Full Notification

The City now requires all garbage to be placed at the curb for collection in a container with a tight-fitting lid. The new law aims to help limit rodent access to trash as part of the City’s ongoing efforts to reduce rat populations and mitigate rodent activity.  

Containerization rules and exemption application

Under the new regulation, properties with more than 10 units with space constraints that are unable to use containers must instead use disposable garbage bags with rodent repellent that are at least 1.1 mils thick. If the garbage bags do not have rodent repellent, the bags must be at least 3 mils thick. If trash from these properties is not in a container and is instead in an allowable disposable plastic garbage bag, the garbage must be stored indoors between collections. 

Property owners or the responsible agent of properties that have 10 or fewer units with space constraints can apply for a 1-year exemption to containerize garbage online at https://hoboken.seamlessdocs.com/f/containerization_exemption. 

If you already have a container with a tight-fitting lid, there is no need to purchase a new container.  

Please note, the new regulation has no effect on recycling or bulk/ furniture pick up. 

For the waste collection scheduled, go to www.hobokennj.gov/waste. 

Trash must weight 50lbs or less  

Please note a full garbage container must not weigh more than 50 pounds per the City's contract with Cali Carting, as garbage hauler employees manually lift trash. Trash which is over the weight limit may be left at the curb and would not be picked up by Cali Carting. 

Grace period for compliance scheduled to end Sept. 24 

The City has instituted a 30-day grace period for property owners to come into compliance with the regulation. Following the grace period, property owners who are violating the law may be issued a notice of violation and be subject to fines. 

The City has purchased over 3,000 containers to distribute to residents and is awaiting shipment. Once the containers are delivered, the City will announce distribution. 

Additional information/requirements for garbage containerization:  
https://www.hobokennj.gov/faqs/what-are-the-requirements-for-garbage-containerization. 

Composting reminder  

Residents are also encouraged to take advantage of the City’s free composting drop-off program as composting removes rodent food sources from garbage and reduces garbage weight. Drop-off locations are as follows:  

• City Hall (near patio behind City Hall on Bloomfield Street between Newark and First Streets) 
• Church Square Park (near restrooms in the center of the park) 
• Elysian Park (near restrooms on the north side of the park) 
• 7th & Jackson Plaza (near Portland Loo restroom on 7th Street between Monroe and Jackson Streets) 
• Columbus Park (near 9th & Clinton Street) 
• Harborside Park (near shade structure in the center of the park) 
• Jackson St Community Garden 
• Maxwell Park (near Boathouse) 
• Multi-Service Center (near rink on 2nd Street between Grand and Adams Streets) 
• Southwest Park (on Harrison Street between Observer Highway and Paterson Avenue) 
• Stevens Park (on 4th Street at River Street) 
• Viaduct (14th Street at Adams Street) 

To learn more and to register for the free program, go to https://www.hobokennj.gov/resources/compost.  

Rodent mitigation measures 

The City of Hoboken continues to work with exterminators to combat rat populations on public property utilizing bait, rodent birth control, CO2, and by filling any burrows following extermination. 

Residents can report rat sightings on public or private property via email at [email protected] or online via the SDL portal by clicking here.

Residents should include the exact address of the infestation, along with their contact phone number and any additional details and pictures, if available.   

Private property pest control  

Property owners are responsible for pest and rodent control on private properties. Currently, property owners are given 7 days to arrange for rodent baiting or pest control services after notifications by City inspectors that their property requires pest control service.

If the required work is not completed within that timeframe, the City can carry out the necessary measures with an extermination company and seek reimbursement from property owners.

To help mitigate rodent activity, residents are reminded to:  

• Keep food stored away: Small crumbs, garbage, grains, and cereals can become rodent food sources. Keep dry goods in sealed metal or glass containers.  
• Flatten and secure cardboard: Cardboard is attractive to rodents, as they tend to chew it up for use in their nests. Cardboard should be flattened and secured (tied, in another box, or in a bin).  
• Seal up holes on your property: ‍Seal up holes and burrows inside and outside your home and business to prevent entry by rodents. Learn how at the CDC website. 
• Trap rodents: Trap rodents to help reduce the rodent population. Learn how at the CDC website. Learn how at the CDC website. 
• Keep it clean: Prevent contact with rodents by cleaning your home and business. Learn how at the CDC website. Learn how at the CDC website. 
• Pick up pet waste: Failing to pick up after your pet on sidewalks, streets, and in parks is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000. Use one of Hoboken's 500+ public waste cans to properly dispose of pet waste. Forgot a bag? Find one of Hoboken's 80+ pet waste stations.   
• Remove weeds: remove weeds, tall grass, overgrown vegetation, wood piles, and debris from yards, sidewalks, and tree pits. Maintenance of street trees and sidewalks is the responsibility of the adjacent private property owner.   
• Don’t litter: Keep our streets clean. Use one of Hoboken's 500+ public waste cans to properly dispose of garbage and recycling.  

FAQ on managing rodents in Hoboken   

For more detailed information on the City of Hoboken's rodent mitigation initiatives and how property owners can contribute, please visit www.hobokennj.gov/faqs/how-can-we-mitigate-rodents-in-hoboken.