Materials Disposal Guide

Building Materials

All materials from construction, renovations or demolition, are not considered garbage, trash, or refuse and will not be collected by the borough. These items include but are not limited to:

• Cabinets
• Formica
• Sheetrock
• Shingles
• Wood

We do not pick up any type of wood including fencing. The disposal and cost of dumping these materials are the sole responsibility of the contractor or resident. Contractors hired by residents are responsible for removing their debris.

Cardboard

Cardboard must be collapsed and tied and placed at the curb the same day as the newspapers. Cardboard and newspapers must be secured to keep them from being blown away by strong winds.

Commingled

Commingled can be either brought to the Recycling Center or placed in the OTTO container and will be picked up on your scheduled OTTO container recycling day. Commingled consists of:

• Aluminum
• Glass Bottles and Jars
• Metal Cans
• Plastic Beverage Containers
• Soda, Laundry Detergent and Bleach Bottles
• Tin

All of these items must be emptied and washed to remove beverage and food waste.

Computers & Electronics

Computer and electronic items will be scheduled for collection at the curb twice a month by calling the Public Works Office at 201-265-2100, ext. 3100. They can also be brought to the Recycling Center and placed in the electronics dumpster during Recycling Center hours of operation. This category includes but is not limited to:

• Cell Phones
• Computer Monitors and Equipment (Keyboards, Mice, Laptops, Power Sources, Hard Drives, Modems, Printers, etc.)
• Copy Machines
• DVDs
• Faxes
• Stereo Radios
• TVs
• VCRs

You can also check out the Best Buy Recycling Program. 

Garbage & Trash

Garbage is considered kitchen food scraps only. Trash includes miscellaneous materials such as chairs, tables, mattresses, rugs (must be cut into 3 foot lengths, rolled and tied) and other materials that are not recyclable. Trash must be separated from kitchen garbage and is only picked up at the end of the week scheduled pick up.

Leaves

Leaf Pick Up: October 2, 2023 through December 3, 2023. Grass and leaves may be put into the curb-line, loose and un-bagged, for pick up by the leaf machines. No branches or twigs! No resident or landscaper will place leaves in the street after December 3, 2023. Beginning December 4, 2023, you must follow rules for vegetative waste. During leaf season residents may continue to put leaves and grass in garbage pails or biodegradable paper bags which will be picked up every Wednesday.

Please Note: Beginning October 15th, 2012 the Borough of Paramus began using a new automated leaf collection system. This equipment will enhance efficiency and productivity as well as the safety of borough employees. Only loose leaf material can pass through the new vacuum system. Branches and sticks are not to be mixed with the leaves, as the machine is not designed to pick up other debris. Leaf piles mixed with debris will not be collected and it will be the resident’s responsibility to remove all brush and branches from the pile before it will be collected. Sticks and branches must be bundled and can be disposed of in accordance with your recycling calendar schedule.

Questions

Should you have any questions or concerns you may reach the Department of Public Works at 201-265-2100, ext. 3100. Thank you for your cooperation and assistance in making this program a success.

Miscellaneous Items

Miscellaneous materials such as chairs, tables, mattresses, rugs (must be cut into 3 foot lengths, rolled and tied) and other materials that are not recyclable can be disposed of on your scheduled Garbage/Trash day at the end of the week.

Motor Oil

Used motor oil cannot go into the OTTO container. You must bring it to the Recycling Center.

Newspapers

Newspapers must be tied securely or placed in brown paper bags only. Do not put in plastic bags or pails. Newspapers do not go into the recycling OTTO container. Magazines, soft and hard cover books, and junk mail may be put out with the newspapers.

Vegetative Waste

Vegetative waste consists of lawn and garden debris; grass, leaves, and plants. These items are to be put into resident owned, covered containers with handles, or biodegradable paper bags only. There is a 40 pound weight limit per can or paper bag. Vegetative waste in plastic bags will not be picked up or emptied. No rocks, dirt, or branches. 

White Goods

The following items will be picked up by appointment only:

• All Aluminum and Metal
• Bed Frames
• Boilers
• Dryers
• Hot Water Heaters
• Refrigerators
• Sofa Bed Frames
• Stoves
• Washers

Refrigerators must have doors removed. We do not pick up automobile parts of any kind. Call 201-265-2100, ext. 3100 to make an appointment prior to putting items at the curb.