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Borough of Saddle River Department of Public Works seal

Borough of Saddle River ยท New Jersey

Department of Public Works

The Saddle River Department of Public Works (DPW) is dedicated to maintaining the Borough’s infrastructure, public facilities, and essential services that support the community’s quality of life. Department responsibilities include roadway maintenance and repair, snow and ice removal, sanitation and recycling operations, storm drainage maintenance, park and grounds upkeep, and the care of municipal facilities and equipment.

The Department works year-round to provide safe, reliable, and efficient services while preserving the character, safety, and appearance of the community for residents and visitors alike.

Sanitation

The Department of Public Works oversees the Borough’s sanitation and recycling programs. Collection services are provided through a municipal contract.

Residents with sanitation-related questions or concerns may contact the Department of Public Works at (201) 327‑2609, Option 1, or submit a request through the Recycle Coach app using the “Report a Concern” feature.

Please note that the Borough does not operate a public recycling center.

For collection schedules, recycling information, and program details, visit the Borough’s Recycling & Garbage page.

Road Department

The Borough of Saddle River contains approximately 20 miles of Borough-owned roads and 22 miles of Bergen County roadways. The Department of Public Works maintains all Borough roads and coordinates with Bergen County regarding County roadway issues.

Residents may report roadway concerns, including potholes, drainage issues, signage concerns, and other infrastructure-related matters through the Brightly Citizen Portal (opens in a new tab).

Miles of Borough roads
20
Miles of County roads
22

Facilities & Parks

The Department of Public Works maintains all Borough-owned facilities, parks, and grounds throughout Saddle River. The Department is responsible for the upkeep of 15 municipal properties, 20 structures, and approximately 65 acres of land, including the grounds of Wandell School.

Residents may use the Brightly Citizen Portal (opens in a new tab) to report concerns related to Borough buildings, parks, playgrounds, athletic facilities, and other public properties.

Municipal properties
15
Structures
20
Acres of grounds
65

Snow and Ice Operations

The Department of Public Works is responsible for snow and ice control on Borough roadways. During winter weather events, crews work around the clock to maintain safe travel conditions. Residents are reminded not to place snow in the roadway and to keep vehicles off streets whenever possible during snow removal operations.

Residents may use the Brightly Citizen Portal (opens in a new tab) to report snow and ice concerns on Borough or County roadways.

Leaf, Brush and Yard Waste

The Borough of Saddle River does not provide municipal collection of leaves, brush, or yard waste. Residents are responsible for arranging private disposal services.

Yard waste shall not be placed within the roadway, drainage systems, or public rights-of-way.

Contact Us

For questions, service requests, or additional information, please contact the Saddle River Department of Public Works during normal business hours.

Ken Konig, CPWM, CRP

Director of Public Works

Hours
Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
After-Hours Emergencies
Police Department, (201) 327‑5300

Resident service guide

Permits, Safety Rules and Additional Resources

Use this guide for service requests, work near roads and drainage systems, winter road rules, recycling requirements and other official resources.

Where to Report a Problem

Do not use email or online service requests for emergencies.

Permits and Resident Responsibilities

Before Work Near a Street

Obtain the required Borough permit before digging, opening, obstructing, fencing, paving or altering any public right-of-way or municipal easement, including pavement and drainage facilities. The Borough Clerk refers the application to the Borough Engineer. Fees, deposits, bonding, inspection and restoration requirements may apply.

Do not place a new encroachment, obstruction or encumbrance in a Borough right-of-way. Businesses performing landscaping or excavation work must also comply with the annual permit and vehicle-sticker requirements in Chapter 130.

Call 811 Before Digging

Homeowners and contractors planning excavation must notify New Jersey One Call so underground utilities can be marked. Call 811 or 1‑800‑272‑1000 at least three business days before digging. Confirm that the notified utility operators have responded and respect all markings before work begins.

A utility mark-out does not replace a required Borough permit, and a Borough permit does not replace the One Call notice.

Protect Storm Drains and Waterways

Do not spill, dump or dispose of waste or other materials into a catch basin, curb, gutter, ditch, storm drain or anywhere they may enter the municipal stormwater system. Illicit connections and prohibited nonstormwater discharges are not allowed.

Report a blocked drain, flooding, dumping, or unusual flow, odor or discoloration through Brightly. Report a suspected environmental incident to NJDEP at 1‑877‑WARNDEP (1‑877‑927‑6337), available 24 hours a day. Call 911 for an immediate threat to life or safety.

Owners responsible for privately maintained stormwater measures must follow the approved maintenance plan and retain the required inspection and maintenance records.

Snow Emergency and Parking Rules

A snow emergency exists whenever Borough snow-removal equipment is operating on a roadway. During a snow emergency, do not park, abandon a vehicle or otherwise impede plowing, sanding or salting. A vehicle that impedes snow removal may be towed at the owner's expense, and the owner may receive a summons.

After a roadway has been plowed, do not throw or plow snow or ice onto the traveled portion of the roadway. Separately, vehicles may not be parked on any street or road within the Borough between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

Recycling and Project Debris

Designated recyclable materials must be separated from ordinary solid waste. Follow the current Borough schedule and Recycle Coach instructions for accepted materials, preparation and bulky pickup.

Owners must recycle construction and demolition debris and provide the required weight slips or other written documentation to the Construction Code Office before a permanent certificate of occupancy can be issued.

Roadside Vegetation

Owners and tenants of property adjoining a traveled road must maintain vegetation rooted on their property so it does not project over the public easement between road level and a height of 15 feet. Additional sight-clearance rules apply at qualifying intersections.

Contact the Borough before work if there is a question about the property line, public right-of-way, or applicable vegetation rules.

Additional Official Resources

Official ordinances, permits, posted notices and instructions from the responsible Borough, County or State agency govern.

Requirements may vary with the location and scope of the work.