Dumpsters Do’s and Don’ts: Your Guide to Responsible Junk Removal in New Jersey

Don’t get caught off guard by NJ’s specific dumpster rules! It’s every state resident’s responsibility to learn how to differentiate between dumping items to avoid being fined. Strict rules apply regarding illegal dumping because the environmental damage created from improper disposal is a harrowing issue that threatens the local environment, animals, and people.

Ultimately, proper disposal practices come down to nitty-gritty details. If you’re a business or a homeowner getting rid of many items, New Jersey’s garbage removal services won’t accept many of your discarded items. Therefore, dumpster rentals are a great solution for people getting rid of lots of junk at a time.

In this article, we’ll cover the convenience and challenges of dumpster rentals and go over New Jersey’s specific waste management regulations.

Commonly Accepted Dumpster Items

If you’re moving, decluttering, renovating, or constructing, the once-a-day garbage services that towns offer won’t cut it. General rules of thumb are that garbage cans cannot exceed 32 gallons, while plastic bags outside of a container may not exceed 50 lbs.

As such, dumpster rentals allow you more space and time and are less strict with what you can dump. Items that you can dump while moving or decluttering with a dumpster rental include the following:

• Household trash (non-hazardous materials)
• Wooden furniture
• Household appliances (except bigger ones like refrigerators and washing machines)
• Yard waste
• Dirt
• Some electronics (e-waste in small amounts, read rules and regulations)
• Demolition debris

Items that Should Never Go in a Dumpster

• Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, batteries, etc.)
• Electronics (computers, TVs, etc.) – due to e-waste regulations
• Medical waste
• Tires – often have specific disposal requirements
• Large appliances with Freon (refrigerators, AC units)
• Propane tanks
• Other items prohibited by local regulations (check with your municipality)
• Aerosol cans (unless they’re empty)

What Size Dumpster Do You Need?

Common sizes include:

• 10-yard dumpsters for small projects
• 20-yard dumpsters for renovations or yard/construction debris
• 30-yard dumpsters for whole house cleanouts or big yard/construction projects
• 40-yard dumpsters for excessively bulky waste

Most people underestimate the size of the dumpster they need for their project or event. We recommend talking with a dumpster rental company before selecting the size.

NJ Local Regulations for Dumpster Use

Permits and Placement

Dumpster rentals parked on personal property, like your driveway, don’t require permits. Public property, such as sidewalks and streets, is another matter. If you plan to rent a dumpster on public property, you’ll need a permit.

The procedure to apply is simple. Call the city public works department at 201-547-5000 to have your permit approved. If you live in a residential area governed by a Homeowner Association (HOA), you may need permission from the HOA.

Once the permit is approved, you can call 1-800-JUNK-GONE at 1-800-586-5466 to determine where the most convenient placement of the dumpster is.

Weight Limits

Landfills are cautious of accepting loads from overweight dumpsters because too many heavy materials can damage the equipment used in landfills. Restrictions on maximum dumpster weight also serve to prevent damage to roads and property. The maximum weight limit varies on the size of the dumpster.

• 10 Yard Dumpsters: 2 Tons (4,000 lbs)
• 15 Yard Dumpsters: 2 Tons (4,000 lbs)
• 20 Yard Dumpsters: 2-3 Tons (4,000-6,000 lbs)
• 30 Yard Dumpsters: 3 Tons (6,000 lbs)
• 40 Yard Dumpsters: 4 Tons (8,000 lbs)

Duration of Use

The standard dumpster rental is 14 days on-site. However, you can speak with the company directly to adjust for less or more days according to your needs.

Environmental Concerns

No person may cause or allow a vehicle to be so loaded that the contents of waste scatter in any street or home. Zero debris may fall or spill from the vehicle. Violations are fined at $500. Make sure all items are properly secured when removing junk.

Prohibited Materials

Remember that New Jersey bans the following items from dumpsters: hazardous materials like paint, chemicals and batteries, electronics, medical waste, tires, large appliances, and propane tanks.

Fines and Penalties

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has taken measures against illegal dumping. To avoid illegal disposal fines ($2,500-$5,000) and environmental damage, adhere closely to the prohibited items listed for trash removal.

Municipalities in New Jersey are well-equipped to enforce against illegal dumping through camera monitoring. Adhering to the state’s disposal guidelines can avoid disposal fines and add to the harrowing issue of environmental damage. 

Additional Tips for Responsible Dumpster Use

• Avoid overfilling the dumpster
• Properly secure the dumpster
• Keep hazardous materials separate and clearly labeled
• Break down large items to maximize space
• Protect the surrounding environment during loading
• Give your neighbors a heads-up to avoid complaints

The Role of Professional Junk Removal Services

Overall, it’s a huge responsibility to get rid of waste yourself. Professional junk removal services are a bit more expensive than dumpster rentals but are quicker and do most of the work for you. This is why homeowners, business owners, property managers, and contractors who are undertaking renovations or decluttering projects rely on these services.

Professional junk removal companies offer reliable, comprehensible services in an environmentally friendly manner for homeowners, renters, and businesses. Unwanted items are transported to a safe disposal location, donation center, or recycling facility. 

Plus, you won’t have to do all the heavy lifting yourself! The process for you becomes as hands-free as you want, and everything gets done in just a few hours.

Conclusion

1-800-JUNK-GONE was founded after realizing the immense hassle of getting rid of waste. We pride ourselves on delivering expert and efficient services to homeowners and renters, including renters of external storage spaces.

Although we encourage all New Jersey residents to learn and adhere to the junk removal regulations, we are here to make your life easier. As an N.J. DEP Licensed Solid Waste Hauler junk removal company, we provide practical solutions, ensuring all waste gets safely and correctly removed.

Don’t get caught off guard by NJ’s dumpster rules. If you’re ready for a fast way to get rid of your junk, we’re here for dumpster rentals, or residential/commercial junk removal. Check out our services to learn more, and explore our testimonials to see how much we can help.