Is it Illegal to Throw Your Trash in Someone Else’s Can in New Jersey?

We've probably all done this at some point or another.

So many seemingly innocent actions are actually illegal.  For example, in most cases, it's illegal to sleep in your car in New Jersey.  Although the odds of being prosecuted for these small violations aren't very high, it's still important to be familiar with them.

When I go on walks, I often see people throw their trash out in other people's garbage cans.  It's understandable - holding onto trash gets annoying after a while.  You want to get rid of it but don't want to litter.  So, tossing that empty coffee cup in your neighbor's garbage seems to be the best option, right?

Is it legal to throw your trash out in someone else's garbage can in NJ?

This is complicated.  When doing some research, I found conflicting answers.  I didn't see any state or city websites that clearly defined these laws.  Public forums, such as Quora, are filled with differing opinions.  Some users say it's okay, as long as you ask your neighbor first.  But, someone else on the same website said they got charged with trespassing for doing so.

D&D Disposal, a dumpster rental service in Ocean and Monmouth Counties, is the only website with a clear stance on the situation.  Per their website, it's illegal to dump your trash in a bin on private property unless you have permission to do so.  It sounds like some people in the Quora forums were correct!

Do I think officers are on the hunt for illegal garbage tossers?  No.  But, I always believe in erring on the side of caution.  So, it's probably best to hang onto that empty coffee cup until you come to a public garbage can or get home.