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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

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Reducing waste and reusing items saves money, energy, and resources for future generations. 

For information on cutting plastic waste and details on New Jersey’s rules for single-use carryout bags, plastic straws, and disposable utensils and condiments, visit the Department of Environmental Protection.

How to Recycle Right

Recycling right starts with a few simple habits: keep items clean, place them loose in your bin, and follow your municipality’s guidelines.

The Recycling and Solid Waste Guide has everything you need to know, including what to recycle, program and event details, bulk waste disposal info, and who to contact locally.

What’s Recyclable?

The items below are required recyclable materials in New Jersey and should not go in the trash.

  • Aluminum and steel cans
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Plastic bottles, jars, jugs, and tubs (1 gallon or less)
  • Newspaper and mixed paper (magazines, office paper, junk mail, cereal boxes)
  • Corrugated cardboard

Programs & Drop-Off Events

Middlesex County has ongoing recycling programs and year-round events for items not accepted in your curbside bin.

  • Tire Drop-Off Safely dispose of passenger vehicle and light truck tires at designated locations. To learn more, click here.
  • Paint Drop-Off Recycle latex and oil-based paints, stains, and related materials through scheduled collection days. To learn more, click here.
  • Cooking Oil Recycling Drop off used liquid cooking oil at select locations to keep it out of drains and waterways. To learn more, click here.

Drop-Off Events

Recycle your old documents and confidential files safely and securely or dispose of household hazardous waste.

Household Hazardous Waste Guidelines
Paper Shredding

Kids' Coloring Contest

Help young recyclers get involved with Middlesex County's annual Coloring Contest.

2026 Coloring Contest Winner Clean Ocean = Happy Ocean!

 

Congratulations to the 2026 Coloring Contest winner for their artwork showcasing Streets to Streams - how to keep our waterways clean!

Download the Contest Rules & Entry Form.

 

 

 

 

Recycle Coach

Know what goes in your bin, get collection schedules and reminders, and learn how to dispose of specific items. Select your municipality to get started or download the app on Google Play or the App Store.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do with bulky waste?
Should recyclables be bagged?
Why can I only recycle certain plastics?
What do I do with items that aren’t accepted curbside?
What if my building doesn’t recycle?
How do I know who picks up my recyclables?
Where can I get more information on recycling in New Jersey?