We all know the basics of staying green: reducing, reusing, and recycling. While it sounds so simple, in practice it can actually be a bit overwhelming to try to stay environmentally friendly. Every day new questions can come up. Can I recycle this toothpaste tube? What should I do with these old batteries? Hoboken has been recognized by the CDP for its efforts in staying green, and we have a lot of options right at our disposal (for lack of a better word). We’ve put together a guide covering ways to stay green from composting and textile recycling to everyday habits that can help our local environment. Read on for some valuable resources that will make staying green a little bit easier, right here in Hoboken.
Recycling
Recycling is a must. It’s a small action that can make a big difference over time and here in Hoboken, it’s super simple to do correctly. However, “wishful recycling” — the act of adding questionable items to your recycling bin in hopes that they can be recycled — can actually be more harmful than not recycling at all. This can result in hoards of trash intended for recycling to be sent right to the landfill.
In Hoboken, plastic numbered 1, 2, and 5 are accepted with recycling. Commingled recycling (plastic, glass, cartons, and metal) is collected on Monday nights. The items should be empty, clean, and dry. No plastic bags, styrofoam, paper, or cardboard are allowed in commingled recycling.
Paper and cardboard are collected on Thursday nights. Cardboard must be flattened and tied or secured. No plastic bags, styrofoam, glass, or plastics are allowed in paper/cardboard collection. The full pickup schedule can be found here.
Read More: A Guide to Recycling in Hoboken + Tips on Reducing Carbon Footprints
Textile Recycling for Ripped + Worn Clothes
You know those socks that have holes in them or the spaghetti strap shirt that completely fell apart in the wash? While those items can’t be donated to those in need, they can still be recycled with the city’s Textile Recycling Program. Prevent torn clothes, worn-out shoes, pet clothing, linens, clothing accessories (hats, ties, etc), old towels, and sheets from sitting in a landfill for decades, and recycle them at the Textile Recycling bins in Hoboken.
Bins are located at:
- Patio behind City Hall (94 Washington Street), along Bloomfield Street
- Church Square Park (400 Garden Street), along the north side of the restroom building
- Elysian Park (1001 Hudson Street)
- 7th + Jackson Resiliency Park (600-620 7th Street)
Clothing Donation
Speaking of clothes — donate the ones you aren’t wearing. Throwing away clothes in the garbage is such a waste, and they will sit in a landfill for years. Allow someone else to put the clothes to good use. You can donate directly to St. Mary’s Advocates Thrift Shop, the Hoboken Shelter, In Jesus’ Name, and St. Matthew’s Lunchtime Ministry in Hoboken. You can also utilize donation bins that can be found in the Acme parking lot at 614 Clinton, the ShopRite parking lot at 900 Madison, the Speedway on 14th, or the church parking lot on Jefferson + 3rd.
Safely Recycling Batteries
The answer is no — you should not be throwing those old batteries out in the regular trash. Several big chain stores will recycle batteries — Best Buy, Target, and Home Depot. In Hoboken, residents are able to drop off old batteries at the Hoboken Recycling Center, located on Observer Highway and Willow Avenue. The drop-off center is open 9AM to 4PM Monday through Friday, and 9AM to 12PM on Saturdays.
Composting at Local Drop-Offs
Composting is a great way to get rid of waste without adding to landfills. Hoboken has several composting drop-off locations around town, so residents can easily dispose of compostable trash:
- City Hall — near the patio behind City Hall on Bloomfield Street
- Church Square Park — near restrooms
- Elysian Park — near restrooms
- 7th + Jackson Plaza — near restroom on 7th Street
- Southwest Park — On Harrison between Observer + 1st Street
- Harborside Park — On Park Avenue between 15th + 16th Street
- Maxwell Park — on Sinatra Drive
- Stevens Park — on 4th Street at River Street
- Hoboken Multi-Service Center — 2nd Street between Adams + Grand
- Hoboken Community Garden — 3rd Street + Jackson Street
- Columbus Park — 10th + Grand Street
- Under the Viaduct — Adams + 14th Street
Buying From Local Farmers Markets
Buying produce locally helps reduce your carbon footprint and supports local businesses and farms. Hoboken hosts farmers’ markets regularly, granting access to those fresh Jersey tomatoes right from the source (hello, Garden State). Here’s where and when you can find Hoboken farmer’s markets:
- Church Square Farmers Market: Garden Street between 4th + 5th Street, 2PM to 7:30PM, June through November
- Uptown Farmers Market: Under the 14th Street Viaduct, Every Saturday, 9AM to 2PM, May through December
Growing Your Own Veggies
And speaking of being the Garden State — if you have a little backyard space, deck, patio, or balcony (or roof you’re definitely ‘not allowed’ on), consider growing some of your own vegetables. No space? There are three community gardens in the Mile Square. Check them out on the City’s website.
Filling Up at Hydration Stations
Several Hoboken businesses have signed up to be designated Hydration Stations, meaning they will fill up a reusable water bottle free of charge. Some businesses include Green Rock Tap + Grill, Purely Juiced, Choc O Pain, Finnegan’s, Play! Hoboken, and more. Look for the Hydration Station sticker in a business’ window to see if they are participating.
See More: Green Point Juicery: Verona’s Sustainable Juice Bar
Utilizing Public Transportation Whenever Possible
One of the best things about Hoboken is its walkability. Not everyone gets to live within walking distance of their favorite coffee shop, a grocery store, a park, a library, and nightlife. If you haven’t heard, Hoboken provides a free (yes, free) shuttle on the weekdays called the HOP that can bring you on multiple routes around town. We also have a bike share program with several bike stations around town. If you need to get out of town, we are lucky to have easily-accessible public transportation. Next time you reach for the car keys, consider if there’s an alternative way to get there. The 126 bus takes us from Hoboken right to Times Square, making any NYC trips a breeze. The PATH train goes between Hoboken, Jersey City, Newark, and Lower Manhattan. Feeling fancy? Take the ferry from either uptown Hoboken or the PATH station to get to lower Manhattan and Midtown. The Light Rail connects North Bergen, Union City, Weehawken, Hoboken, Jersey City, and Bayonne. Hoboken Terminal is the home base for several NJ and NY-bound train lines. Download the NJTransit app to see how you can get to your destination in a more sustainable — and maybe even quicker — way.
6 Hoboken + Jersey City Spots With Country Vibes
Hudson County is usually known for its proximity to one of the world’s largest and most cosmopolitan cities, not for a rural, country feel. However, there are several restaurants and bars bringing the down-home country vibes to the Garden State. If tunes from Luke Bryan, Dolly Parton, The Chicks, and even Beyonce are in order, look no further than these Hoboken and Jersey City establishments. We’ve rounded up places in Hudson County that will have you screaming yee-haw by the end of the night. Read on to learn more about where to find country music and southern food in Hoboken and Jersey City, New Jersey.
Boots + Bones | 116 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
Boots + Bones is conveniently located just steps from the Grove Street PATH Station. The menu instantly transports diners to the Deep South with brisket burnt ends, cornbread, and Grandma’s Southern Chicken. Boots + Bones is always jamming with a full lineup of events and live music. Patrons can stop by for country bands, line dancing or DJs while sipping on drink specials. The restaurant also serves brunch on the weekends. The Cowgirl Brunch includes a brunch item and four brunch cocktails for just $40.
Read More: Julietta Gelato Cafe Soft Opening in Hoboken on 2/20
Hamilton Pork | 247 10th Street, Jersey City
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BBQ, tacos, and tequila…say less. Hamilton Pork is a Jersey City favorite nestled in the heart of the Hamilton Park neighborhood. The restaurant gives homey, comforting vibes and the food matches the rustic aesthetic. The menu has a wide variety of classic Tex-Mex and BBQ including over a dozen taco options. BBQ staples like pulled pork and brisket are on the menu along with sides like mac + cheese and classic slaw. The restaurant is available for private events and catering for all special occasions.
House of 'Que | 340 Sinatra Drive, Hoboken
“We smoke only the good stuff,” is House of Que’s tagline. And they smoke a lot of it. House of 'Que, created by an award-winning pitmaster from Texas, serves over 4,000 pounds of smoked meat weekly. Some crowd favorites on the menu include 48-hour smoked wings, Frito pie, and the Sloppy Texan, which is a brisket and beef burger with all the fixings. And, let’s face it, any restaurant with a full section of the menu dedicated to French fries can do no wrong. In addition to the authentic BBQ, House of 'Que is well-known for its events. The crowds for the restaurant’s weekly Dueling Pianos can be seen (or heard) singing karaoke favorites on Saturdays. Other events include weekly karaoke and trivia nights as well as weekend brunch.
Mike's Wild Moose Saloon | 90 River Street, Hoboken
Mike’s Wild Moose Saloon is one of Hoboken’s most popular bars. Its proximity to the Hoboken terminal and downtown nightlife makes it a great stop on any night out. The bar’s weekly events include Country Karaoke Thursdays, Nash Fridays, and Saddle Up Saturdays. Each night has drink specials, and the bar promises no covers, ever. Mike’s Wild Moose is perfect for a quick late-afternoon beer or a Sunday Funday with friends.
South House | 149 Newark Avenue, Jersey City
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South House was recently made famous as a filming location in the movie adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s It Ends with Us starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, but Jersey City residents know it’s been serving up classic BBQ and stand-out drinks well before its big screen debut. The vibey, date night spot is all about good food, good drinks, and southern hospitality. The restaurant itself gives country-meets-uptown girl and the food is down-home cooking. Diners can begin the night with starters like loaded deviled eggs, queso, and spicy fried pickles. The main courses provide nearly every type of Southern, food from Tex-Mex fajitas to Big Southern Plates like fried catfish and baby back ribs. End the night with southern desserts like banana pudding or a nightcap from the extensive bar menu.
See More: These Restaurants + Bars in Montclair Will Wow Your Visitors
The Stewed Cow | 400 Adams Street, Hoboken
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Laid-back, classic, and rustic are all words used to describe The Stewed Cow. This Hoboken staple recently got a facelift, and guests are loving the new look, but a familiar feel. The Stewed Cow leans the closest to Tex-Mex of all of the country offerings in the area with a section of the menu dedicated to homemade tortilla tacos and options for fajita entrees. The restaurant keeps the Instagram page updated with upcoming events like live bands and NFL gameday specials. Walk-ins are welcome, but a reservation is highly suggested.
