Solid Waste Compliance and Enforcement

DIVISION: County Environmental and Waste Enforcement
GENERAL PHONE NUMBER: (609) 584-4180
FAX NUMBER: (609) 588-2444
WEB SITE

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The Solid Waste Compliance and Enforcement Program ensures compliance with the Solid Waste Management Act (SWMA) and the Solid Waste Utility Control Act and regulations. The bureau conducts inspections and complaint investigations to verify that solid waste, regulated medical waste, and recyclable materials are collected, transported and disposed/recycled of in an environmentally acceptable manner and in a competitive marketplace. In addition, the bureau provides compliance assistance and issues enforcement documents. Furthermore, the bureau assists the Attorney General’s Office in developing enforcement cases and testifies in court; and negotiates compliance schedules and penalty settlements.

This program also oversees the performance of solid waste activities undertaken by certified county health agencies and municipal boards of health, which are authorized to enforce the SWMA. The Solid Waste Management Districts (i.e. 21 counties and Hackensack Meadowlands Development Corporation) are responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive solid waste management plan, subject to department approval, to meet the solid waste management needs of every municipality within its area of jurisdiction. Each municipality is required to adopt and enforce a recycling ordinance to complement their county solid waste plan.

To report a complaint or potential solid waste pollution violation, please call the department’s toll free Environmental Hotline at 1-877-WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337).

MONETARY ASSISTANCE PROVIDED:

No monetary assistance is provided. However, the County Environmental Health Act (CEHA) Program provides grant money to certified county health agencies for the purpose of supporting environmental health services, including solid waste control activities. This program can provide free on-site inspections upon request to determine regulatory compliance under the department’s Greenstart program. For more information about Greenstart, please visit the web site or call 609-292-1305.

PERMITTING RESPONSIBILITIES

None

PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE:

Solid Waste Management Act N.J.S.A. 13:1E-1 et seq.
Solid Waste Management Regulations N.J.A.C. 7:26A-1 et seq.