Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Elizabeth
Trash Day
Trash is collected twice a week by ward: Monday and Thursday for Wards 1, 2, and 3; Tuesday and Friday for Wards 4, 5, and 6.
Recycling
Every Wednesday citywide.
Yard Waste
Seasonal curbside leaf collection runs in the late fall; additional yard waste guidelines and dates are published in the city's annual recycling calendar.
Set Out Time
Place containers at the curb after 6:00 PM the evening before collection or by 6:00 AM on collection day.
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential trash and recycling pickup is funded through municipal property taxes, which are billed quarterly on February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, In-Person
Pro Tip / Discount
A $250 annual property tax deduction is available for qualifying senior citizens (65+), permanently disabled residents, and surviving spouses through the Tax Assessor's Office.
Standard dark colors (e.g., Black, Brown, or Green) Bin (Trash)
Use manual-style trash containers with tight-fitting lids or heavy-duty trash bags. Bags must be tied securely.
Accepted Items
- ✓Household food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Soiled paper
- ✓Standard household refuse
Blue or clearly marked recycling bins Bin (Recycling)
All recyclables must be placed loose in the container. Do not bag recyclables in plastic garbage bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Corrugated cardboard
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs (Numbers 1, 2, and 5)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Greasy pizza boxes
- ✕Hazardous materials
- ✕Electronics
Yard Waste Bin
Yard waste must be placed in biodegradable paper bags or open, reusable containers. Brush must be tied and bundled.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Small branches
- ✓Plant trimmings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By appointment only
Placement
Place approved bulk items curbside the evening before your officially scheduled pickup date. Ensure items do not block sidewalks or impede street traffic.
Accepted
- ✓ Furniture
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Couches
- ✓ Large appliances (White goods)
Not Accepted
- ✕ Tires (unless specifically authorized)
- ✕ Hazardous waste (chemicals, paint)
- ✕ Construction and demolition debris
- ✕ Electronics and Televisions
Standard bulk pickup is generally provided at no additional charge for residential items, but excessively large cleanouts or specific restricted materials may require alternative private disposal at the resident's expense.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
When a major observed holiday falls on a regular collection day, trash and recycling services are typically delayed by one day for the remainder of that week.
Yard Waste Exception
Routine yard waste collection may be suspended or altered during holiday weeks to prioritize the main trash and recycling routes.
Residents are highly encouraged to verify exact holiday schedule changes dynamically via the Recycle Coach app or by contacting the Elizabeth City Yard.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Fall
October to DecemberElizabeth conducts seasonal leaf collections during the autumn months. Rake leaves into biodegradable paper bags or place them in marked, open containers. Do not blow leaves into the street or storm drains, as this violates municipal stormwater management ordinances.
Winter
December to MarchDuring significant snowstorms and nor'easters, garbage and recycling collections may be temporarily delayed. Always monitor the Recycle Coach app or the city's emergency alert system for real-time schedule adjustments.
Spring
April to MaySpring cleaning often results in extra yard waste and home cleanouts. Ensure any pruned branches are tied and bundled neatly for collection, and remember to schedule bulk pickups in advance with the City Yard for large household debris.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Your Cans and Bottles into Cash Right Here in Elizabeth!
Hey Elizabeth neighbors! Did you know you can actually get a few bucks back for your empties? While Elizabeth doesn't have specific city-run buyback centers, keep an eye out for local scrap metal yards. Sometimes these places will take aluminum cans. Also, remember New Jersey has a state bottle redemption program for many beverage containers. You can usually redeem these at larger grocery stores around town. Check the NJDEP website for a full list of eligible items!
Give Your Gently Used Stuff a Second Life in Elizabeth
Instead of tossing items that are still good, think about donating them! In or near Elizabeth, you've got options. Goodwill is a popular choice, and they have a location right there on North Broad Street. Another fantastic place to consider is the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in nearby Linden. They happily accept furniture, appliances, and building materials that can help other families. It's a win-win – declutter your home and help someone else out!
Keeping Elizabeth Clean: Got a Dumping Dilemma?
Seeing trash where it shouldn't be can really spoil the neighborhood vibe. If you spot illegal dumping in Elizabeth, the best thing to do is report it directly to the City of Elizabeth's Department of Public Works. They have crews that handle these situations. You can usually find their contact information on the official City of Elizabeth website. Plus, keep an eye on the calendar for any city-sponsored clean-up events. They're a great way for everyone to pitch in and make our streets shine!
Drop-off Facilities
Elizabeth City Yard & Department of Public Works
50 Winfield Scott Plaza, Elizabeth, NJ 07201 (Main Administrative Office)
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the designated garbage collection days in Elizabeth, NJ?
Garbage collection in the City of Elizabeth is divided by wards. If you live in Wards 1, 2, or 3, your trash is picked up on Mondays and Thursdays. If you reside in Wards 4, 5, or 6, your collection days are Tuesdays and Fridays.
How do I request a bulk trash pickup in Elizabeth?
To schedule a bulk waste pickup for large items like furniture, mattresses, or household appliances, residents must either call the City Yard at 908-820-4147 or schedule it directly through the city's Recycle Coach app.
What is the recycling schedule for Elizabeth residents?
Recycling is collected on Wednesdays across all wards citywide in Elizabeth. Make sure your recyclables are clean, loose in the bin, and never placed inside plastic garbage bags.
Are street parking rules still enforced on garbage collection days?
Yes, street parking rules are strictly enforced in Elizabeth at all times, including on your trash, recycling, and street sweeping days. Be sure to check and follow all posted signs on your street to avoid being ticketed.