Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Fair Lawn
Trash Day
Trash collection varies by section: Section 3 on Monday, Section 4 on Tuesday, Section 1 on Wednesday, Section 2 on Thursday, and Section 5 on Friday. During warm months (May through September/October), collection increases to twice per week (Mon/Thu for Sections 2 & 3, Tue/Fri for Sections 4 & 5, Wed/Sat for Section 1).
Recycling
Recycling is collected weekly on your section's designated collection day (Section 5 on Monday, Section 1 on Tuesday, Section 2 on Wednesday, Section 4 on Thursday, Section 3 on Friday), alternating between commingled containers and paper/cardboard.
Yard Waste
Curbside yard waste is collected seasonally from April through December on your designated recycling day.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day (no earlier than 5:00 PM the evening before)
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Residential trash and recycling services are provided by the Borough and funded through municipal property taxes, so there is no separate curbside trash utility bill.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly (Included in Property Taxes)
Accepted Methods
Online (E-Check, Credit/Debit Card), Mail, Drop Box, In Person
Pro Tip / Discount
Eligible seniors, disabled persons, and veterans may qualify for New Jersey state property tax deductions administered locally by the Tax Collector.
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
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.
Local Tips & Community Info
Turn Your Cans & Bottles into Cash in Fair Lawn?
While Fair Lawn itself doesn't have a specific local bottle buyback center advertised, New Jersey has a statewide "Container Deposit Act" that's pretty handy. That means most beverage containers like soda and water bottles (made of plastic or glass) and beer cans often have a 5-cent deposit. Keep an eye out for those redeemable symbols! You can usually take them to larger grocery stores or dedicated redemption centers in nearby towns like Paterson or Clifton. It’s a small way to get a little something back for stuff you'd be recycling anyway!
Give Your Unwanted Stuff a Second Life in Fair Lawn!
Before you toss that gently used furniture or clothing, think about donating! There are some great places nearby that would love your pre-loved items. Goodwill and The Salvation Army are always good bets for general household goods and clothes. For furniture, check out Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Wayne – they often take furniture, building materials, and home decor. It’s a fantastic way to help others and keep good items out of the landfill.
Keeping Fair Lawn Clean: What to Do About Bulky Items & Dumpers
Fair Lawn has a system for bulky items, but if you see trash dumped where it shouldn't be, it’s really important to report it. The borough has specific procedures for handling illegal dumping. You can typically report this kind of issue to the Fair Lawn Public Works Department or the local code enforcement office. They'll know how to address it and help keep our neighborhoods looking their best. Keep an eye out for community clean-up days too; they're a great way to pitch in and make Fair Lawn shine!
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.