Sanitation workers in Newark appear to be breaking the law by mixing garbage and recyclables.

News 12 New Jersey witnessed several sanitation crews dumping garbage cans and recycling cans together in the same truck, despite the law that states that the materials need to be separated.

The workers told News 12 that they were following the orders that they were given by the sanitation department.

The situation stems from the fact that the city cut ties with its perilous recyclable collection contractor a month ago. Khalif Thomas, director of the Newark Department of Public Workers, says that the sanitation workers are supposed to be making two separate runs – one for garbage and one for recyclables.

But this is not what News 12 crews saw. The situation left many Newark residents unhappy.

“We get tickets if we don’t separate the garbage and now they’re putting regular garbage and recycling in the same truck?” says Solange Santos.

A city spokesperson tells News 12 that no supervisors ever ordered workers to collect all at once - despite what several workers told the station on and off camera.  The spokesperson went on to say any employee who mixes garbage, and anyone who orders the mixing, will be disciplined. 

A new recycling contract is currently out to bid. Bids will be closed on Sept. 6.