Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Bridgeton
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-provided rolling cart (96 or 35-gallon) Bin (Trash)
Must use city-provided 96- or 35-gallon carts. Lids must be closed completely so no contents are visible. Carts must not be placed out earlier than 4:00 PM the day before collection and must be removed by 6:00 AM the day after.
Accepted Items
- ✓Bagged household trash
- ✓Everyday refuse
- ✓Food waste
City-provided rolling cart Bin (Recycling)
Lids must be completely closed. Cardboard that cannot fit inside the recycling container must be brought to the Convenience Center.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastic bottles and containers
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Paper
- ✓Flattened cardboard (that fits inside)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Oversized cardboard
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food-soiled paper
- ✕Electronics
Yard Waste Bin
Brush/limbs require a confirmed appointment. Small brush must be bundled, tied, and weigh under 30 lbs. Leaves must be bagged in clear plastic (up to 30 gallons) between April and September, or left loose at the curb from October to December.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small brush
- ✓Yard vegetation
- ✓Tree limbs (under 6 inches diameter)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly on regular trash day (Limit 1 per week)
Placement
Attach the $5.00 pink sticker and place curbside no earlier than 4:00 PM the day before collection.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Rolled up rugs
- ✓ Large household non-bagged items
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction waste
- ✕ Hazardous materials
- ✕ Tires (handled separately)
- ✕ White goods (collected last full week of the month)
A $5.00 pink sticker is required for bulk items. Extra bags of regular trash require a $3.00 yellow sticker.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
When one of the major holidays falls on or the day before your regularly scheduled trash day, your trash will be picked up one day later than usual.
Yard Waste Exception
Brush and limb collection appointments may be rescheduled due to holidays or inclement weather; always wait for a confirmed appointment before placing items at the curb.
Even during holiday weeks, empty containers must be removed from the curb no later than 6:00 AM the day after the delayed collection.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Lids Must Be Completely Closed
The city strictly requires all trash and recycling container lids to be closed completely so no contents are visible. Overstuffed carts will result in violations, fines, and missed collections.
No Oversized Cardboard in Carts
If your flattened cardboard cannot fit entirely inside the recycling cart with the lid shut, it must not be forced in. Excess cardboard must be taken directly to the Convenience Center on Florida Avenue.
Don't Hide Bulk Items in Your Carts
Never place bulky household items, tree limbs, or brush inside your 96-gallon rolling carts. These items are strictly collected separately via the sticker system or by calling Public Works for an appointment.
Seasonal Information
Spring & Summer
April 1st to September 30thLeaves and small yard vegetation are collected on the 1st and 3rd full week of each month. During these months, they must be placed in clear plastic bags (up to 30-pound capacity).
Autumn
October 1st to December 31stDuring the fall loose leaf collection season, bagging is not required. Residents should rake leaves into the gutter as close to the curb as possible, keeping them at least 10 feet away from any storm drain.
Winter
January 1st to March 30thThere is no curbside leaf or yard vegetation collection during these three winter months. Plan your heavy yard cleanups outside of this blackout window.
About Bridgeton Waste Management
Understanding Bridgeton's City-Provided Cart System
The City of Bridgeton operates a strict automated collection system via the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA). Residents are required to use specifically assigned 96-gallon or 35-gallon rolling carts for all standard household trash and single-stream recycling. A unique aesthetic rule enforced by the city is that containers must not be visible from the street when not out for collection, and lids must be completely closed at the curb.
The Sticker System for Extra Trash and Bulk Waste
Bridgeton employs a hybrid 'Pay-As-You-Throw' model for waste that exceeds standard cart limits. If you have an extra bag of garbage, you can place it curbside by purchasing a $3.00 yellow sticker. For larger items like mattresses or furniture, residents are allowed one bulk item per week provided it bears a $5.00 pink sticker. This system helps the city manage disposal costs while offering residents necessary flexibility.
Navigating Brush and Leaf Collection Appointments
Yard waste collection in Bridgeton is highly structured. Unlike general trash, brush and tree limbs require a confirmed appointment with the Public Works Department and are collected only on the first and third Mondays of each month. Seasonal leaves follow a different schedule entirely, transitioning from bagged pickups in the spring to loose collection in the autumn.
Utilizing the Florida Avenue Convenience Center
For items that do not fit the standard curbside rules or for those who miss their collection day, the Bridgeton Convenience Center on Florida Avenue is a vital resource. Open exclusively on Saturdays, it allows residents to drop off excess bagged trash, electronics, flattened cardboard, and scrap metal. Proof of residency is strictly enforced, and you are limited to one trip per household per Saturday.
Special Protocol for White Goods and Appliances
Disposing of refrigerators, washers, and dryers requires a bit of planning in Bridgeton. While they do require a $5.00 pink sticker like standard bulk items, white goods are only picked up from the curb during the last full week of the month. Alternatively, residents can haul them to the Convenience Center on a Saturday, provided they have the appropriate sticker attached.
Drop-off Facilities
Bridgeton Convenience Center
101 Florida Avenue, Bridgeton, NJ 08302
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I throw away an extra bag of garbage that won't fit in my Bridgeton-issued cart?
You can place one additional bag of household trash next to your cart, but it must have a $3.00 yellow sticker attached. Without the sticker, the extra bag will not be collected by ACUA crews.
What is the rule for putting out couches, mattresses, or large furniture?
You may put out one bulk item per week with your regular trash. However, it must display a $5.00 pink sticker. Items without the pink sticker will be cited as a violation.
Do I need an appointment to have tree branches collected?
Yes, brush, limbs, and branches are collected by appointment only on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month. You must call the Public Works office to schedule, and branches cannot be placed curbside until the Saturday prior to your confirmed date.
Can I drop off trash at the Bridgeton Convenience Center during the week?
No, the Convenience Center on Florida Avenue is strictly open on Saturdays from 7:00 AM to 2:50 PM. You must bring a valid NJ driver's license or tax bill proving Bridgeton residency, and you are limited to one trip per household per day.