Phone: 201-794-5304
E-mail: recycling@fairlawn.org
Introduction:
The Recycling Division is responsible for implementing and educating residents about the recycling Program, collection of recyclables, recycling enforcement, clean communities program implementation and overseeing the garbage contractor. In 2009, the Recycling Division recycled 12,165.54 tons of materials for a net revenue of $211,949.64. Historical recycling figures are available for download in PDF.
Residents are encouraged to reduce as much waste as possible to help reduce the costs of garbage disposal. One of the ways residents can reduce waste is by backyard composting. Download the BCUA composting flyer (pdf) to get started.
Additional Resources:
http://Recyclingnj.com provides practical and straight-forward advice for how New Jersey citizens can reduce the amount of waste their households produce, with simple tips for waste reduction or reuse that do not require dramatic changes in lifestyle. It also gives suggestions for alternative ways for reusing some of the items residents might otherwise discard. Additionally, it provides information about additional recycling options that are not available through your local authority, but have been created by private businesses and charity groups, for the collection or redistribution of specific waste items, often at little or no expense to your constituents.
http://earth911.com is a privately owned, for-profit company that specializes in providing consumers with accessible and actionable recycling information across the country. Its Recycling Directory is very comprehensive. It contains information for recycling over 240 different products. The Directory is free for consumers to use on the website, through the toll-free and bilingual hotline (1-800 CLEANUP) and with the free iPhone application (iRecycle). Earth911.com lists over 127,000 locations and programs that people can search in the directory to find local recycling and disposal resources. The information provided through the site’s directory, editorials and resources represents only fact-based, informational and useful content.
Hours:
The Recycling Office is closed due to budget cuts and the transfer of the secretary to Borough Hall. Recycling business is now conducted in the DPW office in Borough Hall from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.
The Recycling Center is open Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:45 PM and Sundays from Noon to 3:45 PM. (NOTE: The last entry into the yard is 15 minutes before closing.) The office and center are CLOSED on all Borough holidays. The Center and office are located at 20-05 Saddle River Road, Fair Lawn, NJ.
Schedules:
The 2012 Recycling and Garbage Handbook will be provided online and distributed through the Fair Lawn Community News in the 12/22/11 edition. You can download the handbook in PDF format: 2012 Recycling / Garbage Handbook.
Landscaper Leaf Dump Permits:
Landsapers are required to obtain a permit to dump at the Fair Lawn Compost site. Permits are $100 per truck for the season. Landscapers may drop leaves from Fair Lawn residents only! Completed permit applications are to be brought to the DPW Office in Borough Hall for processing. Landscaper are required to drop off a dump slip at the Recycling office after each trip to the site.
Landscaper Permit Application
Landscaper Dump Slip Form
Alternate Paper Collection:
The Recycling Division offers "blue" decals for residents to place on a sturdy container between 5 and 40 gallons for mixed paper collection. Barrels displaying this decal will be permissible for use in paper collection and would not be subject to the string-tie or paper bag rule for paper collection. Barrels are still limited to a maximum of 40 pounds. The decals are available in the Recycling office, calling 794-5304 or e-mail to recycling@fairlawn.org. Limit of one decal per household.
Business Recycling:
All businesses are required to recycle the same as residential homes. Businesses are required to file a "business recycling registration form" each year as well as report annual recycling tonnage to the Recycling Coordinator. View the business recycling page for more details.
Clothing / Textile Recycling:
The Recycling Division will collect electronics at the curb on regular recycling day with an appointment. To schedule an appointment, call the Recycling office at 201-794-5304 at least the business day before your recycling day. Clothing and textiles includes pants, shirts, jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, skirts, dresses, shoes (pairs only), gloves, scarves, hats, linens, curtains, comforters, blankets, or any other textile. Clothing must be clean and in usable condition.
Electronics Recycling:
The Recycling Division will collect electronics at the curb on regular recycling day with an appointment. To schedule an appointment, call the Recycling office at 201-794-5304 at least the business day before your recycling day. Residents may also drop electronics off at the Recycling Center. Electronics include televisions (excluding console TVs), stereos, VCRs, cell phones, computers, monitors, and computer accessories.
Hazardous Materials:
The Fair Lawn Recycling Center is not allowed to accept any hazardous materials. These include, but are not limited to, propane tanks, paint, pool chemicals, insecticides, herbicides, or any chemical or chemical container. Residents may bring these items to the Bergen County Utilities Authority household hazardous waste collections. As an alternative, residents may bring their hazardous waste to the Morris County Utilities Authority. More information can be found at their website. For more information download our Hazardous Waste Brochure on how to properly handle your waste.
Construction Materials:
The Recycling Center accepts small amounts of construction material from Fair Lawn residents for a fee. Vouchers for dumping construction materials are available for sale at the DPW office and the Tax office in Borough Hall. Vouchers cost $25.00 each.
Passenger cars require 1 voucher, SUVs, vans and pickup trucks require 2 vouchers and trailers are 1 additional ticket to the towing vehicle. Vouchers are required for each trip. No commercial, rented or contractor vehicles under any circumstances.
Construction materials include, but are not limited to, sheet rock, wood, paneling, toilets, sinks, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, tubs, roofing tiles and cabinetry. It excludes recyclables, regular garbage, brick, concrete, rocks, stone and asphalt.
The Borough also offers curbside construction material collection twice per year. These dates are designated with a "D" in your recycling handbook.
Recycling Barrels:
All residences were given a green recycling barrel in August 1995. These barrels are the property of the Borough of Fair Lawn and must remain with the property in the event it is sold. They are required in order to receive a Certificate of Occupancy. Please mark your barrel and lid with your full address. Serial numbers are registered at the Recycling office. Residents who are physically unable to use the Borough barrel may obtain a "red" sticker from the Recycling office for use on their own smaller container. All damaged barrels must be returned to the Recycling office. All stolen barrels must be reported by filing a stolen barrel report with the Fair Lawn Recycling Division.
Note: The Department is currently out of stock on barrels. You may turn them in to get on the waiting list if your barrel is unusable. At this time the Mayor & Council have discontinued the program and no new barrels will be purchased.
Resident Stickers:
Proof of residency is required by all persons using the Recycling Center. To avoid having to show your license, resident stickers are available at the Recycling office free of charge. Additionally, you may mail a copy of your driver's license and registration for each vehicle needing a sticker. Mail to: Fair Lawn Recycling Division, Resident Sticker Program, P.O. Box 376, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410.
Cancellation of Curbside:
Curbside recycling collection is cancelled on all days the Fair Lawn schools are closed due to snow or other weather related emergency. When curbside is cancelled, there will be no make up collection. Please remove the items from the curb for the next regularly scheduled collection.