Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Fair Lawn
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.
Standard metal or plastic container with tight lid (Resident-provided) Bin (Trash)
Must be in a sturdy container (max 40 gallons / 50 lbs). Loose plastic bags are prohibited on the curb. Maximum of 4 containers or 200 lbs total per household.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Small non-hazardous household items
Green Borough Recycling Barrel (for commingled) Bin (Recycling)
Commingled items go in a 5 to 40-gallon container. Cardboard must be flattened; newspaper must be tied in 12-inch bundles or placed in paper bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Plastic bottles and jugs
- ✓Mixed paper and newspaper
- ✓Flattened cardboard
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Household batteries
- ✕Tires
- ✕Food waste
- ✕Electronics
Yard Waste Bin
Must be in biodegradable paper leaf bags or a 5 to 40-gallon un-lidded container. Cannot be blown into the street outside of the specific Fall leaf collection window.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Small branches
- ✓Plant trimmings
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
Weekly (One item per regular collection day)
Placement
Place the single item at the curb by 5:00 AM on your regular collection day. Do not break the item apart, or crews might mistake it for prohibited construction debris.
Accepted
- ✓ Mattresses
- ✓ Box springs
- ✓ Dressers
- ✓ Standard household furniture
Not Accepted
- ✕ Construction materials and concrete
- ✕ Electronics (TVs, computers)
- ✕ Appliances and metal items
- ✕ Logs and stumps
Standard residential service is included. No special stickers are required for general furniture, but appliances require specialized recycling drop-offs.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Cali Carting does not collect garbage on these six major holidays. If your collection falls on a holiday, consult the Fair Lawn printed collection calendar for the exact makeup day.
Yard Waste Exception
Yard waste and recycling schedules may also shift independently of the garbage schedule; always check the Borough website for holiday-specific facility closures.
Do not place bins at the curb before 6:00 PM the night prior to your rescheduled pickup, and ensure they are out by 5:00 AM on the day of.
Observed Holidays
!Contamination Tips
Avoid the Pickle Barrel Penalty
Fair Lawn strictly prohibits the use of 'pickle barrel' style trash cans where the lid opening is smaller than the base. These containers make it incredibly difficult for Cali Carting crews to empty waste safely.
Keep Cardboard Out of the Trash
Never use cardboard boxes as makeshift trash cans. Not only will the garbage collector leave it at the curb, but local ordinances mandate that all cardboard must be flattened and properly recycled.
Save the Green Barrel for Recycling Only
The green Borough-issued recycling barrel is designated exclusively for commingled bottles and cans. Using it to hold regular household garbage is a violation of local waste codes and will result in non-collection.
Seasonal Information
Autumn
October - DecemberDuring the official fall leaf collection season, residents are permitted to rake leaves into the street, but only during the seven days immediately prior to an announced collection. Keep leaf piles at least 10 feet away from storm drains.
Summer
June - AugustGrass clippings are a major part of the summer waste stream. The Borough strongly encourages 'Cut It and Leave It' practices using mulching mowers to save on watering and fertilizer costs, though containerized clippings are accepted.
Winter
January - MarchIn the event of snow and ice, ensure your carts have a clear, shoveled path and are kept 3 feet away from snowbanks. Winter pickups may be delayed to allow Public Works to salt and plow the roads.
About Fair Lawn Waste Management
Comprehensive Residential Waste Guidelines for Fair Lawn, NJ
Proper waste disposal in the Borough of Fair Lawn requires knowing exactly how to sort your trash and recyclables. The Borough contracts with Cali Carting for standard garbage pickups, while the Fair Lawn Recycling Division manages local drop-offs and recycling protocols. From specific container limits to the proper way to handle yard debris, following these local ordinances ensures our Bergen County streets remain clean and our local environment thrives.
Strict Container Regulations and the 'Pickle Barrel' Ban
Fair Lawn enforces highly specific rules regarding the types of receptacles residents can use for household refuse. All trash must be placed in a sturdy metal or plastic bin with a tight-fitting lid, not exceeding 40 gallons or 50 pounds. Most notably, the Borough explicitly bans the use of 'pickle barrels'—containers where the top opening is smaller than the base—because they trap waste and pose an ergonomic hazard to collection crews.
Convenient Weekly Bulk Item Collection
Unlike municipalities that require residents to wait for designated bulk trash days or schedule appointments, Fair Lawn makes bulk disposal simple. You are permitted to place one bulky item, such as a mattress, box spring, or piece of furniture, at the curb alongside your standard bins on any regular collection day. Note that construction materials, concrete, and large auto parts are strictly excluded from this weekly service.
Best Practices for Yard Waste and Grass Recycling
As part of the 'Clean & Green' initiative, Fair Lawn encourages homeowners to use mulching mowers to leave grass clippings on their lawns, which returns valuable nitrogen to the soil. If you must dispose of yard waste, it must be placed in biodegradable leaf bags or 5- to 40-gallon containers. Sweeping or blowing unbagged leaves into the street is strictly prohibited unless it falls within the seven-day window prior to an announced municipal fall leaf collection.
Utilizing the Saddle River Road Recycling Center
For excess materials, electronic waste, and safe disposal of logs or stumps, residents can visit the Fair Lawn Recycling Center located at 20-05 Saddle River Road. This facility provides a convenient alternative for dropping off yard waste and commingled recyclables. Be prepared to show proof of residency upon arrival, and remember that commercial vehicles are prohibited from dumping yard waste here.
Drop-off Facilities
Fair Lawn Recycling Center
20-05 Saddle River Rd, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How many garbage cans can I put out each week in Fair Lawn?
Residential properties are allowed a maximum of 4 containers per collection day. The total weight of your household garbage must not exceed 200 pounds, and no single can may weigh over 50 pounds.
Do I need to call ahead for bulk furniture pickup?
No. Fair Lawn does not require residents to schedule standard bulky item pickups. You are permitted to place exactly one large item (like a mattress or dresser) at the curb on your regularly scheduled garbage day.
Can I use plastic bags for my yard waste?
No. All yard waste, leaves, and grass clippings must be placed in biodegradable paper leaf bags or a rigid, un-lidded container between 5 and 40 gallons. Yard waste left in plastic garbage bags will not be collected.
How should I dispose of old carpets and rugs?
Carpets, rugs, and padding must be completely rolled up and securely tied into bundles that are no longer than 3 feet. These bundles count toward your 200-pound per collection limit.