Class A, B, C, D Recyclables in NJ (And a Free Tool to Help You Figure Out Yours!)

If you’re thinking about getting into the recycling business in New Jersey, one of the first things you’ll run into is this: the material you want to recycle has a “class” - and that class determines what kind of approval you’ll need from the state.

Class A? Class B? Class C? Class D? If you’re not sure what those mean, you’re in good company. It’s one of the most common questions we get from people exploring a recycling operation in NJ.

Let’s clear it up. This article breaks down the four recyclable material classes in NJ, what materials fall into each one, and how they affect the type of approval you’ll need from the NJDEP to start your recycling business.

And if you still have questions after reading, or want help navigating the application process, reach out to talk to one of our recycling experts. We’ve helped more businesses get recycling approvals in NJ than anyone else.

Table of Contents

• First, What Are Recycling Classes in New Jersey?
• Use the Tool to Find Your Recycling Class!
• Class A Recyclables Explained
• Class B Recyclables Explained
• Class C Recyclables Explained
• Class D Recyclables Explained
• You'll Only Be Approved for What You Apply For
• Can I Apply for Multiple Classes?
• So... What Approval Do I Need?
• How to Get NJ Recycling Help
• Additional New Jersey Recycling Resources

First, What Are Recycling Classes in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, recyclable materials are categorized into four “classes” by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP):

• Class A
• Class B
• Class C
• Class D

Each class includes different types of materials, and a material only belongs to one class - no overlap. That means before you can apply for a recycling approval, you need to know exactly what materials you want to recycle and what class they fall into.

Your class determines:

• The type of approval you need
• The level of scrutiny your application will face
• What you’ll be allowed to recycle (and just as importantly, what you won’t)

So, how do you know which class your materials fall into? We'll go into some more detail in the rest of this post, but the quickest and easiest way to find out is to use the tool below!

Class A Recyclables: The Everyday Stuff

Class A materials are what most people think of when they hear the word “recycling.” These are the traditional, household-style recyclables that you’d toss in your curbside bin.

Examples include:

• Paper
• Cardboard
• Glass bottles
• Aluminum cans
• Plastic containers

These are often handled by municipalities, but private companies can recycle them too, as long as they get Class A approval from NJDEP.

Class B Recyclables: Heavy Materials and C&D Waste

Class B materials are bulkier and heavier — think construction and demolition debris. This is one of the most common classes we help clients get approved for, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood.

Examples include:

• Concrete
• Asphalt
• Tree stumps and brush
• Untreated, unpainted wood
• Asphalt shingles
• Used tires
• Non-hazardous petroleum-contaminated soil

📌 Important: If you want to recycle tires and tires only, you still need a full Class B approval, and you’ll only be approved for tires. Want to add concrete or wood later? That’s a separate process. More on that in a moment.

Class C Recyclables: Compostable Organics

Class C is for Compost. These materials are typically processed to create soil amendments like mulch or compost.

Examples include:

• Leaves
• Grass clippings
• Food waste

If you’re collecting organics for composting, you’ll need Class C approval.

Class D Recyclables: Universal Wastes and Hazmat-like Materials

Class D materials are universal wastes — recyclable, yes, but often hazardous or sensitive enough to require special handling.

Examples include:

• Used oil
• Paint
• Antifreeze
• Batteries
• Pesticides
• Mercury-containing items like thermostats
• Electronic waste (e-waste)

These aren’t your everyday recyclables. If you’re looking to handle these materials, Class D approval comes with extra requirements (and extra scrutiny).

You'll Only Be Approved for What You Apply For

Here’s one of the most important things to understand about NJ’s recycling approval process:

You only get approved for the exact materials you list in your application.

If you apply to recycle tires under Class B, your approval will only cover tires, not wood, not concrete, not anything else. And if you want to add something later, you’ll need to modify your approval, which isn’t impossible but does add time, cost, and complexity.

That’s why we always recommend clients think ahead. Ask yourself:

• What do I want to recycle now?
• What might I want to recycle in the next 1–3 years?

If you’re applying for Class B approval for concrete, it’s often smart to add wood and asphalt now, even if you don’t plan to take them on day one. A typical Class B suite includes those materials and is usually no harder to get approved than concrete alone.

Can I Apply for Multiple Classes?

Yes! You can apply for approval under more than one class, for example:

• Class B + Class C (e.g., wood waste + food waste)
• Class A + Class D (e.g., paper + batteries)

Just keep in mind: the more classes you apply for, the more complex the process becomes. Not impossible (we’ve helped plenty of clients get multi-class approvals) but it requires more documentation, more site planning, and a strong application.

So… What Approval Do I Need?

That depends entirely on what you want to recycle.

And that’s always our first question when someone calls us about starting a recycling facility in NJ: “What exactly do you want to recycle?”

Because everything else - your class, your application strategy, your site layout, your DEP interaction - stems from that answer.

You can combine materials and even apply under multiple classes, but that makes the process more involved. If you're serious about launching a recycling business in NJ, this is one of the most important decisions you'll make.

Need Help Figuring It All Out?

Let’s be honest: the NJDEP website isn’t always the easiest to navigate, and answers can be vague or outdated. That’s why so many people come to us.

At RMA, we’ve helped more recycling businesses in NJ get approved than anyone else — and we know exactly what it takes to get your application across the finish line.

Whether you're just exploring the idea or ready to submit your application, we’ll help you:

• Identify the right materials and classes
• Strategize your application for long-term flexibility
• Avoid common pitfalls that slow down or derail approvals
• Communicate clearly with NJDEP from start to finish

Reach out now to speak with a recycling approval expert or book a call directly. Let’s build something sustainable — and compliant, together.