The Passaic County Utilities Authority was organized by Passaic County on March 18, 1987 and by county resolution adopted May 6, 1987 charged it with the responsibility of implementing the disposal strategy set forth in the Passaic County Solid Waste Management District Plan. Pursuant to the Solid Waste Utility Control Act of 1970, as amended, N.J.S. 48:13A-1, et seq., the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has the authority to grant an exclusive franchise for the disposal of solid waste within a solid waste management district. On May 21, 1987 the BPU awarded (as confirmed and described in its Revised Order dated August 4, 1987) the exclusive franchise for the District to the Authority, as the implementing agent under the plan. By its order dated June 22, 1987 the BPU has also awarded the Authority a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to enable it to engage in solid waste disposal.

As it exists today, the Passaic County Utilities Authority no longer engages in solid waste disposal, and only exists to satisfy its financial obligations.