Clean Communities

NJ Clean Communities Overview

New Jersey Clean Communities is a statewide, comprehensive, litter-abatement program created by the passage of the Clean Communities Act in 1986. The mission is to reduce litter in public places, promote the volunteer cleanup of public lands and sustain a reduction in litter through education. The Act provides a funding source for the program by placing a tax on fifteen categories of businesses that may produce litter-generating products. The program focuses on three areas: cleanup, education, and enforcement. For more information on the state, program visit New Jersey Clean Communities website.

Hunterdon County Clean Communities Program

Hunterdon County Clean Communities Program is part of a statewide strategy to clean and prevent litter on streets, waterways, parks, recreation sites, and vacant lots. Clean Communities Grant funding is used for educational programs, supporting clean-up events.

Important Resources

• State NJCC Website
• State Bag Up NJ Website
• NJDEP Single-Use Plastics Website
• Sign Up for NJCC Newsletter
• NJCC Certification Training

Cleanup Events

Help us keep Hunterdon County clean! A variety of volunteer opportunities are available whether you’re a resident, business, civic association, school, or non-profit organization.

The safety of our volunteers is important. Please review safety protocols before conducting any cleanup programs and encourage volunteers to watch the NJCCC safety video.

Education

Education is communication in a more complex form. It aims to change the attitudes that cause littering. The basic premise of the New Jersey Clean Communities program is to change habits so residents do not litter, bring their own reusable bags when shopping, skip the straw, and other sustainable practices. A long-term education program will teach both residents and visitors the ramifications of littering and ways to work together to prevent litter from affecting our state.

Enforcement

• NJ Single-Use Plastic Ban Law (PDF)
• NJ DEP Get Past Plastic

Bag up NJ

On Nov. 4, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Legislature enacted the most progressive bag ban law in the country. The law reduces litter and encourages the use of reusable bags by phasing out single-use carryout bags.

The law bans single-use plastic bags, regardless of thickness, at grocery stores and retail establishments, as well as paper bags at grocery stores equal to or larger than 2,500 square feet. It also bans polystyrene foam takeout food containers and other products such as plates, cups, food trays and utensils. As of November 4, 2021, plastic straws will only be available upon request.

The "Bag Up NJ" campaign is the New Jersey Clean Communities Council’s new single-use plastic and paper bag ban outreach campaign, which has a simple message: Bring your own reusable bag(s) when you shop.

For more information on the NJ Bag Ban Law, please visit NJ DEP Get Past Plastic.

Report Illegal Dumping

The Problem

"Public lands all over New Jersey are being used as dumping grounds. Litter, garbage bags, tires, televisions, electronic waste, appliances, yard waste, and construction debris are being dumped and threatening our local environment, animals, and public. This dumping detracts from the natural beauty of our public lands; it decreases property value and costs the citizens of New Jersey tax dollars to clean up." -NJDEP

There's an App for That

The NJDEP offers a free and easy to use app that can be downloaded onto your smartphone device. View the instructions to use the web app and start reporting illegal dumping sites in New Jersey.

Residents may also report illegal dumping by emailing the Hunterdon County Health Department or by calling 908-788-1351.