New Jersey’s top watchdog agency says the state’s commercial solid waste industry continues to be infiltrated by criminal elements.

The State Commission of Investigation says individuals banned from the industry years ago because of ties to organized crime have found ways to get back in the business, such as through recycling operations.

In a report released Tuesday, the commission says New Jersey has become a haven for criminally tainted businessmen who were kicked out of the business with strong rules in other states, such as New York.

The commission is recommending New Jersey’s waste-hauling oversight be strengthened and that oversight be extended to the recycling business.

The SCI says it has issued the same findings and warnings in the past.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

More From 92.7 WOBM