Passaic, NJ Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Separation mandate
- All residential, commercial, institutional properties
- First violation fine
- $100-$250
- Third+ violation
- $750-$1,000 + up to 90 days jail
- Free tire pickup
- 4 per year, 12-17 inch passenger tires
- Extra tire fee
- $2 (up to 17 in.), $4 (larger)
- Curbside set-out window
- 6:00 p.m. night before to 7:00 a.m.
Summary
Chapter 230 makes source-separation of recyclables mandatory for every residential, commercial, and institutional property in Passaic under § 230-2. Fines start at $100-$250 for a first violation and climb to $750-$1,000 plus up to 90 days in county jail for a third or later offense.
§ 230-2. Separation of recyclables required. A. On or after the date of final approval of this chapter, it shall be mandatory for all residential, commercial and institutional inhabitants of the City of Passaic to source-separate designated materials from all other solid waste for recycling. B. Residential developments (single- and multifamily) shall be responsible for establishing and maintaining recycling programs for the collection of designated recyclable materials listed in § 230-1, Definitions, and § 230-3, Program responsibilities and descriptions, herein. These materials are to be stored for collection by the municipality or a private recycling vendor or deposited at the municipal recycling depot, if applicable.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4978046; v41 updated 2026-07-01; through 07-01-2026).
Full Breakdown
Section 230-2A makes source-separation mandatory citywide: all residential, commercial and institutional inhabitants must separate designated recyclable materials from other solid waste. Residential developments must establish and maintain their own collection programs for materials such as cardboard, high-grade and mixed paper, newspaper, glass, plastic containers, and cans, storing them for municipal, private-vendor, or depot collection, with tonnage documentation required if not municipally serviced. on collection day. Tires get curbside pickup too, four per year free per residence or business (12- to 17-inch passenger tires only, rims must be removed), with a $2-per-tire fee (up to 17 inches) or $4 (larger) for extra tires, collected by the Municipal Utilities Authority.
on collection day. Section 230-7 makes it a violation for anyone unauthorized by the City to pick up recyclables left at the curb, since they remain city property or that of its authorized agent. Enforcement under § 230-8 runs through the Police Department, the Municipal Recycling Coordinator (via the Municipal Utilities Authority), the Health Department, Public Works, or any citizen, with random inspections at least once per month per collection route.
Violations & Fines
Under § 230-9, a first violation of the recycling chapter carries a fine of $100 to $250; a second violation, $250 to $750; and a third or subsequent violation, $750 up to $1,000 plus up to 90 days in the county jail, with each occurrence a separate offense. Unauthorized removal of recyclables set out at curbside is separately punishable by a fine of $100 to $1,000 or up to 90 days in jail under § 230-9B, and combining recyclables with regular solid waste is a prohibited act under § 230-11A.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is recycling mandatory for Passaic residents?
What is the fine for not recycling properly in Passaic?
Can I take recyclables someone else set out at the curb in Passaic?
How many tires can a Passaic resident recycle for free?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Passaic
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Recycling Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Passaic County handle recycling rules.