Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Atlantic City
In New Jersey, municipal refuse and recycling routes operate weekly. Your exact collection days are determined by your local borough or township.
State Mandate
The NJ Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act requires all residents to separate designated recyclables.
City-issued Toter (or standard container with lid) Bin (Trash)
Trash should be placed in the city-issued toter or a standard receptacle not exceeding 32 gallons in size or 50 pounds in weight. Bins must have secure lids to prevent seagulls and wind from scattering debris.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Small broken household items
City-issued Recycling Toter Bin (Recycling)
Recyclables must be placed loosely into the recycling toter. Never place recyclables inside plastic bags, as they jam the sorting machinery.
Accepted Items
- ✓Clean cardboard (flattened)
- ✓Mixed paper and newspaper
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food-soiled paper (e.g., greasy pizza boxes)
- ✕Electronics
- ✕Scrap metal
Yard Waste Bin
Yard waste can be placed at the curb on your regular collection day for pickup by the specialized Mobile Recycling Program vehicle, or dropped off at the Public Works Yard.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small brush and branches
- ✓Plant debris
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly on your regular trash collection day
Placement
Place bulk items at the curb no earlier than the evening before your scheduled collection day. Keep distinct items (like electronics and scrap metal) separated from standard furniture so the correct truck can retrieve them.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Electronics (collected by specialized truck)
- ✓ Scrap metal (collected by specialized truck)
- ✓ Yard waste
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Hazardous waste (paints, chemicals)
- ✕ Tires (must be disposed of separately)
Bulk collection for standard household items is provided at no extra charge. However, excessive construction debris must be hauled privately to the ACUA landfill.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
When a major holiday or severe weather event (like a snowstorm) interrupts service, collection routes will typically run one day behind schedule for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
The Mobile Recycling Program truck schedule may also shift by one day during holiday weeks; ensure yard waste remains at the curb alongside your regular bins.
Always check the official Atlantic City website or the DPW announcements for real-time updates during severe coastal weather events.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Keep Electronics Out of Regular Bins
Never throw old TVs, computers, or microwaves into your standard trash or recycling toters. In Atlantic City, leave these items at the curb on your regular trash day so the specialized Mobile Recycling Program truck can collect them safely.
Ditch the Plastic Garbage Bags in Recycling
One of the most common recycling errors in Atlantic City is bagging recyclables. All paper, plastic, and glass must be placed completely loose inside your recycling toter to ensure it is processed correctly at the facility.
Separate Scrap Metal
Do not hide metal poles, old pipes, or broken metal chairs inside your trash bin. The Mobile Recycling Program truck handles scrap metal separately to ensure it is recycled rather than sent to a landfill.
Seasonal Information
Summer
June - AugustDuring the busy summer tourist season, the Clean Communities Initiative is in full swing. Residents can pick up free cleanup supplies at City Hall (Suite 605A) to participate in ward-by-ward cleanups alongside DPW crews.
Winter
December - FebruarySevere winter snowstorms frequently impact Atlantic City's coastal routes. When snow delays occur, trash collection typically runs one day behind schedule for the remainder of the week, often extending pickups into Saturday.
Autumn
September - NovemberAs hurricane season peaks and autumn storms arrive, ensure all toters are removed from the streets promptly after collection to prevent them from blowing away or interfering with street cleaning and stormwater drainage.
About Atlantic City Waste Management
Municipal Sanitation Services in Atlantic City
Unlike many neighboring municipalities that rely solely on the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA) for their waste management, the City of Atlantic City utilizes its own Department of Public Works (DPW) Sanitation Division. This dedicated municipal crew is directly responsible for residential trash collection, street cleaning, lot maintenance, and snow removal across all six wards and the Board of Education.
The New Mobile Recycling Program
Launched in the summer of 2026, Atlantic City’s innovative Mobile Recycling Program simplifies waste disposal for residents. A specialized DPW vehicle traverses the city on regular trash collection days specifically to pick up discarded electronics, scrap metal, and yard waste directly from the curb. This initiative eliminates the need for residents to make separate appointments or transport these heavy items themselves, greatly reducing illegal dumping in the city.
City-Issued Toter Distribution
To modernize collection and maintain the cleanliness of city streets, the Atlantic City DPW actively distributes specialized toter bins for both trash and recycling. Residents are eligible to receive one trash and one recycling toter per household on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each provided toter features a unique ID number linked to the property, ensuring that bins can be easily recovered if misplaced during coastal storms or high winds.
The Clean Communities Initiative
Atlantic City takes immense pride in its appearance through the Clean Communities program. Throughout the summer, DPW crews conduct intensive ward-by-ward cleanups. Residents are actively encouraged to participate alongside city workers. The city even provides free supplies, including trash bags, gloves, grabbers, and safety vests, which can be picked up at City Hall. Participating homeowners may also receive surprise 'Property Recognition Rewards' for exceptional property upkeep.
Public Works Yard Drop-Off Options
If you miss your scheduled curbside pickup or are doing a major cleanout, the Public Works Yard provides a convenient alternative. Located at 1100 N. Albany Avenue, the facility is open to Atlantic City residents from Thursday through Monday, between 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM. Here, you can safely drop off excess yard waste, scrap metal, and electronic waste.
Drop-off Facilities
Atlantic City Public Works Yard
1100 N. Albany Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Materials Accepted
ACUA Environmental Park (County Facility)
6700 Delilah Road, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a new trash or recycling toter in Atlantic City?
The Atlantic City Department of Public Works provides one trash and one recycling toter per household on a first-come, first-serve basis. You must provide proof of residency. Call the DPW at 609-347-5700 to coordinate delivery.
Does Atlantic City have a drop-off location for old TVs and computers?
Yes. Residents can drop off electronic waste, scrap metal, and yard waste at the Public Works Yard located at 1100 N. Albany Avenue. The yard is open Thursday through Monday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
How does the Mobile Recycling Program work?
The city has dedicated a specialized vehicle to collect electronics, yard waste, and scrap metal directly from your curb on your regularly scheduled trash pickup day. You no longer need to make separate disposal arrangements for these specific items.
What happens to my trash pickup if there is a snowstorm?
During severe winter weather, Atlantic City DPW may suspend trash collection to prioritize plowing and salting. When this happens, collection typically runs one day behind schedule for the rest of the week, with crews working on Saturday to catch up.