Notwithstanding the provisions of P.L. 1970, c.39 (C.13:1E-1 et seq.) or any other law, rule or regulation to the contrary, vehicles used exclusively for the transportation of leaves to a leaf composting facility, vegetative waste composting facility, recycling center or lands owned or operated by a recognized academic institution authorized or approved by the department shall not be required to be registered with, or approved by, the department.
N.J.S. § 13:1E-99.21d