Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Freehold
Trash Day
Twice weekly: District 1 is collected on Monday and Thursday; District 2 is collected on Tuesday and Friday.
Recycling
Every other Wednesday
Yard Waste
Seasonal curbside brush collection (typically in spring, summer, and fall by section) and year-round drop-off at the DPW yard on Center Street.
Set Out Time
By 6:30 AM on collection day (or after 6:00 PM the night before)
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Trash and recycling services are covered by general municipal taxes, while water and sewer services are billed quarterly based on usage.
Billing Cycle
Quarterly
Accepted Methods
Online, Mail, In-Person
Pro Tip / Discount
Eligible low-income households can apply for water and sewer bill assistance through the State Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP).
Standard container with lid (Resident-provided) Bin (Trash)
Containers must be between 20 and 32 gallons in size, and they must not weigh more than 50 pounds when full.
Accepted Items
- ✓Everyday household garbage
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics
- ✓Food waste
Freehold Borough Blue or Yellow Bucket (or similar open can) Bin (Recycling)
All recyclables must be placed loosely in the designated bucket. Plastic bags are strictly prohibited. Cardboard must be tied in bundles.
Accepted Items
- ✓Cardboard (tied in bundles up to 12 inches high)
- ✓Newspaper and mixed office paper
- ✓Glass bottles and jars
- ✓Aluminum and tin cans
- ✓Plastics (Code #1 and #2 only)
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags of any kind
- ✕Food-contaminated materials
- ✕Pizza boxes
- ✕Styrofoam
Yard Waste Bin
Do not mix brush with grass, leaves, or bamboo. Brush piles must be no larger than 4'x3'x8' and placed with butt ends facing the street. Do not use containers.
Accepted Items
- ✓Brush
- ✓Tree trimmings
- ✓Branches (Max 3 inches in diameter)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By private arrangement or specific DPW directive
Placement
Do not place bulky furniture or appliances on the curb without coordinating a scheduled pickup, as it violates municipal codes.
Accepted
- ✓ Varies by contracted private hauler
Not Accepted
- ✕ Hazardous waste
- ✕ Liquid paint
- ✕ Tires
Fees apply and are determined by your chosen private waste management company.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
Trash and recycling will NOT be collected on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Yard Waste Exception
Brush is only collected curbside three times a year (April, July, October) and is generally unaffected by minor municipal holidays.
If you have questions regarding holiday makeup days or missed pickups, contact the Freehold Borough DPW at 732-462-4200 (Option 8, then 1).
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring
AprilApril marks the first of three designated curbside brush collections. Ensure all branches are under 4 feet in length and stacked with the butt ends facing the street. Piles cannot exceed 3.5 cubic yards.
Summer
JulyThe second curbside brush collection occurs in July. If you miss the collection week, you must transport your yard debris to the DPW yard at 161 Center Street during normal operating hours.
Winter
December - FebruaryWinter weather severely impacts street sweeping and sanitation routes. Ensure your 20-32 gallon trash cans are kept accessible and clear of snowbanks so collection crews can safely lift them without exceeding the 50-pound limit.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Scrap Metal Lying Around Freehold? Turn it into Cash!
Hey neighbors, if you've got old metal items cluttering up your garage or yard in Freehold, did you know you might be able to get some money for them? While Freehold itself doesn't have specific buyback centers listed directly, the great state of New Jersey does have bottle and can redemption centers. You can get a few cents back for each aluminum can or plastic bottle you return. For larger metal items like old appliances or scrap metal, you'll likely find local scrap yards in the broader Monmouth County area that will pay you by weight. Just do a quick search for 'Monmouth County scrap metal recycling' to find a spot nearby that can help you clear out your junk and put a little cash in your pocket.
Give Your Old Stuff a Second Life in Freehold!
Before you toss those gently used items, think about donating them to someone who could really use them! In the Freehold area, you've got options. The ARC of Monmouth has a retail store and donation center that accepts clothing, household goods, and furniture. Another great choice is the Goodwill Store & Donation Center in nearby Freehold Township. They're always looking for items to help fund their job training programs. Even Habitat for Humanity ReStores often accept furniture, appliances, and building materials if you're doing a big clean-out. It feels good to help out locally and keep things out of the landfill!
Keeping Freehold Clean: Special Drop-offs & What to Do About Dumping
Freehold residents are lucky to have services that help keep our town looking great. While there aren't regular hazardous waste collection days advertised for the City of Freehold itself, Monmouth County often holds special collection events for things like old paint, electronics, and chemicals. Keep an eye on the Monmouth County website or local news for announcements. If you ever see illegal dumping happening, it's important to report it. You can usually contact the City of Freehold's Public Works or Code Enforcement department to let them know the location and details so they can address it. Let's all pitch in to keep Freehold beautiful!
Drop-off Facilities
Freehold Borough DPW Yard
161 Center Street, Freehold, NJ 07728
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
What size trash cans am I allowed to use in Freehold Borough?
Freehold Borough requires that all trash containers be no smaller than 20 gallons and no larger than 32 gallons. Furthermore, the containers must not weigh more than 50 pounds when full.
Can I put my recycling in a clear plastic bag?
No. Effective immediately, plastic bags are strictly prohibited. The recycling contractor will only pick up materials if they are placed loosely in the Freehold Borough blue or yellow bucket, or a similar open garbage can up to 30 gallons.
When does the Borough collect tree branches and brush?
Curbside brush collection occurs only three times per year: in April, July, and October. Branches must be cut to a maximum length of 4 feet and placed with the butt ends facing the street. Do not put brush in containers.
How do I get a new blue or yellow recycling bucket?
If you are a new resident or tenant and do not have a designated recycling bucket, you can call the Freehold Borough DPW at 732-462-4200 (select option 8, then option 1) to have one delivered to your home.