Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Belleville
Trash Day
Trash is collected twice a week by zone: Zone A is picked up on Mondays and Thursdays, and Zone B is picked up on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Recycling
Every Wednesday (townwide collection)
Yard Waste
Curbside leaf and brush collection is scheduled seasonally by designated neighborhood zones (e.g., Zone 1 on Mondays, Zone 2 on Tuesdays).
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day (or after 6:00 PM the evening before)
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Curbside trash and recycling pickup is funded through township property taxes rather than a separate monthly trash bill, while water utilities are billed separately and do not accept cash payments.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Check, Money Order, Lobby Drop Box
Pro Tip / Discount
Senior Property Tax Freeze (PAS-1) and Veteran's Property Tax Deductions are available through the state and municipal tax office; no separate trash discount is required since collection is tax-funded.
Standard household garbage container (Resident-provided) Bin (Trash)
Garbage cans must be placed behind the curb on the planting strip after 5:00 PM the night before pickup. Emptied containers must be removed from the curb promptly after collection.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Small broken household items
Township-issued Blue Container Bin (Recycling)
All containers must be thoroughly emptied and rinsed. Plastic lids and caps must be completely removed. Never place recyclables inside plastic bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard and mixed paper
- ✓Plastic bottles and food containers (e.g., yogurt cups)
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Metal cans and empty non-hazardous aerosols
- ✓Juice and milk cartons
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Plastic caps and lids
- ✕Styrofoam and plastic wrap
- ✕Large plastic items (cat litter pails, flower pots)
- ✕Hardback books and loose shredded paper
Yard Waste Bin
Must be placed in brown paper lawn bags or tied in bundles up to 4 feet in length and under 40 lbs. Collection runs weekly from April 1 to December 15. No plastic bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Brush and small branches
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly (Thursdays for Zone A, Fridays for Zone B)
Placement
Place bulk waste behind the curb on the planting strip after 5:00 PM the night before your scheduled collection day.
Accepted
- ✓ Standard household furniture
- ✓ Rugs and carpets (must be rolled, tied, and cut to 4ft lengths)
- ✓ Latex paint (only if completely dried with sand/additive)
- ✓ Appliances and metal (requires scheduled appointment)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Car batteries
- ✕ Wet paint and hazardous chemicals
- ✕ Propane tanks
There is no direct fee for standard residential bulk collection or appliance pickup, but an appointment is mandatory for electronics, metal, and rimless tires by calling 973-450-3412.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
When a major observed holiday occurs, regular garbage and recycling collections may be delayed or rescheduled. Residents must consult the Township's official annual Garbage & Recycling Calendar for specific date adjustments.
Yard Waste Exception
Organic waste and brush collections are typically suspended during major holidays or severe weather events to prioritize essential municipal services.
Alternate side parking rules for street sweeping remain strictly enforced unless explicitly suspended by the Belleville Police Department during a snow emergency.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring
April - JuneThe Township's dedicated weekly leaf, grass, and brush collection officially begins on April 1st. Ensure all yard debris is placed in brown paper bags or tied in four-foot bundles; plastic bags are strictly prohibited.
Autumn
October - NovemberDuring peak leaf-falling season, adhere to local storm drain protection ordinances. Never rake, blow, or dump loose leaves directly into the street, as this causes localized flooding and will result in a municipal summons.
Winter
December - FebruaryYard waste collection concludes on December 15th. During winter snowstorms, make sure all garbage and recycling containers remain placed securely behind the curb line so they do not interfere with DPW snowplow operations.
Local Tips & Community Info
Cash in on Your Cans? Belleville's Bottle & Scrap Secrets!
Hey Belleville neighbors! Did you know you can actually get a few bucks back for those aluminum cans and plastic bottles? While Belleville doesn't have a specific local buyback center right in town, New Jersey has a statewide program for beverage containers that you can redeem at many redemption centers. For other metal scraps, check out local yards like Newark Scrap Metal Inc. in the neighboring city. It's a great way to lighten your load and your trash bin while putting a little money back in your pocket!
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a New Life in Belleville!
Before you toss those gently used clothes, furniture, or household goods, think about donating them! Right nearby, the Goodwill Store & Donation Center in East Orange is a fantastic spot to drop off items that still have plenty of life left. Also, keep an eye out for Habitat for Humanity ReStores in the broader Essex County area; they often accept building materials and home furnishings, helping both the environment and the community.
Keeping Our Streets Clean: Belleville's Anti-Dumping & Cleanup Crew
Let's keep Belleville looking its best! While the town might not have frequent large-scale community clean-up events advertised on a constant basis, if you see illegal dumping happening, it's super important to report it. You can usually call the Belleville Department of Public Works or the local police non-emergency line to let them know. They take this seriously to keep our neighborhoods tidy and healthy for everyone.
Drop-off Facilities
Essex County Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off
Various designated locations across Essex County (Check County Utilities Authority schedule)
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to schedule an appointment for bulk trash pickup in Belleville?
For general furniture and tied carpets, you do not need an appointment; simply place them out on your zone's bulk day (Thursday for Zone A, Friday for Zone B). However, you must call the DPW at 973-450-3412 to schedule pickups for appliances, scrap metal, tires, and electronics.
How do I properly dispose of old rugs or carpeting?
If you are replacing flooring, all rugs and carpets must be cut into lengths of four feet or less, tightly tied into bundles, and placed at the curb for your zone's regular bulk collection day.
Can I put my grass clippings and leaves in plastic bags?
No. Belleville Township strictly mandates that all leaves, grass, and brush be placed in biodegradable brown paper yard bags. Plastic bags or solid containers filled with rocks and dirt will not be collected.
Where exactly should I place my garbage cans for collection?
All garbage cans, recycling containers, and leaf bags must be placed behind the curb on the planting strip. Placing bins or loose debris directly in the street is prohibited and can lead to a summons, especially during street sweeping or snow plowing.