North Jersey Towns Urge Residents to Pick Up Dog Waste in Snow

Municipalities report increase in dog poop left behind as winter weather persists

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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North Jersey towns are reminding residents to continue picking up after their dogs, even as snow covers the ground. Officials in Edgewater, Fair Lawn, and Cranford have taken to social media to address the issue, noting an increase in complaints about dog waste being left behind on public property. The problem is not limited to these towns, with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection stating that all pet owners are required by law to properly dispose of their animal's solid waste, regardless of weather conditions.

Why it matters

Leaving dog waste in the snow can pose health and safety risks, as it does not simply disappear. The waste can contaminate the environment and waterways. Additionally, the unsightly litter detracts from the appearance of public spaces. This issue highlights the need for pet owners to be responsible year-round, even when the weather makes cleanup less convenient.

The details

Municipalities across North Jersey, including Edgewater, Fair Lawn, and Cranford, have reported an increase in complaints about dog owners failing to pick up after their pets in recent weeks, despite the snowy conditions. Edgewater officials stated that the problem is not limited to their town, but is a widespread issue. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection requires all pet owners to immediately and properly dispose of their animal's solid waste, regardless of whether it is deposited on public or private property not owned by the pet owner. Violators can face fines ranging from $50 to $2,000, depending on the town.

  • On February 6, the Borough of Edgewater posted on Facebook about the issue, asking why dog owners are not picking up waste in the winter.
  • On February 10, the Radburn Association of Fair Lawn posted a similar notice about dog waste along a public path.
  • On February 5, the Township of Cranford in Union County reminded residents on Facebook that "snowy days don't make poop disappear!"

The players

Borough of Edgewater

A municipality in North Jersey that has received complaints about dog owners not picking up waste, particularly in public areas like Veterans Field and the dog park.

Radburn Association of Fair Lawn

A community association in Fair Lawn, New Jersey that has received reports of dog waste along a public path, creating an "unsanitary and unsafe condition".

Township of Cranford

A municipality in Union County, New Jersey that reminded residents on Facebook that dog waste does not disappear in the snow.

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection

The state agency that oversees environmental regulations, including the law requiring pet owners to properly dispose of their animal's solid waste.

Greg Franz

The administrator for the Borough of Edgewater, who stated that the problem of dog waste being left in the snow is not limited to Edgewater but is a widespread issue across all towns.

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What they’re saying

“Why dog owners do not pick up waste in the winter? Let us know we are interested.”

— Borough of Edgewater (Facebook)

“As a dog owner, picking up waste in snow is just as easy as no snow. Yes, we have gotten more complaints over the last month with the snow still on the ground.”

— Greg Franz, Edgewater Administrator (Email statement)

What’s next

The judge in Edgewater will decide on the appropriate fines for residents caught not picking up after their dogs.

The takeaway

This issue highlights the need for pet owners to be responsible year-round, even when the weather makes cleanup less convenient. Leaving dog waste in the snow can pose health and safety risks, and municipalities are reminding residents to follow the law and properly dispose of their pet's solid waste.