The $1.4 Million Trash Hack: How Oakland and Pompton Lakes Are Beating Rising Property Taxes
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the staff of the Ridgewood blog
In a major win for North Jersey taxpayers, two neighboring boroughs are proving that “bigger is better” when it comes to basic utilities. Oakland and Pompton Lakes have officially joined forces in a landmark 5-year shared services agreement for trash, recycling, and waste removal.
The deal, which kicks off July 1, 2026, is being hailed as a model for municipal efficiency in an era of soaring costs.
The Big Win: $1.4 Million in Savings
For Oakland residents, the move away from private contractor Suburban Disposal is a financial game-changer. Oakland Business Administrator Richard Kunze estimates the borough will save $1.4 million over the life of the contract—an average of $315,000 in savings every year.
Meanwhile, Pompton Lakes isn’t just helping out a neighbor; they’re building an empire. The deal is expected to generate $1 million in new revenue for Pompton Lakes, which will be used to:
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Fund additional high-tech sanitation equipment.
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Support expanded municipal staffing.
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Offset operational costs without raising a single cent in local taxes.
Will My Trash Schedule Change?
The short answer is no. Both towns have confirmed that service quality remains the top priority.
“Importantly, there will be no reduction in services to Pompton Lakes residents, and existing collection schedules will remain unchanged.” — Michael Carelli, Pompton Lakes Business Administrator
What Oakland Residents Can Expect:
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Twice-Weekly Garbage: Monday through Friday pickups continue across North and South districts.
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Dual-Stream Recycling: Biweekly rotations of paper and commingled goods remain.
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New Perk: Oakland residents gain full access to the newly refurbished Pompton Lakes Recycling Center on Grove Street.
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Vegetative Waste: Weekly pickup (April–December) moves to Thursdays and Fridays (previously Mon/Tue).
New Jersey’s “Shared Services” Revolution
This partnership isn’t an anomaly; it’s part of a statewide trend backed by the Local Efficiency Achievement Program (LEAP). Since 2019, New Jersey has awarded over $24 million in grants to help towns break through “home rule” barriers and save money.
Recent NJ Success Stories: | Partnership | Service Shared | Total Impact/Savings | | :— | :— | :— | | Essex & Union Counties | Correctional Facility | $103 Million (5 Years) | | Metuchen & Edison | Sewerage Pump Station | $2 Million in Capital Savings | | Oakland & Pompton Lakes | Sanitation/Waste | $1.4 Million in Savings |
A Vision for the Future
“This shared services agreement represents a significant milestone,” said Pompton Lakes Mayor Michael Serra, noting it’s the first of its kind for the borough. Oakland Mayor Eric Kulmala echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that inter-municipal cooperation is the most reliable way to provide high-quality services at a reduced cost.
As Bergen and Passaic counties continue to navigate post-2025 economic pressures, the Oakland-Pompton Lakes alliance stands as a blueprint for how local government can actually put money back in the pockets of residents.
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