Paterson, NJ Trash & Recycling: Recycling Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Newspaper bundles
- Max 50 lbs, tied or bagged
- Glass/metal containers
- Max 35 gallons, rinsed clean
- Earliest set-out
- 6:00 p.m. night before pickup
- Non-compliant waste
- Must be removed within 12 hours
Summary
Paterson requires leaves and grass bagged in intact clear or biodegradable bags, newspaper bundles under 50 pounds, and rinsed glass or metal set out no earlier than 6 p.m. the night before pickup.
Leaves, grass clippings and minimal brush placed at curbside shall be contained in either clear plastic or biodegradable bags. The bags shall be intact and not torn by their contents.
(b) Bulky brush and tree limbs placed at curbside shall be cut and tied. Each separate tied unit for collection shall not exceed 50 pounds.
(2) Newspapers.
(a) Newspaper shall be tied securely in bundles with twine, rope, cord or such other binding or shall be securely placed in paper bags or boxes to facilitate handling and ensure that bundles will not be windblown or distributed onto the public streets. A bundle shall not exceed 50 pounds.
(b) Bundles may not be placed in plastic bags.
(c) Bundles shall be placed at curbside for collection not earlier than 6:00 p.m. on the day preceding those days designated for collection in accordance with applicable regulations.
(3) Glass and metal containers.
(a) Glass and metal containers shall be rinsed clean of all residue. Glass containers will have all caps and rings removed therefrom. Metal containers will have all paper and/or plastic labels removed.
(b) Glass and metal containers shall be placed in a container of not more than thirty-five-gallon capacity. Glass may not be broken for the purpose of filling any container, but accidentally broken glass will be accepted.
(c)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Section 427-21 spells out how residents prep each recyclable stream for curbside pickup. Leaves and grass go in intact clear plastic or biodegradable bags; bulky brush and tree limbs get cut, tied, and kept under 50 pounds per bundle. Newspapers are tied with twine or bagged, never in plastic, and a bundle can't top 50 pounds. Glass and metal containers must be rinsed clean of residue, with caps, rings and labels removed, then placed in containers no larger than 35 gallons. None of it can go to the curb before 6:00 p.m. the evening before the scheduled collection day, matching the general placement rule for regular trash.
Violations & Fines
Recyclables set out wrong get marked non-compliant; you must pull them off the street within 12 hours, and general violations carry up to a $2,000 fine or 90 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I bag leaves and grass for Paterson recycling?
Can I bundle old newspapers in plastic bags?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
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