Recycling

Recycling is now mandatory in the Borough of Pompton Lakes. All persons, firms, corporations and other entities, whether public or private, shall be subject to the mandatory recycling provisions of Chapter 160B of the Administrative code of the Borough of Pompton Lakes.  

The Borough of Pompton Lakes provides Residential Curbside Collection of Recyclable materials in addition to its Recycling Center, located at 13 Grove St. Please refer to the town calendar to determine which days your Curbside Recycling will be picked up. Recycling is every Wednesday alternating weeks – Commingled and Cardboard. Thank you for your efforts to make sure our recycling program is a success!

Please note - Garbage and Recycling must be curbside by 6:00 a.m. 

Recycling Center Information

The Borough Recycling Center is open to all Borough residents and businesses. Residents and businesses must obtain a Recycling Center Decal which must be shown to the attendant upon entering the Center. Recycling Permit stickers required, for more information contact office.

Be advised that leaving materials at the Recycling Center gate is considered illegal dumping and punishable by fine and/or imprisonment.

Pompton Lakes Recycling Center
13 Grove Street, Pompton Lakes, N.J. 07442 
Hours of Operation: Monday - Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
 

Biodegradable Bags

Biodegradable paper bags are available at the Recycling Center facility. The cost of these bags are $0.35 cents per bag. 

Recycling Guidelines

 
 ACCEPTED ITEMS:
       
  • Mixed Paper, Office Paper, and Envelopes 
  • Corrugated Cardboard (flatten and/or cut into bundles)
  • Telephone Books and Soft Cover Books
  • Glass Food and Beverage Jars (all colors)
  • Aluminum and Metal Beverage Containers
  • Pet Food Cans
  • Milk Jugs and Plastic Beverage Bottles
  • Detergent and Shampoo Containers
  • Juice Boxes & Juice/Beverage Cartons
  • Plastic with #1, #2 or #5 Symbols
NOT ACCEPTED ITEMS:
  • Plastic Bags 
  • Pizza Boxes
  • Light Bulbs
  • Aluminum Foil & Baking Pans
  • Drinking Glasses, Dishes, and Broken Window Glass
  • Ceramics and Pottery
  • Aerosol Cans
  • Motor Oil and Anti Freeze Containers
  • Carbon and Waxed Paper
  • Tissue Paper, Napkins, Paper Plates, and Paper Towels
  • Styrofoam
  • Plastics with #3, #4, #6, or #7 Symbols

All items must be rinsed and clean:  remove all caps, tops and lids (they are not recyclable). 
​

Recycling Facts


Aluminum, Tin, and Steel Cans

You can test if a can is aluminum or steel by using a magnet: a magnet won’t stick to aluminum. Glass, aluminum, steel and tin cans can be commingled for collection.



Glass

Recycle only glass bottles and jars from food, beverages and medicine. Do not recycle light bulbs, glassware, ceramics and window glass, which are each made of different ingredients, and by different processes.



Plastic's #1, #2, and #5 Only


Plastics can be very mysterious because each type is made up of different chemical components. Therefore, it is essential that only similar types get recycled together. All commingled bottles should be rinsed and free from contaminants prior to being placed in your recycling bin. In addition, always remember to remove caps and lids and dispose of them in your trash! 

Paper

 


Corrugated Cardboard

Although you would think packages such as cereal boxes, egg cartons, and the like are made from cardboard, these are actually made of chipboard and paperboard. When recyclers say cardboard, they mean heavy cardboard usually found in boxes used for packaging materials (two layers with a waffle layer in between). 


Chipboard and Paperboard


Chipboard & Paperboard ARE recyclable. Single-ply paper packaging, such as cereal boxes and gift boxes, are picked up alternating Wednesdays Curbside as part of Cardboard recycling. 
 

 


Plastic Bags

Plastic bags should never be found in your recycling containers, as they clog machines at recycling facilities and significantly slow down the process. Make sure to drop off your plastic bags at designated drop off stations like your local grocery store. Likewise, recyclables WILL NOT be picked up if they are in plastic bags. Recyclables must be loose in a can/container. 

Trex Plastic Bag Recycling Program 

Plastic Bags may be recycled under the "Trex Recycling Program". Look for the white plastic bag box at the following locations! (Lincoln Elementary School, Lakeside Middle School, and Borough Hall). 


White Goods Collection
Pompton Lakes has White Goods pickup every Monday and Thursday of each month (except holidays).

Accepted White Goods include:
Heavy metal items such as stoves, refrigerators, lawn mowers, washer/dryer machines, dishwashers, microwaves, hot water heaters, disassembled metal swing sets, iron railings, pipes, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, grills (White Goods are metal only).

Electronics Collection

Pompton Lakes recycles electronic components in order to keep such items out of the waste stream and to protect the environment from contaminants.

Pompton Lakes has Electronics Drop Off so Residents may bring their electronics to the Recycling Center during normal business hours and place in our E-waste container.

Accepted electronics include:
Computers and computer components (such as monitors, keyboards & microphones), telephone systems, copiers, radios, televisions, CD players and stereo systems. By law, televisions, computers and computer components must be recycled.

Household Hazardous Waste Collection

The Pompton Lakes Borough DOES NOT ACCEPT any Hazardous Waste. Passaic County  sponsors four Household Hazardous Waste drop off days each year. This is free of charge for Passaic County residents only (ID required). Please contact Passaic County at www.passaiccountynj.org or 973-305-5738 for accepted materials, collection dates and times.


​​Recycle Coach NOW available for Pompton Lakes residents

Never miss another collection!

recycle-coachWith Recycle Coach, residents can:

* Stay organized with custom curbside collection and events calendars
* Receive collection reminders and real-time updates on service disruptions
* Become recycling experts with a comprehensive "What Goes Where?" search tool, including local disposal information and collection requirements for common and uncommon items
* Take the “What Type of Recycler Are You?” quiz for useful recycling tips and tricks

Check out the functions below, and download in on your cell phone today!