Weekly Collection Schedule
Official municipal pickup timing for Garfield
Trash Day
Curbside trash collection is assigned by neighborhood zone across Monday through Friday (with twice-weekly pickup scheduled during summer months).
Recycling
Recycling is collected weekly or bi-weekly by designated zone according to the city recycling schedule and Recycle Coach calendar.
Yard Waste
Leaves are collected curbside in city-issued brown bags on your street sweeper day in the fall; branch and brush pickup is available April 1 through October 31 by appointment only.
Set Out Time
By 6:00 AM on collection day (and not before 4:00 PM the evening prior)
Utility Billing & Payments
Manage your local solid waste services
Standard residential trash and recycling collection is supported by municipal property taxes. Sewer charges are billed in four quarterly stubs each January, and drinking water is metered and billed separately.
Billing Cycle
Included in Property Taxes (Sewer billed annually with quarterly due dates; Water billed separately)
Accepted Methods
Online, ACH Auto-Debit, Mail, In-Person
Pro Tip / Discount
Senior citizen, disabled person, and veteran property tax deductions are available via the Tax Assessor/Collector, and income-qualified residents may apply for the NJ Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP).
Resident-provided (No official color) Bin (Trash)
Place in sturdy covered containers weighing no more than 50 lbs. Do not use paper bags or cardboard boxes for garbage. Place curbside no earlier than 4:00 PM the day before collection.
Accepted Items
- ✓Regular household garbage
- ✓Food waste
- ✓Non-recyclable plastics and packaging
Resident-provided (No official color) Bin (Recycling)
Recycling is mandatory. Commingled materials must be placed in a dedicated container, while cardboard must be tied or bundled properly. Do not place recyclables in plastic bags.
Accepted Items
- ✓Mixed newspaper, magazines, and junk mail
- ✓Corrugated cardboard and office paper
- ✓Glass bottles and food jars
- ✓Aluminum and metal cans
- ✓Plastic bottles and detergent containers
Do NOT Include
- ✕Plastic bags
- ✕Styrofoam
- ✕Pizza boxes with heavy grease or cheese
- ✕Electronics
- ✕Hazardous waste
Yard Waste Bin
Grass and leaves must be placed in brown paper bags provided by the DPW. Place at the curb after 6:00 PM the day before your designated street sweeper day. Branches must be bundled up to 4 feet.
Accepted Items
- ✓Leaves
- ✓Grass clippings
- ✓Branches (by appointment)
Bulky Item Pickup
Frequency
By Appointment Only (Thursdays)
Placement
For Thursday white goods and metal pickups, items may not be placed at the curb before 4:00 PM on Wednesday. Placing items out without an appointment will result in a summons.
Accepted
- ✓ Refrigerators (doors must be removed)
- ✓ Freezers
- ✓ Stoves
- ✓ Air conditioning units
- ✓ Assorted scrap metal
Not Accepted
- ✕ Concrete and asphalt
- ✕ Dirt and rocks
- ✕ Lumber and sheet rock
- ✕ Bricks
- ✕ Hazardous waste
While the scheduled pickup for metals is included in municipal services, unauthorized dumping of construction debris or unapproved bulk items carries fines up to $500.
Holiday Schedule
General Rule
The DPW mails out an annual Recycling and Garbage Calendar every March. Always consult this calendar for specific holiday date shifts, as private contractor routes may be delayed by one day.
Yard Waste Exception
The DPW drop-off center at 413 Midland Avenue is strictly closed for tire, electronics, and yard waste drop-offs on all municipal holidays.
If you do not receive a calendar in the mail by March, you can call the recycling office at 973-546-2200 ext. 4224 to request one.
Observed Holidays
Seasonal Information
Spring/Summer
April - OctoberGrass clippings can be collected on your street sweeper day if bagged in brown paper bags, though the 'Cut it and leave it' method is highly recommended. Branch pickups run by appointment from April 1 through October 31.
Autumn
September - NovemberOfficial brown leaf bags become available at the DPW starting September 1st. You must use these city-provided bags for leaf pickup, which occurs on your designated sweeper day.
Winter
December - MarchDuring snowstorms, Garfield prioritizes plowing County and Emergency Snow Routes first, followed by secondary roads. Property owners have 24 hours after a storm ends to clear their sidewalks of snow and ice.
Local Tips & Community Info
Got Scrap? Turning Metal into Money in Garfield!
Thinking about that old lawnmower or extra metal bits piling up? While Garfield might not have a dedicated local buyback center right in town, a quick drive can pay off. Many Bergen County residents head over to scrap yards in nearby areas like Hackensack or Passaic. These places often buy common metals like aluminum, copper, and steel. It's a good way to declutter and get a little cash back for items that might otherwise end up as waste. Just give them a call ahead of time to check what they accept and their current prices.
Give Your Goods a Second Life in Garfield's Neighborhood
Before tossing perfectly good items, consider donating them! For clothing, household goods, and even furniture, the closest Habitat for Humanity ReStore is usually in Wayne, which is a great spot for affordable finds and supports a good cause. You can also check out local thrift stores in neighboring towns like Lodi or Fair Lawn; they often accept donations of gently used items and help fund community programs. Donating is a fantastic way to reduce waste and help others in our broader community.
Keeping Garfield Clean: Your Role in a Tidy Town
Garfield is lucky to have services to help keep our streets clean, but we all play a part! While specific large-scale community clean-up events aren't always advertised far in advance, keeping an eye on the City of Garfield's official website or local news can alert you to opportunities to pitch in. If you ever spot illegal dumping, it's best to report it directly to the Garfield Department of Public Works or the Garfield Police Department. They have the resources to address these issues and keep our neighborhoods looking their best for everyone.
Drop-off Facilities
Garfield DPW Complex
413 Midland Avenue, Garfield, NJ 07026
Materials Accepted
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get rid of an old TV or computer in Garfield?
Electronic waste is not picked up curbside. Residents must drop off TVs, computers, monitors, and other electronics at the DPW Complex at 413 Midland Avenue, open Monday through Friday between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
How do I dispose of grass clippings and leaves?
Grass and leaves must be put in brown paper recycling bags (available at the DPW) and placed out after 6:00 PM the day before your designated sweeper day. Plastic bags or garbage cans will be rejected and left at the curb.
Will the garbage collector take heavy construction debris?
No. The contracted garbage collector will not pick up concrete, asphalt, dirt, lumber, sheet rock, or bricks. Residents or their contractors are entirely responsible for the private disposal of construction materials.
When can I put my trash cans out at the curb?
Garbage must not be placed at the curb before 4:00 PM on the day prior to your scheduled collection. Bins must be sturdy, covered, and weigh no more than 50 pounds.