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1. Do I have to recycle?

Yes! Recycling is the law. In 1987, Governor Kean signed the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act. This law makes recycling mandatory throughout the entire State of New Jersey in accordance with local recycling ordinances. Village of Ridgewood Ordinance #2284 requires all residents, institutions, schools, and businesses to separate and recycle newsprint, corrugated cardboard, mixed papers (magazines, catalogues, direct mail, white and colored office paper), tin/steel cans, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles, white goods, non-ferrous and ferrous metals, and vegetative waste.

2. Do I have to use the official beige barrel for bottles & cans?

Yes. Municipal ordinances require that recyclable bottles & cans be placed in the official 32 gallon beige recycling container that is issued by the Recycling Division.  Following this requirement contributes to consistency of collections and helps to protect the employees who service each home.

3. Where do I get recycling containers?

Barrels, crates, lids, and wheels are available at the Recycling Center located at 203 E. Glen Ave (behind Fire Headquarters) from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM (closed Wednesdays and  closed Sundays.)

Exact change, check, and credit cards accepted, but there is a 3% charge to use a credit card. 

Available items and pricing:

• NEW Recycling Rollout Cart with attached lid and wheels - $50
• Lid for Older Style recycling barrel - $5 each (limited stock remaining)

4. How do the optional wheels connect to the OLD style recycling barrel?

The wheels slide into grooves on the bottom of the barrel to become "attached". Therefore, because they are not permanently connected, they may be purchased after the fact and attached, or removed from one barrel and placed onto another.

5. Where is the Recycling Center and what are the hours?

203 E. Glen Avenue (behind Ridgewood Fire Headquarters). Hours of operation are 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday. (Note:  Closed on Wednesdays and Sundays.)



6. What is my recycling zone/area?

Get your collection calendar from Recycle Coach, a mobile application available for free download on Google Play or the App Store.



7. Where can I find another copy of my recycling schedule/Green Guide?

Just click on your Recycling Area please.
Area 1
Area 2
Area 3
Area 4
Area 5
Area 6
Area 7
Area 8

8. I just moved in and have a lot of moving boxes. What should I do with them?

Please save them for your next curbside recycling pickup. Cardboard boxes should be free of foam, plastic, and/or trash. Boxes may also be delivered to the recycling center.

9. Are cardboard pizza boxes recyclable?

We only accept clean cardboard.  If your pizza box is grease and oil free, as well as completely empty, it can be recycled with your cardboard.  Similarly, if the bottom is greasy, one could rip the box apart at the hinge, throw the greasy bottom section in the garbage, and recycle the clean lid.

10. What should I do with plastic bags?

Some area supermarkets continue to accept clean plastic bags; however, please check with your supermarket first.

11. What kinds of plastics can I put in the recycling barrel?

Plastic bottles, jars, jugs, and dairy tubs only.

12. How do I dispose of plastic food trays, buckets, produce, deli, and bakery containers, drinking cups, plates and utensils, bags, wrap, and styrofoam?

Most of these items are not accepted in Ridgewood's recycling program. Please put them in the garbage.
Exceptions:
- Some area supermarkets continue to accept clean plastic bags; however, please check with your supermarket first.
- Solid, white, foam packaging may be delivered to the recycling center. It should be clean and all tape and labels should be removed.

13. My recycling barrel is overflowing. What should I do with the excess?

Cans and bottles must be in your beige Village of Ridgewood recycling barrel; therefore, excess recyclables should be delivered to the Ridgewood Recycling Center. If this scenario occurs often, you may consider purchasing a second recycling rollout cart for $50.00.

14. My recycling barrel is cracked/broken. May I obtain a replacement?

A new barrel may be purchased at the recycling center; however if you simply need replacement parts for your recycling rollout cart, please contact jluttrell@ridgewoodnj.net.

15. Where can I buy a lid and/or wheels for my recycling barrel?

These items for the OLD style barrel are available for purchase at the Ridgewood recycling center while supplies last. Lids cost $5.00 each and wheels cost $35.00 each. (Exact change, check, and credit cards accepted, but there is a 3% charge to use a credit card.)  The Recycling Division does not accept responsibility for any damage, theft, or loss to these items.

Please note that the NEW Recycling Rollout Cart comes with attached lid and wheels. The cost is $50.00 each. 

16. The recycling employees mix the paper together at the curbside. Do I still have to separate my paper?

You can mix your paper together at the curbside only. Papers must still be separated at the recycling center. 



17. How do I dispose of ...

This link will take you to the webpage with recycling disposal information for items that we don't get rid of often.

18. Where can I find information on Backyard Composting?

Visit our Education Section