Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Bernards Township
Trash Day
Bernards Township does not provide municipal trash pickup. Residents contract independently with private haulers, who establish their own collection days.
Recycling
Every other Monday for most township neighborhoods, and every other Tuesday for residents in The Hills section (serviced biweekly by Somerset County).
Yard Waste
No curbside municipal collection; residents with a permit card can drop off brush and leaves at the Pill Hill Recycling Center on weekends.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Trash collection is privately contracted, so waste fees are billed directly by your service provider rather than bundled into your township taxes.
Billing Cycle
Varies by hauler
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, Auto-Pay (varies by private provider)
Pro Tip / Discount
No specific discounts listed; check directly with private haulers.
Varies by private hauler Bin (Trash)
Trash services are fully privatized. Homeowners must contact their private hauler for specific container sizes, weight limits, and curbside placement times.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics and packaging
Blue buckets or totes (Somerset County) Bin (Recycling)
Placed curbside according to the Somerset County bi-weekly schedule. Keep separated from trash. Cardboard must be tied into 2-foot bundles if not in a tote.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastics #1-7 (bottles and containers)
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Mixed paper and junk mail
- ✓Corrugated cardboard (flattened and tied)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Household hazardous waste
- ✕Electronics (TVs, computers)
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Pizza boxes
Yard Waste Bin
Must be self-hauled to the Pill Hill Recycling Center (weekends only). No grass clippings, stumps, roots, or treated lumber. Brush must be bundled, max 3-4 feet long.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Brush and small twigs
- ✓Wood scrap (chippable, untreated)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Drop-off only (Weekends at Pill Hill)
Placement
Drop-off only at 150 Pill Hill Road. You must present your permit card and proof of residency to the gate attendant.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses and box springs
- ✓ Carpeting and padding
- ✓ Attic clean-out debris
Not Accepted
- ✕ Asbestos and asphalt shingles
- ✕ Sheetrock or drywall
- ✕ Wet paint and hazardous chemicals
- ✕ Heavy truck or equipment tires
- ✕ Electronics (TVs, computers)
The annual permit includes 4 free credits. Additional credits cost $60 each. Passenger tires incur a $5 fee ($10 if on the rim).
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Because trash is collected by private haulers, residents must check directly with their chosen company for holiday schedule delays.
Yard Waste Exception
The Pill Hill Recycling Center is generally closed on major holidays that fall on a weekend. Somerset County recycling routes are typically delayed by one day if a major holiday falls on a weekday.
Always verify the Somerset County recycling calendar or the Recycle Coach app for precise holiday shifts affecting your bi-weekly pickup.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring & Autumn
April, May, June, October, NovemberTo accommodate heavy seasonal yard cleanups, the Pill Hill Recycling Center operates with extended Sunday hours (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM) exclusively during these five months [1.2.1].
Winter
November - MarchPill Hill reduces its operating hours to Saturdays only (8:00 AM - 4:00 PM) during the colder months. During snowstorms, residents are asked to keep bins clear of snow plows on the roadways.
Year-Round
First Saturday of every monthSomerset County holds a First Saturday Drop-Off event at the Bridgewater facility where residents can recycle tires, scrap metal, and standard curbside items in one trip.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Some Scrap Metal Lying Around, Bernards Township?
While Bernards Township itself doesn't have a specific buyback center for cans and bottles, it's worth checking out local scrap yards if you have larger metal items. For instance, places like M.T. Metal Recyclers in nearby Bridgewater might take items like old appliances or metal fencing. It's always a good idea to call ahead to see what they accept and their current pricing. Remember, every little bit counts when it comes to getting a little cash back for your unwanted metal!
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Bernards!
Before you toss items that are still in good shape, think about donating them! The Bernardsville Public Library often has a book donation bin, and for broader household goods, consider Habitat for Humanity ReStores. There's one in Flemington that's not too far and they accept furniture, appliances, and building materials. You're not just decluttering; you're helping out folks in your community and keeping good items out of the landfill.
Keeping Bernards Township Clean: What to Do When You See Litter
Bernards Township contracts out its trash and recycling, so there isn't a dedicated municipal hazardous waste collection day advertised. However, for specific hazardous items like old paint, batteries, or electronics, Somerset County holds periodic collection events. Keep an eye on the county's website for announcements. If you happen to see illegal dumping, it’s best to report it to the Township's Public Works Department. They can guide you on the proper procedure for cleanup and enforcement to keep our beautiful township pristine.
Drop-off Facilities
Pill Hill Recycling Center
150 Pill Hill Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
Materials Accepted
Somerset County Recycling Center
40 Polhemus Lane, Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bernards Township have municipal trash collection?
No, the township does not provide municipal garbage collection [1.1.1]. Residents must independently hire a licensed private hauler to handle their regular household trash.
How do I get a permit for the Pill Hill Recycling Center?
Residents can obtain a free annual Pill Hill Electronic Permit Card by visiting the DPW office at 277 South Maple Ave during weekday business hours, or by emailing their driver's license and property address to [email protected].
How much does it cost to drop off a mattress at Pill Hill?
The Pill Hill permit comes with 4 free credits per year. Dropping off a mattress as part of a carload uses 1 credit. A small pickup truck uses 2 credits. If you run out of credits, additional ones cost $60 each.
Can I drop off grass clippings at Pill Hill?
No, grass clippings are strictly prohibited at the Pill Hill Recycling Center. You must manage them on your own property or coordinate disposal directly with your private landscaper or trash hauler.