Chatham Township Adopts Ordinance Regulating Unsolicited Printed Materials

On March 25, 2025, the Chatham Township Committee adopted an ordinance aimed at reducing litter and protecting local stormwater infrastructure by regulating the distribution of unsolicited printed materials on private property.

This ordinance was developed in direct response to resident feedback and in collaboration with the Chatham Township Environmental Commission, as part of the Township’s ongoing commitment to environmental protection and maintaining a clean, attractive community.

Under the new ordinance, commercial or for-profit print items—such as advertising circulars and newspapers—may no longer be randomly tossed onto driveways or lawns. Instead, any such materials must be placed neatly at the primary entrance of the property, near the mailbox, or within a three-foot radius of that point. Distributors are also required to include clear contact information to allow residents to opt out of future deliveries

How to Opt Out

Residents who wish to stop receiving unsolicited commercial print materials must contact the distributor directly using the contact information provided on the materials. Under the ordinance, it is unlawful for a distributor to continue delivery after a resident has requested cancellation.

If a resident continues to receive materials after opting out, they may report the violation to the Township for enforcement.

If you wish to stop receiving unsolicited print materials:

• Contact the distributor directly using the contact name and telephone number provided on the material. Clearly state that you no longer wish to receive deliveries.
• For multi-unit properties or condominiums, the request must come from the individual unit’s resident.

One regional distributor that operates in the area and provides the “STAR-LEDGER EXTRA advertising material” is CBA Industries.  Some residents are happy to accept the unsolicited material placed in their driveways and are pleased to utilize the coupons provided.  However, other residents do not and find delivery of this material to be a nuisance.  If you do not wish to have this unsolicited material delivered to your home, you may contact CBA Industries at 1-800-376-6222 or e-mail [email protected] to ask to be removed from their delivery list.

Once a request is made, distributors are legally prohibited from continuing delivery.  For questions or to report concerns, please contact the Township Clerk’s Office at [email protected] or 973-635-4600.

To view the full ordinance, visit: Ordinance 2025-07 – Chatham Township, NJ | Official Website