Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Berkeley Township
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.
Varies (Resident-provided or municipal depending on neighborhood) Bin (Trash)
Trash must be contained within structurally sound bins. Trash bags alone left on the curb will not be collected as bulk.
Accepted Items
- ✓Standard household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Used tissues and napkins
Blue or clearly marked recycling container Bin (Recycling)
All recyclable items must be clean, dry, and left loose inside the container. Absolutely no plastic bags should be used.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastics #1, #2, and #5 (keep lids/caps on)
- ✓Glass bottles and jars (emptied and rinsed)
- ✓Aluminum and steel food containers
- ✓Aluminum foil
- ✓Paper (not shredded)
- ✓Cardboard (loose, do not tie)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Shredded paper
- ✕Plastics other than #1, #2, or #5
- ✕Tied cardboard
- ✕Soiled food containers
Yard Waste Bin
Leaves can be brought to the Berkeley Township Recycling Center with proof of residency. Do not mix yard waste into household recycling containers.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Brush
- ✓Branches
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
As needed, by appointment only
Placement
Do not put bulk out until you have scheduled it. Place items at the curb no earlier than 4:00 p.m. the evening before your scheduled timeframe.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs (must be securely wrapped)
- ✓ Non-treated lumber
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Large appliances
- ✓ Miscellaneous household items too large for regular bins
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction materials
- ✕ Pressure-treated lumber
- ✕ Sheds
- ✕ Fencing
- ✕ Loose trash bags
- ✕ Masonry materials
- ✕ Hazardous waste
A strict clean-out fee of $250 applies for any bulk pile exceeding the volume of a 4-foot by 4-foot by 8-foot container.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Collections are typically pushed back by one day following a major observed holiday. The Recycling Center is also closed on major holidays (e.g., Memorial Day).
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste drop-off facilities follow municipal holiday closures.
Always check the Recycle Coach app for real-time schedule shifts during holiday weeks.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Keep Plastic Bags Out
Never bag your recyclables. Plastic bags tangle in Ocean County's processing machinery, leading to massive facility shutdowns. Keep all items loose in the bin.
Leave Lids on Approved Plastics
Unlike some neighboring towns, Berkeley Township explicitly requires you to keep the caps and lids fully attached to your #1, #2, and #5 plastic bottles before recycling them.
Do Not Tie Cardboard
While breaking down and flattening boxes is highly encouraged, never tie your cardboard stacks with string, twine, or wire. Place flattened boxes loosely into your container.
Seasonal Information
Spring
March - MaySpring cleaning generates excess debris. If you are cleaning out a garage or estate, remember that exceeding a 4x4x8 foot pile requires you to arrange and pay a $250 move-out fee in advance.
Autumn
October - DecemberDuring peak leaf-fall season, residents can haul excess leaves, branches, and yard debris directly to the Pinewald-Keswick Road Recycling Center during operational hours.
Winter
December - FebruaryNor'easters and heavy snow can easily delay sanitation trucks. Use the Recycle Coach app to get instant alerts regarding weather-related route suspensions.
About Berkeley Township Waste Management
Berkeley Township Waste Collection & Public Works
Navigating your trash and recycling duties in Berkeley Township is managed directly by the local Public Works Department's Sanitation and Recycling Division. From routine curbside pickups in the Bayville area to managing local environmental programs, the municipality works hard to keep Ocean County clean. Ensure you utilize the official municipal resources to stay updated on routine pickups and avoid local ordinance violations.
Stay Updated with the Recycle Coach App
To make waste management completely effortless, Berkeley Township encourages all residents to use the Recycle Coach platform. By downloading the app, locals can receive real-time notifications about collection day adjustments, holiday shifts, and emergency weather delays. It also serves as a handy digital guide to determine exactly which specific items belong in your recycling bin versus the general trash can.
Navigating the Move-Out and Clean-Out Ordinance
If you are planning a major home cleanout or preparing to move, pay close attention to Berkeley Township's strict bulk waste volume limits. Per local ordinances, any pile of waste placed at the curb that exceeds the capacity of a 4-foot by 4-foot by 8-foot container will trigger a mandatory $250 Clean Out Fee. To avoid surprise charges, residents must submit a Clean-Out Request form and pay the fee prior to collection.
Curbside Assistance for Disabled Residents
Berkeley Township proudly offers a specialized service for individuals physically unable to maneuver heavy sanitation bins to the curb. By presenting a valid Person with a Disability Identification Card issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to the Public Works office, eligible locals can receive hands-on collection help. Note that standard handicap vehicle placards and doctor's notes are not accepted for registration.
Ocean County Hazardous Waste Coordination
Due to strict environmental guidelines, hazardous materials, masonry, and pressure-treated lumber are entirely banned from Berkeley Township's curbside collection. Residents must separate these volatile items and transport them directly to the Ocean County Reclamation Center. Diligent household sorting ensures that the township avoids costly facility contamination penalties.
Drop-off Facilities
Berkeley Township Recycling Center
630 Pinewald-Keswick Road, Bayville, NJ 08721
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I request a bulk trash pickup in Berkeley Township?
Bulk collection is offered 'as needed' but requires an appointment. You must either call the Public Works office at 732-349-4616 or fill out the online form. Your pickup will be scheduled for the day following your normal garbage day.
What is the Berkeley Township Clean-Out Fee?
If you place a massive pile of bulk waste at the curb that exceeds the size of a 4-foot by 4-foot by 8-foot space (typical for entire house clean-outs), municipal ordinance dictates you must submit a request form and pay a $250 fee before collection.
Do I need to wrap my mattress before putting it on the curb?
Yes. For health and safety protocols, all mattresses and box springs must be entirely sealed in a plastic cover or wrapping before the Public Works team will collect them.
Does Berkeley Township offer curbside trash help for seniors or disabled residents?
Yes, Berkeley Township provides curbside assistance for residents with physical disabilities. To qualify, you must submit a valid Person with a Disability Identification Card from the New Jersey MVC to Public Works. Standard doctor notes and handicap vehicle placards are no longer accepted for this service.