Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for City of Orange
Trash Day
Garbage is collected twice per week based on your section (e.g., Mondays and Thursdays for the North Section; Tuesdays and Fridays for the South Section). Bulk trash is picked up on your second weekly collection day.
Recycling
Curbside recycling is collected weekly on your neighborhood's designated recycling day.
Yard Waste
Leaves and vegetative garden debris are collected curbside during seasonal DPW schedules; biodegradable leaf bags are provided by the DPW.
Set Out Time
By 5:00 AM on collection day
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential trash collection is covered by your municipal property taxes, whereas city water and sewer utilities are billed separately on a quarterly schedule.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, Phone, In Person
Pro Tip / Discount
Senior citizens and permanently disabled residents with eligible income limits, as well as wartime veterans, may qualify for a $250 annual property tax deduction.
Standard 55-gallon can with lid Bin (Trash)
Garbage must be placed in plastic bags (not paper bags) and put inside 55-gallon cans with tight-fitting lids. Do not put cans out before 7:00 PM the night before or after 5:00 AM on your pickup day.
Accepted Items
- ✓Food preparation waste
- ✓Standard household refuse
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
Reusable container or clear plastic bags Bin (Recycling)
Co-mingled bottles and cans must be mixed in one reusable container or tied in clear plastic bags. All containers must be rinsed and drained of liquids.
Accepted Items
- ✓Aluminum beverage cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Household tin cans
- ✓Milk, water, and laundry jugs
Do NOT Include
- ✕Dark colored plastic bags
- ✕Yogurt cups
- ✕Plastic food storage tubs
- ✕Loose plastic shopping bags
Yard Waste Bin
Must be bagged in biodegradable paper bags or placed in containers not exceeding 35 gallons. No plastic bags are accepted for yard waste.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Branches (cut and tied in bundles up to 4 feet)
- ✓Yard trimmings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Once per week (Specific day depends on address zone)
Placement
Place at the curb no earlier than 7:00 PM the night before collection and no later than 5:00 AM the morning of your zone's bulk day.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses (MUST be wrapped in plastic)
- ✓ Box springs
- ✓ Wooden furniture and wood doors
- ✓ Rolled carpet (cut to size and tied)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction and demolition material (concrete, asphalt)
- ✕ Hazardous waste and tires
- ✕ Stumps and logs
- ✕ Electronics and large metal appliances
There is no fee for up to 5 bulk items. However, the removal of debris generated by home improvement projects is the sole responsibility of the property owner and will not be collected by the DPW.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Garbage is picked up from the curb two times a week, but services are suspended on major holidays. Schedules typically shift for the remainder of the holiday week.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste pickups may require rescheduling if the Monday 3:00 PM appointment request deadline falls on a recognized city holiday.
The city encourages downloading the Recycle Coach App for up-to-date solid waste collection and recycling holiday changes specific to your street.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Autumn
October - DecemberDuring the official leaf collection season (Oct 15 - Dec 15), leaves are picked up without an appointment. Free biodegradable bags are available to residents at the Brook Alley Garage while supplies last.
Spring/Summer
March - SeptemberOutside of the official fall leaf collection season, residents must call the DPW at 973-952-6077 by Monday at 3:00 PM to schedule a yard waste pickup appointment.
Winter
December - FebruaryThe DPW plows and salts over 35 miles of streets. Ensure your 55-gallon garbage cans are placed clear of snow plows, and strictly follow the rule to not put cans out before 7:00 PM the night before pickup.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turning Your Recyclables into Cash in Orange, NJ?
While the City of Orange offers curbside recycling, if you're looking to get a little cash back for your cans and bottles, you might need to venture a bit beyond the immediate city limits. New Jersey has a state-wide program that lets you redeem certain beverage containers at redemption centers. For other recyclables like scrap metal, checking out local scrap yards in the broader Essex County area could be a good bet. A quick search for "scrap metal recycling Essex County" should point you in the right direction to see what they accept and their current rates. It's a great way to make a few bucks while keeping valuable materials out of the landfill.
Giving Your Pre-Loved Stuff a New Home in the Orange Area
Instead of tossing perfectly good items, consider donating them to help out your neighbors! The Salvation Army often has donation centers in the vicinity of Orange, and they're a fantastic place to drop off clothing, furniture, and household goods that can be resold to support their programs. Another excellent option is Habitat for Humanity ReStores; they usually accept furniture, appliances, and building materials. Keeping an eye out for a ReStore location in or around Essex County could be a worthwhile effort to give your unwanted items a second life and support a good cause.
Keeping Orange Sparkling: Tackling Dumping and Joining Cleanups
If you ever spot trash being dumped where it shouldn't be in Orange, the best move is to report it. While I don't have specific details on the exact reporting process for illegal dumping in Orange right now, contacting the City of Orange Public Works Department at (973) 952-6077 or checking the official City of Orange website (orangenj.gov) for a "report a problem" section is a good starting point. They'll know exactly who to get in touch with to handle it. Also, keep an eye out for community clean-up events! These are often organized by local groups or the city itself, especially around Earth Day, and they're a fantastic way for residents to pitch in and make a visible difference in our neighborhoods.
Drop-off Facilities
Essex County Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off
Various locations designated by the Essex County Utilities Authority (ECUA)
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bulk items can I throw away each week in the City of Orange?
Effective January 1, 2023, the City of Orange enforces a strict limit of five (5) bulk waste items per pickup on your scheduled bulk collection day.
Does the City of Orange provide free leaf bags?
Yes, biodegradable leaf bags are available for Orange residents at the Brook Alley Garage (24 S. Center Street) Monday through Friday from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM, but only while supplies last.
Can I use plastic bags for my recycling in Orange?
You may use clear plastic bags or a reusable container for co-mingled bottles and cans. However, dark-colored bags and loose plastic shopping bags are strictly prohibited.
What size trash can do I need in the City of Orange?
Residential garbage should be placed in plastic garbage bags and put inside 55-gallon cans with tight-fitting lids. Cans cannot be heavier than one person can easily handle.