Hackensack strengthens littering ordinance with fine, mandatory court appearance
Mayor Caseen Gaines says the updated ordinance is aimed at preserving the quality of life for residents and visitors as the city continues to grow.
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Hackensack is stepping up its efforts to keep the city clean, with an updated littering ordinance that increases financial penalties and requires violators to appear in Municipal Court.
Mayor Caseen Gaines says the updated ordinance is aimed at preserving the quality of life for residents and visitors as the city continues to grow.
Under the new rules, the littering fine has changed from a maximum of $500 to a minimum of $500. The mayor says the fine can be assessed for each day the litter remains after the violator has been notified by the city.
Gaines says the changes are intended to give the ordinance more weight and discourage people from leaving waste behind.
“This isn’t meant to be punitive. This isn’t meant to punish people,” Gaines said. “It’s meant to really make people consider what they’re doing with their waste before it becomes a permanent fixture in the city of Hackensack.”
The updated ordinance applies to both residents and businesses.
The person who actually littered is ultimately responsible for the violation, even if the litter is found on someone else’s property. Gaines says the city could use cameras or other means to determine who left the waste.
The ordinance can apply to a variety of waste, including food wrappers, lawn waste and newspapers that are left behind and eventually end up on sidewalks or streets.
Gaines says the city has been focused on improving quality of life as Hackensack’s downtown continues to grow, with new businesses and residents coming into the city.
The mayor also pointed to the city’s garbage collection efforts. Since the current administration took office in 2025, Hackensack has doubled the frequency of garbage pickup to twice a week.
Gaines says the city also has numerous garbage cans and recycling efforts available to residents, giving people options for properly disposing of waste.
The littering ordinance is part of a broader beautification effort, he said, aimed at keeping roads, streets and residential neighborhoods clean. The city also wants to prevent waste from ending up in gutters and storm drains, where it can create environmental problems.
Gaines says Hackensack has also increased its focus on environmental initiatives, including obtaining grants for trees and other projects.
The city is also encouraging residents to participate in cleanup efforts.
Hackensack holds an initiative called “Slam Dunk the Junk” twice a year, where residents can help clean up parks and neighborhoods. The next cleanup is scheduled for October.
Gaines encourages residents to watch out for their own properties and their neighbors’ properties and to notify the city if they see litter.
“We want to work together and all be a part of the solution of keeping Hackensack clean and restored,” Gaines said.
More information about city cleanup initiatives and the updated ordinance is available through the City of Hackensack.
