Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to recycle?
A: 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.

Q: Do I have to use the official beige barrel for bottles & cans?
A: 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.

Q: Where do I get recycling containers?
A: Barrels, crates, lids, and wheels are available at the Recycling Center. Only exact change or check accepted - no credit cards.  Available items and pricing:  Recycling barrels (container only) - $15 each ; Lid for recycling barrel - $5 each ; Wheels for recycling barrel - $35 each

Q: How do the wheels connect to the recycling barrel?
A: 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.

Q: Where is the Recycling Center and what are the hours?
A: 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.)

Q: What is my recycling zone/area?
A: Please click here to use our service address lookup - or - make recycling easier with Recycle Coach, a mobile application available for free download on Google Play or the App Store.

Q: Where can I find another copy of my 2023 recycling schedule?
A: Just click on your Recycling Area please. Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4 Area 5 Area 6 Area 7 Area 8

Q: I just moved in and have a lot of moving boxes. What should I do with them?
A: Please save them for your next curbside recycling pickup. Cardboard boxes should be free of styrofoam, plastic, and/or trash. Boxes may also be delivered to the recycling center.

Q: Are cardboard pizza boxes recyclable?
A: 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.

Q: What should I do with plastic bags?
A: Please take plastic bags to Whole Foods Market in Ridgewood. They have a recycling container near the store entrance for these items. Plastic bags should never be placed into your recycling barrel.

Q: What kinds of plastics can I put in the recycling barrel?
A: Plastic bottles, jars, jugs, and dairy tubs only.

Q: How do I dispose of plastic food trays, buckets, produce, deli, and bakery containers, drinking cups, plates and utensils, bags, wrap, and styrofoam?
A: These items are not accepted in Ridgewood's recycling program. Please put them in the garbage.
Note:  Plastic bags can be recycled at Whole Foods Market in Ridgewood. They have a recycling container near the store entrance for plastic bags.

Q: My recycling barrel is overflowing. What should I do with the excess?
A: 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 barrel for $15.00.

Q: My recycling barrel is cracked/broken. May I obtain a replacement?
A: Yes, please bring your cracked/broken barrel to the recycling center and we will exchange it for a brand new one.

Q: Where can I buy a lid and/or wheels for my recycling barrel?
A: These items are available for purchase at the Ridgewood recycling center. Lids cost $5.00 each and wheels cost $35.00 each. (Only exact change or check accepted - no credit cards.)  The Recycling Division does not accept responsibility for any damage, theft, or loss to these items.

Q: The recycling employees mix the paper together at the curbside. Do I still have to separate my paper?
A: You can mix your paper together at the curbside only. Papers must still be separated at the recycling center. 

Q: What do I do with electronics, plastic bags, shredded paper, concrete, paint, hard covered books, hazardous waste, fluorescent bulbs, syringes, and styrofoam peanuts?
A:Please click here for handling of these and many other items. 

Q: I have some items that are in good condition. How can I donate them?
A:Please click here for suggestions. 

Q: Where can I find information on Backyard Composting?
A:Please click here