Can I use multiple NJ recycling exemptions at the same time?

Written By: Doug Ruhlin | Jun 23, 2017

Time to Read 7 Minutes





When it comes to recycling in New Jersey, many people are shocked to learn how tough it is to start a recycling business in New Jersey. From the costs associated with recycling in New Jersey to learning how long it takes to get a recycling permit or approval, many potential customers change their mind and head across the river to Pennsylvania or move up into New York, and I don't blame them!

Fortunately, for certain individuals who operate certain businesses, there are exemptions to getting a full-blown New Jersey recycling approval. So, when people ask us on the phone how to get a recycling license, permit, or approval in New Jersey we run through the whole 9 yards, but also clue them in on an alternative option as well.

Depending on your operation, your size, and some other very specific parameters, you may in fact qualify for a New Jersey recycling exemption. For anyone who can take advantage of a recycling exemption, this is great news, because they're cheaper, faster, and a lot easier to live with as opposed to an approval.

However, many of our customers ask us if they are limited to one exemption, or can use multiple New Jersey recycling exemptions at their operation at the same time. This is a great question and one that we hear a lot from a variety of businesses all over New Jersey. Since the regulations surrounding recycling can be downright confusing, and help from the NJDEP can vary, many people turn to consultants, like ourselves, to help them through the process. So, let's dive in and answer the question of whether you can use multiple New Jersey recycling exemptions at the same time at your facility.

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Can I use multiple NJ recycling exemptions at the same time?

The short answer here is yes, you can.

However, in New Jersey, it's essential that you understand the rules about recycling operations before even beginning to consider operating or opening one. I recommend reading our articles Should I get a New Jersey recycling exemption or a permit instead? and New Jersey Recycling Permits vs Recycling Exemptions to learn more on the subject. After all, if you don't follow the rules regarding recycling facilities, you could be fined, your business and operation could be shut down, or even denied the opportunity to run a recycling center at all either today or in the future.

And yes, all of that applies to almost any kind of recycling operation, whether you're a very small wood grinding facility to make mulch at a local landscaper's yard, to an electronics facility which takes apart computers and other equipment for downstream recycling, to a tire collection yard, to a large municipal or County recycling facility. All of them fall under the same strict, costly, and time-consuming regulations.

So knowing how to manage your way through the tangled web of regulations is critical, and can save you time, money, and a ton of aggravation. Sounds pretty bad, doesn't it? Well, there is a silver lining of sorts in the use of a recycling exemption in New Jersey. For a full breakdown of what these exemptions are, and how you can use them, check out New Jersey Recycling Exemptions Explained.

If you're unfamiliar with what New Jersey recycling exemptions are, then I suggest you read these articles:

In short, there are 24 different recycling exemptions in New Jersey, which are broken down into three parts in those three articles. Additionally, you might want to check out:

Those two articles cover the most common exemptions, of which we see the most common exemption as #20, also commonly referred to as the "Contractor's Exemption".

Bear in mind, these exemptions come with a lot of restrictions in terms of duration, scope, volume, intensity, you name it. And, these are not necessarily all for small-scale operations either, in fact, some of these might help get that recycling facility you've always dreamed of up and running quickly and painlessly.

Why would I need multiple New Jersey recycling exemptions at one facility?

Like I said above, the exemptions are extremely strict and very, very limiting.

Let me give you an example. Let's say you're a landscaper who clears properties creating tree parts. You might also want to hold leaves and grass on site for transfer to some larger approved recycling facility. Both those activities can be covered by an NJ recycling exemption, meaning you won't have to go through the whole permitting process to become a full-blown recycling facility. While those two activities seem harmless and pretty simple, you would actually need two exemptions to do what's described above.

I know, crazy right?

Multiple NJ Recycling Exemptions

How do I get multiple New Jersey recycling exemptions?

Easily! When you, your facility manager, consultant, etc., fill out the necessary paperwork, you simply indicate which exemptions you wish to be covered under. You'd mail off the form, and then you'd have to follow all the applicable rules following those exemptions.

If for any reason you cannot follow the rules, you will lose the ability to operate under the exemptions. If your operation expands, your volume changes, your business changes, etc., then you'll need to re-evaluate the use of those exemptions and determine if they still apply to you. If they do, no problem, you're fine. If they don't, you need to see if there are any other exemptions you could use, or start thinking about getting a full blown New Jersey recycling approval.

If you aren't operating within the confines of your exemption, expect enforcement actions. You might have to cease operations, pay fines, or be forced to get a recycling approval. In short, you don't want that. I urge you to play by the rules to the best of your ability!

What will I need to do with my multiple recycling exemptions?

There's more to exemptions than we've covered here. There are annual reports you'll need to submit to the NJDEP, various certifications, regular inspections from state or county officials, and much more. There are also environmental regulations to consider, which we cover in our article New Jersey Recycling Centers & Environmental Regulations.

This may sound like a lot but it's far easier than going after a full-blown recycling facility approval, unless that's what you really want. If you can live with the restrictions of a New Jersey recycling exemption, it's a great route to go towards starting your recycling facility.

I need help with a recycling exemption in New Jersey!

If you do, you've come to the right place. We've gotten our clients multiple recycling exemptions in New Jersey fairly regularly over the last 25+ years we've been in business.

What we'd do is file your exemption(s) at the same time on behalf of you, who wants or needs to get into the recycling business. This filing essentially gets you covered under the exemptions and to a point where you can get your facility up and running.

Most of the exemptions don't overlap one another, so having more than one usually won't cause an operational conflict at your facility, but read the rules carefully, and follow them. As we said, the exemptions are usually pretty narrowly defined and you'll need to follow the requirements to stay in compliance. Stray from the confines of the exemption and you'll face trouble from the NJDEP or county inspectors, both of who will be visiting your site regularly from now on.

This isn't an overly costly process, and it doesn't take that much time. To learn more about how we can help get your recycling business in New Jersey up and running, click here to contact us or give us a call anytime at our New Jersey office at 609-693-8301 to learn more.

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