night before
- Removal deadline
- 10:00 a.m. after collection
- Container maintenance
- Must meet city Health Code, § 287-43(B)
- Multi-family duty
- Management issues rules to tenants every 6 months
- Governing section
- § 287-43
Summary
Recycling receptacles in Jersey City go out between the curb and sidewalk from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. the night before collection and must be pulled back by 10:00 a.m. after pickup under § 287-43. Containers must stay clean and safe to handle, per the city's Health Code.
A.All receptacles containing recyclable materials shall be placed, prior to collection, between the curb and the sidewalk, or in the absence of curb and sidewalk, as near to the street as not to constitute a danger, where such receptacles shall be readily accessible to the collector without providing obstruction to pedestrians. The owner or occupant of the premises shall keep all receptacles clean and in safe handling condition. Receptacles or other items to be disposed of shall be placed as noted above anytime after 7:00 p.m. of the day immediately preceding the day of collection, but no later than 10:00 p.m. of the day immediately preceding the day of collection. After collection, any containers shall be removed from the curbside by no later than 10:00 a.m. next.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 52).
Full Breakdown
§ 287-43 of the Jersey City Code, "Collection of recyclable materials," sets the mechanics for how curbside recycling actually reaches the collector, a distinct provision from the mandatory-separation requirement in § 287-42. Receptacles containing recyclable materials must be placed between the curb and the sidewalk, or, where there's no curb and sidewalk, as near the street as is safe, positioned so the collector can reach them without blocking pedestrians. the following morning after collection. § 287-45 imposes parallel duties on commercial, institutional and industrial properties, including annual reporting to the municipal recycling coordinator and, for food service establishments, a separate requirement to recycle cooking grease and keep records for inspection.
Violations & Fines
Setting recycling out earlier than 7:00 p.m. the night before or leaving containers at the curb past 10:00 a.m. after collection violates § 287-43, and unmaintained or unsanitary receptacles violate the cross-referenced Health Code. Violations are enforced under § 287-48 by the Division of Quality of Life and Hudson Regional Health Commission and penalized under § 287-49 per Chapter 1, § 1-25.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time can I put recycling out in Jersey City?
Who is responsible for setting up recycling at an apartment building?
Do commercial buildings have separate recycling duties in Jersey City?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jersey City
Compare Jersey City 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.