Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Clifton
Trash Day
Twice per week: Mondays and Thursdays for Section A, and Tuesdays and Fridays for Section B.
Recycling
Recycling is collected twice per month on assigned days according to your neighborhood section.
Yard Waste
Wednesdays city-wide from mid-March through late December.
Set Out Time
After 6:00 PM the night before your collection day.
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Curbside garbage and recycling services are covered through municipal property taxes, so residents do not receive an individual monthly trash bill.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online (e-Check), Mail, Drop Box
Pro Tip / Discount
Eligible seniors, disabled residents, and low-income homeowners can qualify for New Jersey property tax relief programs such as ANCHOR and Senior Freeze.
Any standard container Bin (Trash)
Use metal or plastic containers no larger than 35 gallons. Limit of 3 barrels or tied bags per pickup. Place at the curb after 6:00 PM the night before collection. Empty receptacles must be removed the same day and stored behind the house.
Accepted Items
- ✓Normal household garbage
- ✓Food wrappers
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
Any labeled recycling receptacle Bin (Recycling)
Clifton utilizes standard curbside recycling. Containers should be clearly marked for recycling. Heavy cardboard must be tied in bundles no longer than 3 feet and weighing less than 50 pounds.
Accepted Items
- ✓Plastics #1, #2, and #5
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and steel cans
- ✓Newspaper and mixed paper
- ✓Flattened cardboard
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags and film
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Plastics #3, #4, #6, #7
- ✕Tissues and paper towels
- ✕Construction materials
Yard Waste Bin
Collected strictly on Wednesdays (place out Tuesday night). Must be in biodegradable paper bags or open, sturdy containers under 35 gallons. Plastic bags are prohibited.
Accepted Items
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Small branches and twigs
- ✓Vegetative waste
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly (First garbage day only)
Placement
Place your 2 allowed bulk items neatly at the curb after 6:00 PM the night before your first collection day of the week. Do not place bulk out on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Wooden cabinets
- ✓ Doors and tables
- ✓ Rugs (must be cut to 4-foot lengths and tied)
- ✓ Lumber (must be cut to 4-foot lengths and tied)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Propane tanks
- ✕ Dirt, stones, concrete, and bricks
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
There are no additional fees for placing two standard bulk items out per week, but exceeding the limit or improper placement will result in uncollected items and potential fines.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
When an observed holiday falls on a weekday, trash, bulk, and recycling collections may be delayed by one day for the remainder of that week. Normal schedules typically resume the following Monday.
Yard Waste Exception
Wednesday yard waste collections are subject to cancellation or shifting during holiday weeks. Residents should verify specific date changes via the Recycle Coach app.
Clifton strongly encourages residents to download the free Recycle Coach app to receive real-time, address-specific notifications about holiday scheduling and weather-related delays.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring
March - MayThe City of Clifton traditionally holds an annual 'City Wide Clean Up' in the spring. This special event allows residents to dispose of refuse that is normally too bulky for standard collection. Specific dates are published on residential water bills and in the Clifton Record.
Fall
October - DecemberFrom approximately October 15 to December 20, the Superintendent of Public Works directs the specialized autumn leaf collection program. During this window, residents should rake leaves to the curb according to the published zone schedule rather than bagging them for regular Wednesday yard waste.
Winter
December - FebruaryDuring severe winter weather, snowbanks can disrupt curbside services. Ensure your 35-gallon cans are easily accessible from the street and not buried in snow. Holiday weeks often shift garbage and recycling collections forward by one day.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Scrap? Pocket Some Cash in Clifton!
Did you know you can get a few bucks back for certain recyclables right here in or near Clifton? While Clifton itself doesn't have a direct city-run buyback center listed, Passaic County and surrounding areas often have scrap yards that will pay for aluminum, copper, and other metals. Also, keep an eye out for bottle and can redemption centers in the wider New Jersey area; you can typically get a few cents back for each glass bottle and aluminum can you return. Check out places like local auto parts stores or dedicated recycling centers that handle bulk scrap metal – it's a great way to turn your junk into a little extra spending money!
Giving Your Old Stuff a New Life in Clifton
Before you toss out usable items, think about giving them a second chance! Clifton has a few great spots where your old furniture, clothes, or household goods can find a new home. The Salvation Army Thrift Store on Main Avenue in Clifton is a popular choice for donating clothing and household items. Also, consider the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in nearby Hackensack – they accept furniture, building materials, and appliances, and the proceeds help build homes in the community. It's a fantastic way to declutter and help others at the same time!
Keeping Clifton Clean: Tackling Illegal Dumping & Special Collections
Let's all pitch in to keep Clifton looking its best. If you ever spot illegal dumping happening, it's important to report it. While specific hotline numbers can change, contacting the Clifton City Hall or the Solid Waste Management Department directly is your best bet to let them know the location and details. They often organize community clean-up days, especially around Earth Day, which are fantastic opportunities to volunteer and make a real difference. Keep an eye on the city's official website or local news for announcements about these events. For items that can't go in your regular bin, like electronics or hazardous waste, Clifton often holds special collection days – check the city's official schedule for when and where you can safely dispose of these items.
Drop-off Facilities
Clifton Recycling Depot
900 Clifton Avenue (Recycle Road within Municipal Complex), Clifton, NJ 07013
Materials Accepted
Passaic County Household Hazardous Waste Events
Various locations county-wide
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I put bulk items like a mattress out for collection in Clifton?
You can only put out bulk waste on the FIRST garbage day of your specific collection week (either Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday). You are limited to two items. Never put bulk waste on the curb for your second collection day (Thursday, Friday, or Saturday).
What is the maximum size for a trash can in Clifton?
Clifton enforces a strict 35-gallon limit for all metal or plastic garbage containers. Furthermore, residents are limited to placing a maximum of three barrels or three securely tied plastic bags on the curb per scheduled collection.
How do I dispose of a refrigerator or air conditioner?
Before the city will collect a refrigerator or AC unit, federal law dictates that all Freon must be professionally removed. You must hire a certified technician to remove the gas and place a certification sticker on the appliance. You must also remove the doors before placing it curbside.
Can I put my grass clippings in black plastic bags?
No. Vegetative yard waste is collected on Wednesdays, and it must be placed in biodegradable paper leaf bags or in an open-top, reusable container weighing under 35 gallons. Any yard waste placed in plastic bags will not be collected.