Everything You Need to Know About Recycling Approvals in New Jersey

NJ Recycling Approvals: What you need to know & how to get one without losing your mind (or your money)

Thinking about starting a recycling business in New Jersey? If so, you’ve probably run headfirst into a wave of questions. What exactly is a recycling approval? How do you get one? Can you do it yourself? And what happens if you’re denied?

We hear these same questions from folks all the time. And we get it. You might know recycling, but understanding how to legally run a recycling business in NJ is a whole different world.

That’s why we put this guide together. To answer every major question you’re probably asking and help you get a real handle on what it takes to get your business up and running the right way. Because while the process in NJ can be tough, with the right guidance, it’s entirely doable.

And when you’re ready for expert help, we’re here. Reach out to us at RMA - we’ve helped more recycling businesses get approvals in New Jersey than just about anyone. Okay, let’s jump in.

So… what is a recycling approval in New Jersey, and why do you need one?

Let’s start with a simple way to think about it: imagine opening a restaurant. You wouldn’t just grab some ingredients and start serving food to customers. You’d need a health inspection, zoning approval, maybe a liquor license, and a handful of other permits just to legally open your doors. Now swap out “food” for “recyclable materials,” and you’ve got a pretty good sense of how starting a recycling business works in New Jersey.

In this state, recyclable materials are still legally treated as a form of solid waste - because at the end of the day, we’re talking about stuff that’s been discarded or isn’t needed anymore. That means the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) oversees every part of the process, from how waste is generated to how it’s transported, processed, stored, or disposed of. And yes - how it’s recycled.

So if you want to open a recycling facility, you need official permission from the NJDEP. But that approval isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s detailed. It’s specific. You’ll need to clearly define what materials you’re recycling, how much of it you’ll handle, where it will be stored on your site, and exactly how your operations will run. If you’re approved to recycle concrete, that doesn’t mean you can accept asphalt, wood, or plastic. Your approval is tied to what you applied for, and nothing more.

And before you even get to the state level, you’ll first need to secure approvals from your county. And often, you’ll need zoning or planning board approval from your local municipality too. That means three layers of government all have to sign off before you can legally recycle a single thing. For more on this, check out: What are New Jersey Recycling Approvals?

Do other states require recycling approvals?

In some cases, yes, but New Jersey is one of the strictest. Many states don’t require a formal approval process to operate a recycling facility, or if they do, it’s far less intensive than what the NJDEP requires. That means in most parts of the country, starting a recycling business is relatively straightforward.

There are exceptions. States like Pennsylvania have their own version of recycling facility approvals. While not as tough or complicated as New Jersey’s process, they still involve some regulatory hurdles. A few other states follow a similar path.

But overall, New Jersey stands out for how regulated the process is. We've gone as far as to say that recycling in New Jersey is broken. That’s why we often see potential operators shift their plans across state lines once they learn what’s involved here.

“We’re not processing anything... do we still need an approval?”

We hear this one a lot. Someone’s planning to collect recyclable materials, store them briefly, and then send them off to another company for actual recycling. No shredders, no crushers, no sorting lines. Just receiving and shipping. Seems simple, right? So... do you still need a recycling approval?

In New Jersey, yes. And here’s why.

The NJDEP has a very specific way of determining whether your operation is a recycling facility. If you do any of these four things with recyclable materials, you’re in the recycling business in their eyes:

1. Receive the material
2. Store the material (even briefly)
3. Process it in any way
4. Transfer it off-site

You only have to do one of these four things to trigger the need for a recycling approval (or to qualify for an exemption). That’s it. Just one.

So when we get a call from someone who says, “we’re not processing anything,” we always ask: Are you receiving the materials? Storing them? Shipping them elsewhere? If the answer is yes to even one of those, you’re considered a recycling facility under NJDEP rules.

A good example is tire collection. Plenty of businesses call us saying they just gather old tires and send them off to a recycler, they’re not doing the actual recycling themselves. But they receive the tires, store them for a while, and transfer them out. That’s three out of four of NJDEP’s tests. And that means they absolutely need an approval (or they need to qualify for an exemption, which we’ll get to later).

So even if your setup seems simple, don’t assume you’re off the hook. In New Jersey, “just collecting and shipping” still counts. For a deeper dive, read: Who needs a recycling approval in New Jersey?

Are there different types of recycling approvals in New Jersey?

Yes, absolutely. New Jersey doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to recycling approvals. In fact, there are several different types of approvals issued by the NJDEP, depending on the kind of materials you're handling and how your business operates.

The General Recycling Approval

This is the big one. The General Approval is the most common, and it’s probably the one you’re after if you’re looking to start a full-scale recycling business in New Jersey. It’s also the most detailed and demanding of the bunch.

To get a General Approval, you’ll go through the full three-step process: county approval, local (municipal) approval, and state-level approval from the NJDEP. It’s time-consuming, technical, and can be expensive, but it’s also the path that gives you the most credibility and operational flexibility. Once you’ve got one, you’re officially in business.

General Approvals are broken down into four material-based categories:

• Class A – Source-separated recyclables like cardboard, paper, metal, and plastic
• Class B – Construction debris like concrete, asphalt, and wood
• Class C – Organic materials like compost or food waste
• Class D – Universal and hazardous wastes, such as used oil or electronics

We’ll go into more detail on those categories a bit later.

Limited Approvals

Not every recycling activity lasts forever. That’s where Limited Approvals come in. These are short-term permits (usually good for up to six months) for temporary recycling operations.

Say you’re demolishing a building and want to crush and recycle the concrete on-site during the project. That type of work might qualify for a Limited Approval since it’s limited in scope and time.

Research, Development & Design (RD&D) Approvals

RD&D approvals are designed for testing out new or innovative recycling methods. These are typically used for pilot programs or emerging technologies, especially in areas like food waste or non-traditional recyclables.

They’re meant to be temporary and flexible, often serving as a stepping stone to a full General Approval once the process is established down the road.

Exemptions

And finally, there are exemptions. The NJDEP has outlined 26 specific scenarios where certain recycling activities can operate without needing a formal approval. These can be a great option... if your operation qualifies. We'll discuss these in a little more detail shortly, but don’t have time to dig into all of them in detail here. 

What’s the difference between Class A, B, C, and D recycling approvals?

In New Jersey, recycling isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. The NJDEP breaks recyclable materials into four categories: Class A, B, C, and D - based entirely on what you're recycling. Your approval is directly tied to the specific materials you handle, and you’ll need to list those materials up front in your application. If you're approved, you can recycle only those materials, nothing more. Let’s break it down:

Class A – The “Everyday” Stuff

Think curbside recyclables. Class A includes common, source-separated materials like:

• Cardboard
• Paper
• Plastics
• Glass
• Metals

One major bonus? This is the only class where a full NJDEP approval isn’t required. If your county gives you the green light, you're good to go. That can save a ton of time, paperwork, and money. For a deeper dive, read: What are Class A recyclable materials in New Jersey?

Class B – Construction & Demolition Materials

These are bulkier items typically found on job sites, such as:

• Concrete
• Asphalt
• Wood and tree parts
• Roofing shingles
• Used tires
• Non-hazardous petroleum-contaminated soil

Class B approvals are more involved, and you’ll need to go through the full 3-step process (local, county, and NJDEP). For more, check out: What are Class B recyclable materials in New Jersey?

Class C – Compostable Materials

If your operation focuses on turning organic waste into compost, you’re dealing with Class C. These include:

• Leaves
• Grass clippings
• Food waste

As with Class B, a full recycling approval is required.

Class D – Universal & Special Wastes

Class D is kind of a catch-all for regulated but recyclable materials like:

• Used oil
• Batteries
• Antifreeze
• Paints
• Consumer electronics (e-waste)

Solar panels are expected to be added to this category soon, so if that’s in your future plans, keep it in mind. To dig deeper on this class, take a look at: What are Class D recyclable materials in New Jersey?

Why Your Materials (and Planning Ahead) Are So Important

When you apply for a recycling approval, it’s not just a general stamp of approval - you’ll need to list the exact materials you want to handle. And if you’re approved, that’s all you’re allowed to recycle.

So if you apply to recycle concrete and asphalt under Class B, that doesn’t mean you can also recycle tires - even though they're part of the same class. And it certainly doesn't mean you can compost food waste or take in e-waste. You get what you apply for, and that’s it. Now, you can apply for more than one category as a multi-class recycling center - but this obviously takes even more time and effort.

This is why planning ahead is so important. If you think your business might expand to include new materials down the road, it’s worth considering that now. Modifying an existing approval later is possible, but it’s not easy, and there’s no guarantee the NJDEP will say yes. Better to get it right the first time.

What's the story with exemptions from needing a recycling approval?

Some recycling operations in New Jersey might qualify for an exemption from the full approval process. These are designed for businesses working on a smaller scale or for a limited time. If you’re handling only small volumes, operating temporarily, or running a very narrow type of recycling activity, it’s worth exploring whether you fall under one of the NJDEP’s 26 approved exemptions.

That said, a word of caution: while exemptions can sound like an easy shortcut, most of them aren’t practical for businesses with long-term plans. They’re very limited in scope, and often not workable for real-world recycling operations. In our experience, the tire recycling and leaf composting exemptions are two of the more usable ones, but the rest tend to be too restrictive or unrealistic for most operators.

Still, don’t dismiss them outright. If your situation fits, exemptions can save you serious time, money, and regulatory hassle. In some cases, they can even serve as a starting point (sort of a “test drive”) before committing to the full recycling approval process. But be careful here. Treating an exemption as a stepping stone to a full approval can be risky if you’re not fully prepared to scale up the right way.

Bottom line? If you think your operation might qualify, it’s definitely worth a closer look. Just make sure you know what you’re getting into.

For more information on exemptions, read:

• New Jersey Recycling Exemptions Explained
• New Jersey Recycling Permits vs. Exemptions
• A Review of the Most Common New Jersey Recycling Exemptions
• A Review of New Jersey Recycling Exemptions - Part 1
• A Review of New Jersey Recycling Exemptions - Part 2
• A Review of New Jersey Recycling Exemptions - Part 3
• Should I get a New Jersey recycling exemption or a permit instead?
• Can I use multiple NJ recycling exemptions at the same time?

What needs to be done for the three layers of approval?

One of the trickiest things about opening a recycling facility in New Jersey is the number of approvals you need to actually get started. It’s not just a state-level green light. In reality, you’ll need approval from three separate levels of government: your town or city (municipality), your county, and the NJDEP. And if any one of those falls through, your whole project can come to a halt.

Step 1: Municipal Approval

Everything starts with your local municipality - your town, city, or township. Even though a formal municipal approval isn’t technically required by NJDEP rules, in practice, it’s a make-or-break step. If your local officials don’t support your plan, it’s almost impossible to get the county to approve it, which means the state won’t either.

Municipal support often means zoning and planning board sign-off, public meetings, and sometimes navigating local politics. If your town doesn’t want a recycling operation in their backyard, your chances of getting any further drop to near zero.

Step 2: County Approval

Once you have the town’s support, your next hurdle is county approval. Specifically, your proposed facility needs to be added to the County Solid Waste Management Plan. This plan is how the county keeps track of which facilities are allowed to handle solid waste and recyclables.

To get added, you’ll need to submit a detailed application, and the county will decide if your facility is truly “needed” in that area. Some counties are relatively cooperative. Others have more red tape, stricter reviews, and longer timelines. Most counties will also check to make sure your town supports the project, so if you skipped Step 1, it’ll catch up to you here.

Step 3: State Approval (NJDEP)

Finally, once the county gives you the go-ahead, you can submit your formal application to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). This is the most technical part of the process. The NJDEP will review everything from your facility layout and operations to your stormwater plans and safety procedures.

They’ll also check to make sure your project is listed in the county’s solid waste plan, which is why you can’t just skip ahead to the state. No municipal approval? No county approval. No county approval? No NJDEP review.

A Special Note for South Jersey: The Pinelands Commission

Oh, and by the way - if your proposed site is in South Jersey, there may be a fourth layer to worry about: the Pinelands Commission. This regional agency has jurisdiction over a large chunk of land in the southern part of the state and is not known for being recycling-friendly. In fact, there are very few places within the Pinelands boundary where a recycling facility can even be approved.

So if your property falls inside the Pinelands, be sure to check those rules carefully, and early. Otherwise, you could spend months pursuing a plan that’s dead on arrival.

This three-tiered process - municipal, county, then state - makes opening a recycling business in New Jersey uniquely challenging. And here’s where it can really hurt: if you’ve already purchased or leased property thinking you’re ready to go, only to find out your town or county says “no,” that dream can unravel fast.

That’s why planning ahead and understanding the full process is absolutely critical. Missteps early on can cost you serious time and money and potentially shut your project down before it ever starts.

How long does it take to get a recycling approval in New Jersey?

Let’s not sugarcoat it... this process takes time. A lot of time.

We’re talking about navigating three separate layers of government (municipal, county, and state), each with its own set of procedures, meetings, reviews, and potential delays. And if your proposed site is in South Jersey, you might be adding a fourth layer with the Pinelands Commission, which has its own tough set of rules and very limited areas where recycling facilities are even allowed.

So how long are we talking? In our experience, most applicants should plan for a minimum of two years, and that’s if everything goes fairly smoothly. It’s not unusual for the process to take longer. In fact, we’ve seen plenty of projects stretch out over several years, especially if the location is tricky or the application hits roadblocks along the way.

That’s why choosing the right property (and help!) is so important. If the site’s in the wrong zone, or if your local officials or neighbors aren’t on board, or your consultant doesn't know what they're doing, you could waste a year or more just trying to get past step one. And here's the hard truth... even if you follow every rule and check every box, nothing is guaranteed. You can get deep into the process, spend months preparing your application, paying consultants, attending hearings... and still get denied.

To dive deeper, read: How long does it take to get a NJ recycling approval?

Can I get a recycling approval myself?

We get asked this all the time, and we understand why. If you're starting a new business, you're likely trying to keep costs down and move things forward on your own. But when it comes to recycling approvals in New Jersey, this isn't your typical DIY project.

Here’s the deal: if you happen to be an expert in New Jersey’s solid waste and recycling regulations, fully understand the municipal, county, and state approval processes, are a licensed professional engineer who can create detailed site plans, a seasoned attorney who can represent yourself in local hearings, and also happen to know the local zoning rules and political landscape... then sure, maybe you can do this yourself.

But let’s be honest, that’s an incredibly tall order. For most people, the answer is no. This is a complex, technical, and highly sensitive process where one wrong move can cost you everything.

At RMA, we typically work with a full team to get these approvals across the finish line. That might include:

• An engineering and surveying firm
• An experienced land use attorney
• A local planner who knows the municipal ropes
• And sometimes, even a lobbyist (yes, really)

We’ve seen what happens when folks try to go it alone (or worse, spend thousands to hire the wrong team). Too often, it ends in denial. And here’s the tough part: with most recycling applications, you don’t get a second chance. If you’re denied at the municipal, county, or state level, that’s usually it. Game over.

So while it might sound self-serving, the truth is, if you’re serious about opening a recycling facility in NJ, you need to bring in the right people from day one. Because getting this wrong isn’t just a temporary setback, it can mean the end of your entire plan.

When’s the right time to start the recycling approval process?

Honestly? As soon as possible.

If there’s one thing we’ve learned after years of working with recycling businesses in New Jersey, it’s this: approvals take time, often a lot of time. Even in the absolute best-case scenario, getting a General Recycling Approval can take close to a year. But that assumes everything moves quickly and smoothly through your town, county, and the NJDEP. And let’s be real... when was the last time three government agencies all moved fast?

More realistically, this process takes two years or more, sometimes much longer. So the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll get to the finish line. There are two major risks we see when people delay starting the process:

1. County capacity fills up.
   County approvals are partially based on “need” - whether or not the area actually needs another recycling facility. And some counties already feel they’ve got enough. That means no matter how great your plan is, if the county says they’re full, your project isn’t getting in. We’ve seen it happen. In some areas, we'd even say “the good sites are already taken.”
2. Property deals fall apart.
   This one’s tough. A lot of folks come to us after they’ve already found a property they love. They’ll put a deposit down or lock in an option to buy - thinking they’ll get approved within that timeframe. But approvals almost never come that fast. So they end up losing the property they were counting on. The better move? Start the process before you commit to a property. That way, you’ll know if it’s even possible before you invest your time and money.

If recycling is part of your business vision, the best thing you can do is start now. Get ahead of the process, avoid heartbreak later, and give yourself the best shot at success.

How much does a New Jersey recycling approval cost?

This is probably the number one question we get asked, and for good reason. Recycling approvals in New Jersey aren’t free. Here’s the short answer: several tens of thousands of dollars. This is a long, involved, and technical process. You’re not going to be able to do it yourself. And that means you’re going to need help - from professionals who know what they’re doing.

First, you’ll need someone to run the whole application process - someone who understands the ins and outs of local, county, and state approvals. That’s where we come in. Next, you’ll need a current topographic site survey and an engineered plan for your proposed operations. That means bringing in an engineering and surveying firm. And depending on your location and the complexity of your project, you might also need a land-use attorney, especially if you have to go before a local planning or zoning board.

So what are we looking at? If you’re applying for a General Approval for Class B, C, or D materials, expect to spend somewhere in the range of $25,000 to $50,000 for all services - engineering, consulting, legal, and so on. It depends on how complex your operation is. For a Class A approval, you can usually expect to spend less, since those don’t require NJDEP involvement, just municipal and county approval.

This is exactly why we tell our clients: go big or go home. If you’re going to put this much on the line, don’t tiptoe in. Swing for the fences. Make it count.

For more reading, check out:

• How much do New Jersey recycling approvals cost?
• The Real Environmental Compliance Cost for NJ Recycling Facilities

So to wrap it all up… is getting a recycling approval in New Jersey easy?

Absolutely not. This isn’t a form you fill out and forget. It’s a long, complicated, and often frustrating process... and there are no guarantees you’ll be approved, no matter how good your idea is. But one thing is certain: if you don’t try, you’ll never get into the recycling business in New Jersey. It's been done before, and it can be done again (for now).

That’s why it’s so important to have someone on your side who really knows the ropes. At RMA, we’ve probably helped more recycling businesses get approved in New Jersey than anyone else (seriously!).

And just as importantly, we’ve helped plenty of people realize their original plan wasn’t going to fly - saving them time, money, and the heartbreak of a denial. Yes, we will tell you straight-up: "don't do it", even if that means we lose out on you as a client. Because we frankly aren't interested in chasing an impossible approval either, for any (reasonable) sum of money.

That kind of honest, experience-based guidance is exactly what you need when you're making big decisions about your future. So if you're ready to get started, or just want to talk it through with someone who’s been there, reach out to us. We’re here to help you figure out what makes sense, and how to make it happen.