Camper Trips To Bergen County Landfill: What You Need To Know

If you're looking to dispose of a camper in Bergen County, New Jersey, you may be able to do so at a landfill or transfer station. However, recreational vehicles (RVs) are not typically accepted at solid waste facilities without approval through Waste Clearance. It's important to note that there may be specific regulations and restrictions on disposing of certain types of waste, such as hazardous materials, electronics, and bulky items. Contact the Bergen County Utilities Authority (BCUA) or your local waste management department for more information on acceptable waste and disposal procedures.

Camper disposal restrictions at landfills

If you're looking to dispose of a camper, it's important to be aware of the restrictions that apply at landfills. In this case, we will focus on the regulations surrounding camper disposal at the Bergen County Landfill.

Firstly, it is essential to understand that recreational vehicles (RVs), including campers, are often classified as bulky and dense items. As such, they may be subject to specific disposal restrictions implemented by the landfill authorities. These restrictions are in place to ensure proper waste management and environmental protection.

When it comes to the Bergen County Landfill, there are a few key points to consider:

• Approval Process: In many cases, landfills require prior approval for the disposal of recreational vehicles like campers. This means that you will need to contact the landfill authorities and obtain permission before bringing your camper to the site. This is a standard procedure and ensures that the landfill can accommodate your vehicle and that it is disposed of correctly.
• Vehicle Condition: Some landfills may have restrictions on the condition of the vehicle being disposed of. For example, they might require that all fluids are drained from the camper before accepting it. Make sure to check with the Bergen County Landfill about any specific requirements they may have.
• Hazardous Materials: If your camper contains any hazardous materials, such as fuel, batteries, or other toxic substances, you must declare and handle these properly. The Bergen County Utilities Authority (BCUA) offers a household hazardous waste management program that can assist with proper disposal.
• Proof of Residency: In some cases, landfills require proof of residency in the county or area they serve. This is to ensure that only local residents are utilising their services. The BCUA, for instance, requires proof of residency for certain disposal and recycling services.
• Alternative Options: If your camper is still in usable condition, consider donating it to organisations like Goodwill or The Salvation Army. Alternatively, you can look into recycling options, as some landfills may accept campers for recycling, depending on their policies and capabilities.

It is always advisable to contact the landfill directly to confirm their specific restrictions and requirements before attempting to dispose of a camper or any other large vehicle. This ensures that you are compliant with the relevant regulations and helps to avoid any unnecessary delays or complications.

What to do with other waste

The Bergen County Utilities Authority (BCUA) organises eight Household Hazardous Waste events each year, offering free disposal for residents of Bergen County. The BCUA also operates a Computer and Electronics Recycling Depot for all Bergen County residents.

If you are unable to make it to a Household Hazardous Waste Event, some items can be placed in your household trash. However, the BCUA recommends that items are delivered to a Household Hazardous Waste Event for safe disposal.

Plastic bags, wraps, and films

These cannot be recycled in your curbside recycling bins. However, some local retail stores collect plastic grocery bags for recycling.

Bottle caps

Bottle caps are most often made from #5 plastic (polypropylene), which is a different type of plastic from the bottle itself. Therefore, they need to be recycled separately. Check with your town to see what the requirements are for recycling plastic #5. If bottle caps are not recycled in your town, Aveda Experience Centers will accept small quantities (one small bag or paper box) at their stores.

Alkaline batteries

Alkaline batteries (AA, AAA, C, D, and 9V) should be disposed of in the normal trash. They are not classified as hazardous waste.

Rechargeable batteries

Rechargeable batteries are found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, two-way radios, camcorders, and remote-controlled toys. Many retailers, including hardware stores, camera shops, and home improvement centres, collect spent batteries for recycling at their stores.

Motor oil

Many municipalities collect motor oil for recycling. If your town does not accept motor oil, many service stations that perform oil changes will accept your used motor oil (possibly for a nominal fee). All Jiffy-lube stations will take up to 10 gallons of motor oil at no charge, and all Bridgestone and Firestone Tire and Service Centers will accept up to 2 gallons at no charge.

Propane tanks

Many local propane filling stations and retailers, including home improvement centres, will accept your old propane tanks for recycling (possibly for a nominal fee) or trade-in for a new tank.

Medications

Click here for DEP guidelines for the proper disposal of household medication.

Hazardous waste disposal

The BCUA defines household hazardous waste as any unwanted household product labelled as flammable, toxic, corrosive, or reactive. This includes items such as aerosols, antifreeze, household cleaning agents, motor oil, paint supplies, photo chemicals, poisons, and solvents. It is essential that these items be properly disposed of, as improper disposal can contaminate drinking water and seriously injure garbage and recycling collection employees.

There are some types and quantities of hazardous waste that are unacceptable for disposal through the BCUA program. These include unlabeled wastes, containers with unknown contents, regulated medical waste, radioactive material, explosives, containers larger than five gallons, non-friable asbestos, automobile tires, and computer or electronic equipment. If you have any of these items, you may need to contact a contractor that specializes in waste reduction, removal, and disposal services, or the BCUA's Hazardous Waste Hotline for advice.

The BCUA hosts eight Household Hazardous Waste events each year, where residents can bring their hazardous waste for proper disposal. These events are typically held rain or shine, and the dates and locations can be found on the BCUA website or by calling (201) 807-5825.

In addition to the BCUA program, some municipalities within Bergen County may offer their own hazardous waste disposal programs or collection events. It's worth checking with your town or municipality to see if there are any additional options available to you.

Bulk pick-up services

The Bergen County Utilities Authority (BCUA) offers a household hazardous waste management program to Bergen County residents. The program allows residents to properly dispose of household hazardous waste items. Proof of residency is required.

The BCUA also offers bulk pick-up services for large items such as mattresses and furniture. These items are typically picked up by the town's regular garbage pick-up services. Each township has its own rules and programs for bulk pick-up, so be sure to check with your specific township. Some townships may require you to call ahead and be put on a 'bulk' pick-up list.

In addition to bulk pick-up services, many townships also offer separate large metal item pick-up days, which are often different from 'bulk' pick-up days. Large metal items may include full-size refrigerators and dehumidifiers. Again, you may need to call your township to be put on a separate metal pick-up list.

For items that cannot be picked up by the town, such as hazardous waste and electronics, the township or Bergen County may offer designated drop-off locations or collection events. These events typically occur a few times a year and may require proof of residency.

Recycling and disposal of electronics

Disposing of electronics and computers via landfill is not recommended, as they contain toxic materials and heavy metals. If thrown into a landfill, these materials can cause an unsafe environment.

The Bergen County Utilities Authority (BCUA) offers a Computer and Electronics Recycling Depot for all Bergen County residents. The depot is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The BCUA also hosts eight Household Hazardous Waste events each year, where computers and electronics are accepted.

There are several other options for Bergen County residents to recycle their electronics:

• Municipal Programs: Many Bergen County municipalities collect computers and electronic equipment at the local recycling depot or Department of Public Works.
• Retail Collection Programs: Some retailers, such as MRM Electronics Recycling Program, Dell RECONNECT, STAPLES, Best Buy, and Goodwill, collect electronics at their retail locations.
• JunkDoctors: This company offers electronics removal and recycling services, ensuring that e-waste is safely removed and either donated or recycled.

By utilising these services, Bergen County residents can help protect the environment and ensure that hazardous materials are properly disposed of.

Frequently asked questions