Environmental Commission | Teaneck Township

Functions and powers:

conducts research into the use and possible use of open land areas
works cooperatively with local and national not-for-profits with similar interests in protecting the environment
prepares materials for public distribution
maintains an index of all open areas, publicly or privately owned, including open marshlands, swamps, and other wetlands, to obtain information on the proper use of such areas
makes recommendations to the Planning Board of plans and programs for inclusion in a Master Plan and the development and use of such areas
studies and makes recommendations concerning open space preservation, water resources management, air pollution control, solid waste management, noise control, soil and landscape protection, environmental appearance, marine resources and protection of flora and fauna
may, subject to the approval of the Council, acquire property, both real and personal, on behalf of the town and can administer the property subject to the terms of the conveyance or gift
promotes actions by the town government, its residents, and businesses, that enhance environmental sustainability, including but not limited to waste management, recycling, energy efficiency, best practices in design, construction, operations, landscaping, energy efficiency, air, and water quality, and purchasing.
Statutory Powers

Positions:

(7) Regular members, one of which must also serve on the Planning Board, with 3-year terms.
(2) Alternates, designated #1 and #2, with staggered terms of 2 years. (Twp Code Art XIX, Sec 2-121)

Teaneck Recycling and Recycling Calendar
Teaneck Composting Pilot Information plus Q&A Zoom Meeting
Educational brochures from the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions (ANJEC)
Sustainable Princeton for a comprehensive guide to actions we can take to lead a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Guidelines on purchasing locally grown seasonal food directly from farmers –
- Local Harvest CSAs
- Bergen County CSAs
Earth Day: The theme for Earth Day 2024 is to address Plastic Pollution. National Earth Day serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainability to preserve a healthy planet for future generations; however, the resources can be utilized year-round. Every day is Earth Day!
- Earth Day: Planet vs. Plastics
In September 2020, the NJ Assembly 48-24-7 and the Senate 26-12 passed The Single Use Waste Reduction Act (SUWRA), which banned plastic bags and foam food containers. This law went into full effect in May 2022. It bans single-use plastic carryout bags and polystyrene foam food service ware, allows plastic straws on request, and phases out paper bags at large grocery stores.  A law that requires plastic straws to be given to customers only upon request went into effect at the end of 2021.

Teaneck is proud to be a BRONZE Certified Sustainable Jersey Community.

For more tips on recycling and solid waste, visit Bergen County Utilities Authority