Waste Management 101: All About Waste Disposal in New Jersey

New Jersey Waste Management and Disposal Guide

Waste management plays a vital role in maintaining public health, environmental sustainability, and economic stability. Effective waste management systems help prevent the accumulation of garbage that lead to unsightly and unsanitary conditions in communities. When waste is not properly managed the trash becomes a breeding ground for pests and diseases and pose significant health risks to residents. 

In New Jersey, common waste management methods encompass landfilling, recycling initiatives, composting, Waste-to-Energy incineration, electronic waste recycling, hazardous waste disposal, tire recycling, bulk waste disposal, illegal dumping prevention programs, and dumpster rental services for waste management.

In New Jersey, dumpster rentals play a crucial role in waste management by providing convenient waste disposal, offering cost-effective solutions and presenting flexible sizing options. They facilitate recycling efforts, support construction projects and ensure efficient collection and transport of waste. Dumpster rentals help reduce illegal dumping, promote environmental compliance and save time for both residents and businesses.

The various types of waste generated in New Jersey include wastewater treatment sludge, recyclable materials, municipal solid waste, industrial waste, hazardous waste, electronic waste, medical waste, agricultural waste, organic waste, plastic waste, textile waste, metals, chemical waste, bulky waste, and ash.

This guide provides essential information on waste disposal in New Jersey and covers the regulations, disposal options and best practices to help you manage waste responsibly and effectively.

Table of Contents

What is Waste Management?

Waste management refers to the systematic administration of waste materials from their inception to their final disposal. It encompasses the collection, transportation, treatment, and disposal of waste, along with monitoring and regulatory measures. Effective waste management is crucial for environmental protection, public health, and sustainability, as it minimizes the adverse effects of waste on ecosystems and human well-being.

The processes involved in waste management include waste segregation, recycling, composting, and energy recovery. Waste segregation involves categorizing waste into organic, recyclable, and hazardous materials to facilitate proper treatment. Recycling converts waste products into new materials, reducing the need for raw resources and decreasing environmental pollution. Composting transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich soil amendments, while energy recovery harnesses energy from waste through methods like incineration and anaerobic digestion.

Implementing efficient waste management strategies contributes to resource conservation, pollution reduction, and the promotion of sustainable development. Governments and organizations play a vital role by enforcing regulations, promoting recycling programs, and raising public awareness about responsible waste disposal practices. Challenges such as increasing waste generation and limited landfill space underscore the need for innovative solutions and advanced technologies to ensure a healthier environment for future generations.

From a broader perspective, waste management intersects with climate change mitigation, resource recovery, and sustainable development goals. By encouraging responsible waste disposal and reduction, we can decrease carbon emissions, reduce pollution, and conserve vital resources.

What is the Waste Management System in New Jersey?

New Jersey’s waste management system involves regulated collection, transportation, recycling and disposal of solid waste. Waste management system emphasizes reducing landfill use through recycling, composting  and waste-to-energy programs and is overseen by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).

New Jersey’s waste management system also includes a strong focus on recycling with the state having one of the highest recycling rates in the U.S. Mandatory recycling programs were introduced in the late 1980s that require residents, businesses and institutions to recycle certain materials such as paper, cardboard, glass and metals. The system is supported by both curbside recycling services and designated drop-off centers depending on the municipality. The state runs public awareness campaigns to encourage proper waste sorting and promote sustainability practices among the citizens.

Waste-to-energy facilities play a significant role in New Jersey’s approach to reducing landfill use. The facilities convert non-recyclable waste into electricity that provides an alternative to traditional waste disposal methods while generating renewable energy. New Jersey is also proactive in managing hazardous waste with specific regulations for the safe disposal of materials like paints, chemicals and electronics. Through a combination of regulatory oversight community programs and technological solutions the state aims to minimize environmental impacts and promote more sustainable waste management practices.

What are the Most Common Waste Management Facilities in New Jersey?

The common waste management facilities in New Jersey include landfilling, recycling programs and composting, Waste-to-Energy incineration, electronic waste recycling, hazardous waste disposal, hazardous waste disposal, tire recycling, bulk waste disposal, illegal dumping prevention programs and dumpster rentals for waste management.

Here are the details of the most common waste management methods in New Jersey:

Landfilling 

Landfilling is one of the most common waste management methods in New Jersey and is used to handle non-recyclable and non-hazardous waste. Waste is transported to designated landfill sites where the trash is compacted and covered with layers of soil to minimize waste exposure to the environment. 

New Jersey currently has over 800 active and closed landfills. Utilization rates for the thirteen landfills range from 36% to 165% with a typical value around 120% and indicates that many landfills are operating beyond their intended capacity. New Jersey’s landfills are engineered with protective liners and drainage systems to prevent the contamination of groundwater and surrounding ecosystems. The landfill sites are regularly monitored to ensure they meet environmental regulations and safety standards. Despite landfilling’s widespread use the landfilling method presents challenges such as limited space and the potential for methane emissions, a potent greenhouse gas.

Recycling Programs

Recycling programs are a key component of waste management in New Jersey and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. The recycling programs encourage the collection and processing of materials like paper, glass, plastic and metal that are repurposed into new products. New Jersey municipalities provide curbside recycling services that are easy for residents to participate in. The state enforces mandatory recycling laws, requiring households and businesses to separate recyclable materials from their regular waste. Recycling helps conserve natural resources, reduce energy usage and lower greenhouse gas emissions and is an environmentally responsible alternative to traditional waste disposal. 

In 2017, New Jersey generated approximately 9.6 million tons of municipal solid waste, with about 3.85 million tons recycled. The state allocates funds to municipalities through the Recycling Enhancement Act, providing grants based on recycling performance. In total, local governments received $14.3 million in grants to enhance their recycling efforts as of 2016.

Composting

Composting is an increasingly popular waste management method in New Jersey, used to recycle organic waste like food scraps, yard clippings and biodegradable materials. Instead of sending organic matter to landfills, composting breaks the organic waste down naturally into nutrient-rich soil that is used for gardening, landscaping and agriculture. 

Many New Jersey municipalities offer community composting programs or drop-off sites that are accessible for residents to participate. Composting helps reduce methane emissions from landfills that is an environmental benefit since organic waste decomposes more effectively in a composting system. Composting also contributes to soil health by returning valuable nutrients to the earth to reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.

New Jersey has 14 commercial composting facilities and 2 public sector facilities (one municipal and one county). Over 200 municipal composting facilities operate across New Jersey, primarily focusing on leaf and yard waste. These programs are essential for meeting the state’s recycling targets, which aim for a 60% diversion rate from landfills. 

Waste-to-Energy (WTE) Incineration

Waste-to-Energy (WTE) incineration is a key waste management method in New Jersey, converting non-recyclable waste into electricity and heat. At WTE facilities waste is burned at high temperatures to reduce the waste volume while generating energy from the heat produced during combustion. The process helps reduce reliance on landfills and addresses the challenge of limited disposal space in the state. 

New Jersey has 5 WTE facilities. The facilities disposed of approximately 5,984,445 tons of solid waste in 2019 with WTE facilities handling about 2,103,972 tons that accounts for 35% of the total waste disposed of. WTE plants in New Jersey convert waste into energy, producing around 1,000 megawatts of electricity per year. This energy is enough to power approximately 800,000 homes.

New Jersey’s WTE plants are equipped with advanced emissions controls to minimize air pollution to ensure they meet environmental safety standards. The energy generated through WTE incineration is fed into the power grid and provides a renewable energy source for local communities. WTE reduces waste and contributes to the state’s sustainability goals by lowering greenhouse gas emissions and producing electricity from a previously untapped source. 

Electronic Waste Recycling (E-Waste)

Electronic waste recycling (e-waste) is a crucial waste management method in New Jersey, addressing the growing disposal needs for electronics like computers, phones and televisions. E-waste contains hazardous materials such as lead, mercury and cadmium that harm the environment if improperly discarded in landfills. New Jersey has established specialized recycling programs to safely collect, process and recycle electronic devices to ensure harmful components are properly managed. Residents drop off e-waste at designated collection points and some municipalities offer scheduled pick-up services. Recycling e-waste recovers valuable materials like metals and plastics to reduce the need for raw resource extraction. 

A United Nations report shows that e-waste has grown quickly, reaching 53.6 million metric tons in 2019, a 21% increase from 2015. It’s expected to reach almost 120 million metric tons by 2050, becoming a major global problem.

The New Jersey Electronic Waste Management Act, effective January 1, 2011, prohibits the disposal of certain electronics (like computers and televisions) in landfills. Instead, these items must be recycled at designated facilities.

Hazardous Waste Disposal

Hazardous waste disposal is a vital waste management method in New Jersey and aims at safely handling materials that pose environmental or health risks such as chemicals, batteries and pesticides. The state has designated hazardous waste collection centers where residents and businesses drop off the hazardous waste materials for proper disposal. Specialized treatment methods that include neutralization, incineration and containment, are used to ensure hazardous substances do not contaminate water, soil and air. New Jersey’s regulations, aligned with federal guidelines, strictly govern the transport, treatment and disposal of hazardous waste to prevent accidents and illegal dumping. Regular household hazardous waste collection events are held to make the process more accessible to residents.

New Jersey has the highest number of hazardous waste sites in the United States, totaling 115 as of early 2023. This is significantly more than California and Pennsylvania, which each have 90 sites.

New Jersey’s hazardous waste regulations are aligned with federal standards under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which mandates stringent compliance for hazardous waste management including proper identification, collection, treatment, and disposal.

Construction & Demolition Debris Management

Construction and demolition (C&D) debris management is an important waste disposal method in New Jersey, focused on handling materials generated from building projects such as concrete, wood, metal and drywall. Instead of sending all debris to landfills, the state promotes recycling and reuse to reduce environmental impact. Many materials such as metals and concrete, recovered and repurposed for new construction or road projects. New Jersey requires C&D debris to be sorted at the source or at specialized facilities to ensure recyclable materials are separated from waste. Recycling C&D debris conserves landfill space, reduces resource extraction and lowers carbon emissions associated with new material production.

Construction and demolition (C&D) waste accounts for approximately 10-30% of total waste generated globally with concrete being one of the largest components of this waste stream.

New Jersey has implemented regulations that encourage recycling and proper disposal practices for C&D waste. Municipalities are required to have plans in place for managing this type of waste effectively, which includes promoting recycling and reuse.

Scrap Metal Recycling

Scrap metal recycling is a widely adopted waste management method in New Jersey and reclaims valuable metals such as steel, aluminum, copper and brass. Instead of disposing of metal waste in landfills, scrap metal is collected and processed at recycling facilities where scrap is sorted, cleaned and melted down for reuse in manufacturing. Recycling scrap metal helps conserve natural resources as recycling scrap requires less energy and raw materials compared to producing new metals from virgin ore. 

New Jersey has numerous scrap metal yards and recycling centers that are easy for both individuals and businesses to participate in. The state promotes scrap metal recycling to reduce environmental impact and to support the local economy as the recycled metal industry creates jobs and contributes to manufacturing sectors. The scrap metal recycling industry in the U.S., including New Jersey, has seen an increase in employment, growing by an average of 4.7% from 2018 to 2023. In the U.S., the metal scrap recycling industry processes about 56 million tons of scrap iron and steel annually, along with significant quantities of other metals like copper and aluminum.

Tire Recycling

Tire recycling is a waste management method in New Jersey and aims at addressing the disposal challenges posed by used and discarded tires. Instead of allowing tires to pile up in landfills where they take up valuable space and become fire hazards, recycling programs repurpose tires into useful materials. Recycled tires are processed into crumb rubber that is used for playground surfaces, athletic track and rubberized asphalt for road construction. 

New Jersey supports tire recycling through drop-off locations and collection events where residents properly dispose of old tires. By recycling tires the state reduces environmental pollution as improperly discarded tires harbor pests or leach harmful chemicals into the soil and water. 

Approximately 8.4 million scrap tires are generated each year in New Jersey, based on the estimate of one scrap tire per person annually.

Nationally about 75% of end-of-life tires end up in landfills or illegal dumps that indicate a pressing need for improved recycling efforts.

Bulk Waste Disposal

Bulk waste disposal in New Jersey is a key method for handling large, oversized items like furniture, mattresses, appliances and other bulky materials that are not processed through regular curbside collection. Municipalities typically offer scheduled bulk waste pick-up services or designated drop-off days to accommodate residents needing to dispose of the large items. The system ensures that bulk waste is properly handled to reduce the risk of illegal dumping or landfill overflow. In many cases, recyclable components such as metal parts from appliances, are separated and processed to reduce environmental impact. For furniture and other reusable items some towns encourage donation or reuse before opting for disposal. Private companies such as Bin Drop Dumpster Rental also offer convenient bulk waste removal services for larger projects like home renovations. 

In 2018, the generation of major appliance waste was approximately 5.3 million tons, accounting for about 1.8% of total municipal solid waste (MSW) generated that year. This represents a steady increase in appliance waste over the years.

Illegal Dumping Prevention Programs

Illegal dumping prevention programs in New Jersey aim to combat the environmental and health issues associated with the improper disposal of waste. The illegal dumping prevention programs are implemented at both state and local levels, involving community outreach, education and stricter enforcement of dumping laws. Public awareness campaigns inform residents about the environmental impact of illegal dumping and promote proper waste disposal methods. Many municipalities provide convenient drop-off sites for hazardous and bulk waste and encourage residents to utilize the resources rather than resorting to illegal dumping. Surveillance measures such as cameras in known dumping hotspots, help identify violators and deter illegal activities.

Nearly 100 million tons of waste are illegally dumped globally each year, with the United States alone contributing approximately 1.5 million tons annually.

In New Jersey, illegal dumping regulations are strictly enforced with perpetrators facing fines of up to $50,000 and potential arrest. Vehicles used in the act are confiscated and forfeited to the state. The Department of Environmental Protection’s Compliance and Enforcement Division levy further penalties that potentially add another $50,000 per violation.

Bottle Return and Deposit Programs

Bottle return and deposit programs in New Jersey are designed to encourage recycling by offering monetary incentives for the return of beverage containers. Consumers pay a small deposit when purchasing a beverage that is refunded when the container is returned to designated collection sites. The method reduces litter, encourages recycling and helps recover valuable materials like aluminum, glass and plastic for reuse. Although New Jersey currently does not have a statewide bottle deposit law, the concept has been explored and debated as a potential way to improve recycling rates. 

States with a Deposit Return System (DRS) achieve an average beverage recycling rate of 60%, compared to only 24% in states without such systems. Proposed legislation for New Jersey suggests a deposit of 10 cents on various beverage containers, including those made from plastic, aluminum, and glass. This would cover beverages such as water, soft drinks, sports drinks, juice, beer, and wine coolers.

Dumpster Rentals for Waste Management

Dumpster rentals are a popular waste management method in New Jersey that provide a convenient solution for both residential and commercial waste disposal needs. Homeowners rent dumpsters for large cleanouts, renovations and landscaping projects to ensure that debris and waste are collected efficiently. Rental companies offer various sizes of dumpsters to accommodate different project scales and allow customers to choose one that best fits their requirements. The dumpster rental services include delivery, pick-up and disposal of the waste. Many dumpster rental providers, like Bin-Drop Dumpster Rental Services prioritize eco-friendly practices by sorting recyclable materials and ensuring that non-recyclable waste is disposed of properly that contributes to cleaner and more efficient waste management in New Jersey.

The average cost for renting a dumpster in New Jersey ranges from $400 to $750, depending on factors such as size, type of waste, and rental duration. For example, a 10-yard roll-off dumpster typically starts at $525.

Generally, no permit is required if the dumpster is placed on private property. However, permits are necessary for placement on public streets or in areas governed by homeowners’ associations (HOAs).

What Types of Waste are Produced in New Jersey?

The types of waste produced in New Jersey include wastewater treatment sludge, recyclable waste, municipal solid waste, industrial waste, hazardous waste, electronic waste , medical waste, agricultural waste organic waste, plastic waste, textile waste, metals, chemical waste, bulky waste and ash. 

Wastewater Treatment Sludge

Wastewater treatment sludge is a byproduct generated during the process of treating sewage and industrial wastewater in New Jersey. The sludge consists of organic and inorganic materials that includes bacteria, nutrients and other pollutants removed from the water during treatment. The sludge contains high levels of moisture and is necessary to undergo additional treatment processes to reduce the waste volume and make the method safe for disposal or beneficial reuse.

Various methods are employed to manage the sludge that includes thickening, digestion and dewatering that help stabilize the material and minimize the environmental impact. Treated sludge is repurposed as fertilizer or soil amendment and provides nutrients for agricultural and landscaping applications. Improper handling of wastewater sludge leads to the release of harmful pathogens and toxic chemicals into the environment and contaminates water sources and soil. The irresponsible handling also results in public health risks and ecological damage.

In 2018, New Jersey’s 237 wastewater resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) processing more than 20,000 gallons per day generated approximately 155,100 dry metric tons of sludge.

Recyclable Waste

Recyclable waste consists of materials that are reprocessed and reused that reduce the overall volume of waste sent to landfills. Common types of recyclable waste include paper, cardboard, glass, aluminum and certain plastics that are collected through curbside recycling programs or designated drop-off locations.

New Jersey state’s recycling initiatives aim to conserve resources and decrease energy consumption and minimize environmental pollution. The municipal waste stream recycling rate was reported at 40% in New Jersey, while the total waste stream recycling rate reached 60% and is one of the highest recovery rates in the U.S. Municipalities often provide clear guidelines on what materials are recycled to avoid contamination that hinder the recycling process.

When not properly managed recyclable materials end up in landfills, increase waste and cause the loss of valuable resources that are reused. Improper handling also exacerbates pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. 

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)

Municipal solid waste (MSW) refers to the everyday waste generated by households, businesses and institutions within urban and suburban areas. MSW includes a wide range of materials such as food scraps, packaging, furniture, textiles and yard waste that is a contributor to the state’s overall waste stream.

New Jersey residents disposed of approximately 3.7 pounds of solid waste and recycled about 2.2 pounds per person per day in 2021. New Jersey municipalities are responsible for collecting and managing MSW and utilize curbside pickup services to ensure proper disposal. The state has implemented various waste management strategies that include recycling programs and composting initiatives to minimize the volume of MSW sent to landfills. Waste-to-energy facilities are also employed to convert a portion of MSW into electricity and help to reduce reliance on landfills.

Mismanagement of MSW results in air and water pollution, attracting pests and releases harmful gases like methane. Improper handling also strains landfill capacity and accelerates environmental degradation. 

Industrial Waste

Industrial waste is generated by manufacturing processes, chemical production and other industrial activities and encompasses a wide range of materials that are hazardous or non-hazardous. The industrial waste includes byproducts from factories, construction debris and waste from power plants that may contain heavy metals, chemicals and other pollutants.

In 2021, New Jersey generated 22,116,562 tons of total solid waste that includes both municipal and industrial sources. New Jersey state regulates the management and disposal of industrial waste through strict environmental laws to minimize the impact on public health and the environment. Companies are required to implement waste reduction strategies and adhere to proper disposal methods that include recycling and treatment to ensure safe handling of hazardous materials.

Improper disposal of industrial waste contaminates soil, water and air with hazardous chemicals. The mishandling of industrial waste poses severe health risks to local communities and wildlife. 

Hazardous Waste

Hazardous waste refers to materials that pose a risk to human health and the environment due to their chemical properties. The hazardous waste include solvents, heavy metals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals and various industrial byproducts that are toxic, flammable, corrosive and reactive.

The New Jersey state has strict regulations governing the identification, handling, transportation and disposal of hazardous waste to prevent contamination and protect public health. Facilities that generate hazardous waste are required to follow specific guidelines that include proper labeling and storage to ensure safe management.

The United States handles around 35 million tons of hazardous materials annually. New Jersey has the highest number of hazardous waste sites in the country. New Jersey has established hazardous waste treatment, storage and disposal facilities (TSDFs) to process the hazardous waste materials in a controlled and environmentally responsible manner.

Mishandling hazardous waste causes toxic substances to leach into the environment that threaten human health and ecosystems. Improper handling also leads to long-term contamination of land and water sources. 

Construction and Demolition Debris (C&D Waste)

Construction and demolition debris (C&D waste) is generated from various activities related to the construction, renovation and demolition of buildings and infrastructure. The construction and demolition waste typically includes materials such as concrete, wood, metals, bricks, drywall, roofing and insulation. Due to the volume of C&D waste produced, proper management is essential to minimize environmental impacts and promote recycling efforts.

In the U.S., construction, renovation and demolition (C&D) projects contribute approximately 35% of the country’s total solid waste volume. While around 75% of C&D waste is recovered or recycled that totals 145 million tons per year, still ends up in landfills, creating an ongoing issue.

New Jersey has implemented regulations that require contractors and builders to separate and recycle certain C&D materials to reduce the amount sent to landfills. Many recycling facilities in the state specialize in processing C&D debris and converting the trash into reusable materials for future construction projects.

Improper disposal of C&D waste clog landfills, release pollutants into the air and water and increase energy consumption by not recycling materials like concrete and metals. 

Electronic Waste (E-Waste)

Electronic waste (e-waste) consists of discarded electrical and electronic devices such as computers, televisions, smartphones and household appliances. As technology advances rapidly the volume of e-waste generated continues to rise and pose significant environmental and health risks due to the presence of hazardous materials like lead, mercury and cadmium.

Estimates suggest that discarded electronics contribute to 40% of the heavy metals found in U.S. landfills and only 15% of e-waste was recycled in 2019.

New Jersey has enacted laws requiring residents and businesses to recycle e-waste rather than dispose of it in landfills, promoting responsible recycling practices. Certified e-waste recycling facilities in the state ensure that harmful substances are handled safely and that reusable components are recovered. Mismanaged e-waste releases toxic metals like lead and mercury into the environment and harms ecosystems and human health.

Improper handling of E-waste also contributes to resource depletion as valuable materials are not recovered. 

Medical Waste

Medical waste refers to any waste generated in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, clinics, laboratories and long-term care facilities that poses a potential risk to public health or the environment. The type of waste includes items such as sharps (needles and scalpels), contaminated materials (like bandages and gloves)and pathological waste (human tissues and organs). Due to the infectious nature of many medical waste components, strict regulations govern the handling, storage, transport and disposal to prevent contamination and protect healthcare workers and the public.

Around 20,000 generators such as hospitals, clinics and other healthcare facilities produce approximately 89,000 tons of regulated medical waste (RMW) annually in New Jersey.