"FREE CLEAN FILL" MAY CONTAIN CONTAMINANTS
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“FREE CLEAN FILL” MAY CONTAIN CONTAMINANTS
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) warns that sometimes “clean fill”, which can be sold or offered free of charge, may contain contaminants that should not be on residential property. This dirt may contain hazardous substances like heavy metals, PAHs, and PCBs generated from land clearing, excavation, or demolition activities that would otherwise be managed as solid waste.
To combat this issue and prevent illegal dumping and environmental crimes, New Jersey enacted the “Dirty Dirt” legislation, requiring businesses handling soil and fill to register with the NJDEP.
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD: The presence of contaminants in fill can pose a threat to public
health and the environment, as seen with past instances of illegal dumping of contaminated fill.
PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE: Failure to register or obtain the required license can lead to significant penalties, potentially up to $50,000.00 for each violation.
RESIDENTS: Protect your property and your community by being aware of the risks associated with “free clean fill” and visiting the NJDEP’s “Guard Your Backyard” website for more information on the dangers of contaminated fill. Residents may report illegal dumping to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection at 1-877-WARN-DEP.