[Adopted 3-26-1992 by Ord. No. 306; amended in its entirety 4-14-2010 by Ord. No. 575]
The Borough of Medford Lakes finds that reducing the amount of solid waste and conservation of recyclable materials is an important public concern and is necessary to implement the requirements of the SWMA and the county plan. The recycling of certain materials from the residential, commercial and institutional establishments in this municipality will conserve existing landfill capacity, facilitate the implementation and operation of other forms of resource recovery, and conserve natural resources through reduced energy consumption, reduced water and air pollution as well as reduce the demand on raw material extraction.
This chapter is adopted pursuant to P.L. 1987, c. 102[1] (effective April 20, 1987), N.J.S.A. 40:48-2, N.J.S.A. 40:66-1 and N.J.S.A. 40:49-2.1, and any amendments adopted thereto.
[1]
Editor's Note: P.L. 1987, c. 102 (N.J.S.A. 13:1E-92 et seq.) was repealed by P.L. 2002, c. 128. See now N.J.S.A. 13:1E-213 et seq.
As used in this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
ACT or SWMA
The Solid Waste Management Act, N.J.S.A. 13:1E-1 et seq., as amended and supplemented.
ALUMINUM CAN
Empty food and beverage containers comprised of aluminum. Excluded from this definition are aluminum aerosol cans, aluminum foil and trays.
ANTIFREEZE
Liquid used in a cooling system that is mixed with water and prevents the water from freezing. The solution serves as the engine coolant.
BURLINGTON COUNTY REGIONAL PROGRAM
The program utilized for the collection of those recyclable materials as designated by the Department of Solid Waste from residential curbside and participating school collection programs.
CERTIFIED RECYCLING COORDINATOR
A person who shall have completed the requirements of a course of instruction in various aspects of recycling program management, as determined and administered by the Department of Environmental Protection.
CLASS A RECYCLABLE MATERIAL
Source-separated, nonputrescible, metal, glass and plastic bottles coded No. 1 and No. 2, and paper and corrugated and other cardboard.
CLASS B RECYCLABLE MATERIAL
Source-separated, nonputrescible waste concrete, asphalt, brick, block, asphalt-based roofing, scrap and wood waste; source-separated, nonputrescible waste materials other than metal, glass, paper, plastic containers, corrugated and other cardboard resulting from construction, remodeling, repair and demolition operations on houses, commercial buildings, pavements and other structures; source-separated whole trees, tree trunks, tree parts, tree stumps, brush and leaves, provided that they are not composted; source-separated scrap tires; and source-separated petroleum contaminated soils.
CLASS C RECYCLABLE MATERIALS
Source-separated compostable or anaerobically digestible material such as source-separated food waste, biodegradable plastic and yard trimmings.
CLASS D RECYCLABLE MATERIAL
Used oil, antifreeze, latex paints, thermostats, fluorescent lamps (light bulbs), oil-based finishes, batteries, mercury-containing devices and consumer electronics.
COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENT
All commercial and industrial activities that operate for profit and are involved in retail or manufacture of goods and services provided for sale.
CO-MINGLED
A combining of source-separated recyclable materials for the purpose of recycling.
CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
Computer equipment, including desktop and laptop computers and related components, including, monitors, circuit boards, terminals, and CPU's, and peripheral equipment, including keyboards, printers, copiers and fax machines. It shall also include VCRs, CD players, DVD players, and cellular phones. Consumer electronics shall not include televisions, as defined herein, until such time as such devices are banned at solid waste disposal facilities in accordance with the Electronics Waste Recycling Act, P.L 2008, c.130 et seq., and any amendments thereto.
CONTAMINANT
Solid waste, food waste, or other material which adheres to, or which is otherwise contained on or in, source-separated recyclable materials.
CORRUGATED AND OTHER CARDBOARD
All corrugated cardboard normally used for packing, mailing, shipping or containerizing goods, merchandise or other material, but excluding plastic, foam, foil or wax-coated or soiled corrugated cardboard.
COUNTY
The Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders, and its successors and assigns, acting through the Burlington County Division of Solid Waste Management.
CURBSIDE DESIGNATED RECYCLABLES
Those designated recyclables that are placed for collection within the parameters of the curbside collection program as outlined herein.
CURBSIDE RECYCLING CONTAINER
A container(s) provided by the municipality or persons for the temporary storage of recyclable materials within the residential unit(s).
DE MINIMIS
Less than 1% by volume.
DEP or DEPARTMENT
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.
DESIGNATED RECYCLABLE MATERIALS
Those recyclable materials to be source-separated in this municipality, including but not limited to aluminum cans, antifreeze, consumer electronics, corrugated cardboard, fluorescent lights, glass containers, lead acid batteries, leaves, metal appliances, paper, plastic bottles (coded No. 1 and No. 2), rechargeable batteries, steel (tin) cans, textiles, tires and used motor oil.
DISPOSITION or DISPOSITION OF DESIGNATED RECYCLABLE MATERIALS
The transportation, placement, reuse, sale, donation, transfer or temporary storage for a period not exceeding six months, or for a period of time as mandated by law, of designated recyclable materials for all possible uses except for disposal as solid waste.
DSW
The Burlington County Department of Solid Waste, its successors and assigns.
FIBER
All newspaper, fine paper, bond paper, junk mail, office paper, magazines, paperback books, school paper, catalogs, computer paper, telephone books, chipboard, corrugated and other cardboard and similar cellulosic material whether shredded or whole, but excluding wax paper, plastic or foil-coated paper, thermal fax paper, carbon paper, blueprint paper, food-contaminated paper, soiled paper and cardboard.
FLUORESCENT LIGHTS
A lighting system which works by creating electric arcs inside a gas-rich tube to produce ultraviolet light, then converting this to visible fluorescent light by its passage through a layer of phosphor on the inside of the glass.
GENERATOR
Any person(s) who causes solid waste to be produced for any purpose whatsoever.
GLASS
All clear (flint), green, and brown (amber) colored glass containers. Glass shall not include crystal, ceramics, light bulbs, plate, window, laminated, wired or mirrored glass.
INK JET CARTRIDGE
A replaceable unit that holds ink and the print nozzles for inkjet printers.
INSTITUTIONAL ESTABLISHMENT
shall mean any entity, either public or private, either for profit or nonprofit, who operates for educational, charitable, religious, fraternal or other public purpose.
LEAD ACID BATTERY
Storage batteries with lead electrodes and that contain dilute sulfuric acid as the electrolyte. These include starting batteries, such as vehicle batteries, marine batteries, small sealed lead acids and deep cell batteries used to power vehicles or marine accessories such as trolling motors, winches or lights.
LEAVES
Vegetative material, typically generated in the autumn, which falls from trees and is collected for removal from a property.
METAL APPLIANCES
Appliances composed predominantly of metal, including stoves, washing machines, dryers and water heaters. Also included are all Freon®-containing appliances, including air conditioners, freezers, refrigerators and dehumidifiers.
MUNICIPALITY
The Borough of Medford Lakes located within the County of Burlington, State of New Jersey.
MUNICIPAL RECYCLING DEPOT
A site owned and operated by a municipality for the receipt and temporary storage of certain designated Class A recyclable materials delivered by residents, small commercial and nonprofit establishments for a period not exceeding two months, prior to their transport to a recycling center or end market.
MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
Residential, commercial and institutional solid waste generated within a community.
MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE STREAM
Residential, commercial and institutional waste in the context of the Statewide Solid Waste Management Plan Update, which constitutes the waste stream, used to calculate the state-mandated fifty-percent recycling rate. This waste stream includes waste types 10 and 23.
PAPER
All newspaper, fine paper, bond paper, junk mail, office paper, magazines, paperback books, school paper, catalogs, computer paper, telephone books and similar cellulosic material, whether shredded or whole, but excluding tissue and towel paper, wax paper, plastic or foil-coated paper, thermal fax paper, carbon paper, NCR paper, blueprint paper, food-contaminated or soiled paper.
PERSON
Any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, association, cooperative enterprise, trust, municipal authority, federal institution or agency, state institution or agency, municipality, other governmental agency or any other entity or any group of such persons which is recognized by law as the subject of rights and duties.
PLASTIC BOTTLES
All bottles that are labeled as made from polyethylene terapthalate (PET) and coded as No. 1 and high-density polyethylene terapthalate (HDPE) and coded as No. 2. Specifically excluded are bottles that formerly contained hazardous materials, including but not limited to paint, solvents, motor oil and pesticides and herbicides.
PUTRESCIBLE WASTE
Organic material which is capable of, and prone to, a rapid process of biological and biochemical decomposition under anaerobic or aerobic conditions, resulting in the formation of malodorous byproducts.
RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES
Batteries used in portable electronic devices composed of nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH), lithium ion (Li-ion) and small sealed lead (Pb).
RECYCLABLE MATERIALS
Materials that would otherwise become solid waste that can be separated, collected and/or processed and returned to the economic mainstream in the form of raw materials or products.
RECYCLING
Any process by which materials which would otherwise become solid waste are collected, separated or processed and returned to the economic mainstream in the form of raw materials or products.
RECYCLING CENTER
A facility designed and operated solely for receiving, storing, processing or transferring source-separated recyclable material (Class A, Class B, Class C and/or Class D recyclable materials).
RESIDENT
Any person residing within the municipality on a temporary or permanent basis, but excluding persons residing in hotels or motels.
SCRAP METAL
Bits and pieces of metal parts (for example, bars, turnings, rods, sheets, wire) or metal pieces that may be combined together with bolts or soldering (for example, radiators, scrap automobiles, railroad box cars) which, when worn or superfluous, can be recycled. Included are all ferrous and nonferrous metals, including appliances and appliances containing refrigerants.
SOLID WASTE
Garbage, refuse and other discarded materials, as defined in N.J.S.A. 13:1E-1 et seq. and N.J.S.A. 48:13A-1, et seq.
SWMA
The New Jersey Solid Waste Management Act, as amended.
SOURCE-SEPARATED
Recyclable materials separated from the solid waste stream at the point of generation.
STEEL CAN
Empty food, beverage and aerosol containers comprised of tin, steel or a combination thereof, which formerly contained only nonhazardous substances or such other substances as have been approved for recycling by the Department of Solid Waste.
TELEVISION
A stand-alone display system containing a cathode ray tube or any other type of display primarily intended to receive video programming via broadcast, having a viewable area greater than four inches measured diagonally, able to adhere to standard consumer video formats and having the capability of selecting different broadcast channels and support sound capability.
TEXTILES
Clean dry clothing or other fabric measuring at least one foot by one foot in size. It shall not include material that is wet or mildewed.
TIRES
Rubber wheels used on motorized transport or equipment whether bias-ply, cross-ply or radial.
TONER CARTRIDGE
An exhausted replaceable cartridge containing toner powder and sometimes the photosensitive drum on which a laser printer generates the image to be printed.
TYPE 10 MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
Waste originating in the community, consisting of household waste from private residences, commercial waste which originates in wholesale, retail or service establishments such as restaurants, stores, markets, theaters, hotels and warehouses, and institutional waste material originated in schools, hospitals, research institutions and public buildings.
TYPE 13 BULKY WASTE
Large items of waste material, such as appliances and furniture. Discarded automobiles, boats, trucks and trailers and large vehicle parts and tires are included under this category.
USED OIL
Any oil that has been refined from crude oil or any synthetic oil that has been used and, as a result of such use, is contaminated by physical or chemical impurities, or unused oil that is contaminated by physical or chemical impurities through storage or handling and is determined to be a solid waste by the generator.
USED OIL COLLECTION CENTER
The municipal recycling center that manages used oil and accepts and/or aggregates and stores used oil collected from used oil generators regulated under N.J.A.C. 7:26A-6.4 that bring used oil to the collection center in shipments of no more than 55 gallons pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:26A-6.4(e). Used oil accumulation centers may also accept used oil from household "do-it-yourselfer" used oil generators.
Notwithstanding the limitations to the Burlington County Regional Program (BCRP) or the Municipal Recycling Depot, as outlined within this chapter, every person is required to source-separate and recycle each of the designated recyclable materials outlined within this chapter.
A. 
In order to facilitate the collection of certain designated recyclable materials, there is hereby established a curbside program for the collection of source-separated recyclable material from residents of the municipality.
B. 
Designated recyclable materials for the curbside program are those materials designated by the DSW for collection within the BCRP. These materials are: aluminum cans, corrugated cardboard, glass containers, paper, plastic bottles (coded 1 and 2), steel (tin) cans and other recyclable materials as may be designated from time to time by the DSW.
C. 
Collections of recyclable materials pursuant to this section shall be in accordance with a schedule of recycling collection areas and dates promulgated by DSW and publicly advertised by the municipality or county.
D. 
All residents served by the curbside program shall source-separate all designated recyclables for curbside collection and shall place them at the side of the road fronting their residence in the manner designated by § 201-16 of this chapter and on the date specified for collection.
E. 
Residents who are physically unable to place recyclable materials out for collection within the Burlington County Regional Program shall be exempt from requirements for participation within the program.
(1) 
Determinations for this exemption shall be at the discretion of this municipality.
All recyclables placed for collection pursuant to the curbside program established within § 201-15 of this chapter shall be source-separated and prepared for collection in accordance with the following conditions:
A. 
Cardboard and paper shall be set out in carts provided by this municipality.
(1) 
Boxes shall be flattened as to fit into the cart.
(2) 
Where cardboard boxes are too large to be placed in the cart and where there are too many boxes to fit within the cart, cardboard boxes must be flattened and placed alongside the cart for collection.
(3) 
Carts shall be placed at the curb with the lid opening facing the street.
(4) 
Carts shall be placed in such a manner so as to leave at least two feet of clear space around each side of the cart.
(5) 
Carts shall be placed in such a manner so as to avoid interference from overhead obstructions.
(6) 
Carts shall be maintained in a neat and sanitary condition so as to deter vermin and odors.
(7) 
Carts are the property of the municipality and may not be used for any other purpose or to contain any other material.
B. 
Glass containers, aluminum cans, steel cans and plastic bottles:
(1) 
Remove all caps and lids and dispose of as solid waste.
(2) 
Glass containers, aluminum cans, steel cans and plastic bottles shall be rinsed free of contaminants.
(3) 
Glass containers, aluminum cans, steel cans and plastic bottles shall be placed in a recycling container provided by the municipality.
(4) 
Plastic and/or paper garbage bags shall not be utilized as containers for glass containers, aluminum cans, steel cans and plastic bottles.
C. 
Municipally provided recycling carts/containers may not be used for any other purpose whatsoever.
D. 
Removal of recycling carts/containers provided by the municipality by any person is prohibited.
E. 
Recyclables shall not be placed for collection earlier than the evening of the day preceding a scheduled collection day. Recyclables must be placed at the roadside by 6:00 a.m. on the scheduled collection day.
F. 
All other terms and phrases shall be as defined in the SWMA and regulations promulgated thereunder and the county plan, unless content clearly requires a different meaning.
A. 
There is hereby established a municipal depot program for the convenience of the residents.
B. 
The following source-separated recyclables will be accepted at the municipal recycling depot:
(1) 
Aluminum cans.
(2) 
Corrugated cardboard.
(3) 
Glass containers.
(4) 
Paper.
(5) 
Plastic bottles (coded 1 and 2).
(6) 
Steel (tin) cans.
All persons generating municipal solid waste within this municipality through the operation of a commercial or institutional establishment shall source-separate and arrange for collection of all designated recyclables within 30 days of the effective date of this chapter.
A. 
Designated recyclable materials for the mandatory commercial and institutional source-separation program shall consist of the following materials:
Aluminum cans
Antifreeze
Consumer electronics
Corrugated cardboard
Fluorescent lights
Glass containers
Lead acid batteries
Leaves
Metal appliances
Paper
Plastic bottles (coded 1 and 2)
Rechargeable batteries
Steel (tin) cans
Textiles
Tires
Used motor oil
Ink jet cartridge
Toner cartridge
Other recyclable materials as designated by the municipality
B. 
The owner or manager of each and every commercial and institutional source shall be required to report recycling tonnages as described in § 201-20.
C. 
The arrangement for collection of designated recyclables for disposition hereunder shall be the responsibility of the individual(s) responsible for the provision of solid waste or recycling services, including the provision or maintenance of litter receptacles located on the property of any commercial or institutional establishment generating designated recyclables.
Pursuant to N.J.A.C. 7:26A-10.3, all commercial and institutional property owners or their agents shall report the tonnage of designated recyclable materials collected for recycling from their business or premises, as follows:
A. 
The management individual(s) responsible for the provision of recycling services, as herein defined, at all residential, commercial, institutional and industrial properties that contract for recycling services with a private company shall submit to the Municipal Recycling Coordinator, by the first day of February of each year, documentation verifying the previous year's total recycling (expressed by weight) for each material recycled.
B. 
Documentation shall take the form of a letter or report issued by the recycling service provider or end market to the generator of the recycled material. The generator must maintain weight slips or paid invoices and make such records available for inspection by this municipality, county or state for a period not to exceed five years.
C. 
Any solid waste or recycling service provider shall submit to the Municipal Recycling Coordinator, by the First Day of February of each year, documentation verifying the previous year's total recycling (expressed by weight) for each material recycled as prescribed by the DSW.
D. 
At a minimum, all reporting shall detail the municipality of origin, the name and location of the market or recycling center and the amount of each source-separated recyclable material, expressed in gallons, tons or cubic yards, brought to each manufacturer or recycling center from the municipality of origin. Those persons specifying this information in cubic yards shall also indicate the conversion ratio utilized for calculating the materials from cubic yards to tons.
A. 
It shall be unlawful for:
(1) 
Any person, other than those persons authorized, to collect any designated recyclable which has been placed at the roadside for collection or within a recycling depot pursuant to this chapter.
(2) 
Any person to violate, cause or assist in the violation of any provision of this chapter or any provision of the county plan concerning recycling.
(3) 
Any person to place or to cause to be placed any material other than a designated recyclable in or near a recycling depot.
(4) 
Any person to hinder, obstruct, prevent or interfere with this municipality, the county or any other authorized persons in the performance of any duty under this chapter or in the enforcement of this chapter.
(5) 
Any person to offer to collect or knowingly collect designated recyclable materials in any manner except as source-separated recyclable materials, as defined herein.
(6) 
Any person required to provide a report as required under this chapter to fail to do so.
B. 
All unlawful conduct set forth in this section shall constitute a public nuisance.
A. 
Any person collecting solid waste generated within this municipality shall refuse to collect solid waste from any person who has failed to source-separate recyclables designated under any applicable section of this chapter.
B. 
Any person collecting solid waste generated within this municipality shall refuse to collect solid waste from any person who has placed solid waste into a municipally issued recycling container.
A. 
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, any resident of the municipality may donate or sell any recyclable to any other person, whether operating for a profit or not for profit; provided, however, that the person receiving the recyclables shall not, under any circumstances, collect the donated or sold material from an established recycling collection route or from a recycling depot without prior written permission from this municipality for such collection.
B. 
Permission for such collection shall not be given for any day other than a Saturday or Sunday and, in no case, shall such permission be given to collect recyclables from a recycling depot.
A. 
Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to interfere with or in any way modify the provisions of any existing contract which is consistent with N.J.S.A. 13:1E-29 and in force in the municipality on the effective date of this chapter.
B. 
No renewal of any existing contract upon the expiration of the original term thereof and no new contract for the collection, transportation, processing or purchase of solid waste or recyclables shall be entered into after the effective date of this chapter, unless such renewal or such contract shall conform to the requirements of this chapter.
A. 
Enforcement of this chapter shall be the responsibility of the local Code Enforcement Official.
B. 
In addition to the local Code Enforcement Official, the Burlington County Health Department and the DSW are hereby appointed as enforcement officer(s) for enforcement of all recycling requirements of this chapter.
C. 
Enforcement of this chapter shall be commenced in the Superior Court or in the Municipal Court of the municipality, and penalty or fine shall be collected with costs in a summary civil proceeding.
D. 
Any penalties or fines collected in an enforcement action shall be paid to the municipality when the municipality brings such action.
E. 
Any penalties or fines collected in an enforcement action shall be paid to the Treasurer of Burlington County when such action is brought by the Burlington County Health Department or the DSW.
A. 
Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof in a proceeding before a court of competent jurisdiction, be subject to the following fines:
(1) 
Misuse of recycling containers/carts for trash; theft of containers: a fine of not less than $65 and not more than $100.
(2) 
Residential recycling violation: a fine of not less than $25 and not more than $1,000.
(3) 
Scavenging: a fine of not less than $50 and not more than $1,000.
(4) 
Commercial or institutional violation: a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $1,000.
(5) 
For any person who offers to collect recyclable materials in any manner except as prescribed within this chapter: a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $4,500.
(6) 
For any solid waste or recycling service provider who fails to report as required within this chapter: a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $1,000.
(7) 
For any management individual(s) responsible for the provision of recycling services, as herein defined, at all residential, commercial, institutional and industrial properties that contract for recycling services with a private company who fails to report as required within this chapter: a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $1,000.
B. 
Each continuing day of violation of this chapter shall constitute a separate offense.
In addition to any other remedy provided in this chapter, the municipality may institute a suit in equity where unlawful conduct or public nuisance exists, as defined in this chapter, for an injunction to restrain a violation of this chapter or the county plan. In addition to an injunction, the court may impose penalties as authorized by § 201-25 hereof. The penalties and remedies prescribed by this chapter shall be deemed concurrent. The existence, exercise or any remedy shall not prevent the municipality or the county from exercising any other remedy provided by this chapter or otherwise provided by law or equity.
The terms and provisions of this chapter are to be liberally construed so as best to achieve and to effectuate the goals and purposes hereof. This chapter shall be construed in pari materi with the SWMA and the county plan.